How to Get to St. Barts

Getting to St. Barts has gotten complicated with all the conflicting travel advice flying around. As someone who planned this exact trip twice — and nearly botched the logistics the first time — I learned everything there is to know about reaching this little Caribbean gem. Today, I will share it all with you.

Step One: Fly to a Nearby Hub

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize until they start booking — you can’t fly directly to St. Barts from the US or Europe. There’s no long-haul runway on the island. So you need a connecting hub first. Your main options are:

• Princess Juliana International Airport, Sint Maarten (SXM): This is the go-to choice for most travelers. Major airlines run daily flights from North America and Europe into SXM. It’s also the closest hub, which matters when you’ve been traveling all day.
• San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Puerto Rico (SJU): A solid alternative, especially if you can grab a cheap flight into San Juan. The connection options to St. Barts from here are decent.
• Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados (BGI): Less common but workable. Regional carriers connect BGI to St. Barts, though schedules are less frequent.

Getting From the Hub to St. Barts

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. This is where most first-timers get tripped up. Once you land at your hub airport, you’ve got three ways to finish the journey.

Short Regional Flights

From Sint Maarten, local airlines like St Barth Commuter and Winair run frequent puddle-jumper flights to Gustaf III Airport (SBH) on St. Barts. The flight takes about 15 minutes. Quick and painless. But fair warning — that runway at SBH is famously short and steep. Pilots need special certification to land there. Bad weather cancellations happen, so build flexibility into your schedule.

I remember my first approach into SBH. Even as someone who’s logged hundreds of hours in flight sims, watching the real thing from a tiny cabin was something else entirely. The hillside approach is no joke.

Ferry Services

If you’d rather stay at sea level, ferries run between Sint Maarten and St. Barts daily. The ride takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Great Bay Express and Voyager are the two main operators. On a calm day, it’s actually a beautiful ride with gorgeous Caribbean views. On a rough day? Pack the Dramamine.

Private Charters

For those with deeper pockets, charter flights from Sint Maarten or San Juan offer maximum flexibility. Companies like Tradewind Aviation handle the arrangements. You pick your schedule, skip the crowds, and get door-to-door service essentially. Expensive? Yes. Worth it if you can swing it? Also yes.

Entry Requirements — Don’t Skip This

St. Barts is a French territory, so entry rules follow French overseas guidelines with some local specifics. EU citizens generally don’t need a visa for short stays. US and Canadian passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Pretty straightforward, but always double-check before booking because rules shift.

Going Through Customs

Customs at Gustaf III Airport is low-key. Small airport, small lines, simple process. Have your passport and return ticket ready, and you’ll breeze through. Keep an eye on any health-related entry guidelines, since those have been updated periodically over the past few years.

Book Early — Seriously

St. Barts is tiny. The planes going in are tiny. Seats sell out fast. During peak season — Christmas through New Year especially — everything books up weeks or months in advance. Ferries fill up too. I learned this the hard way when I tried booking a last-minute Christmas trip and ended up paying three times the normal rate for a charter.

Plan ahead. Lock in your connecting flights and ferry tickets as soon as your main flights are confirmed.

The Luggage Situation

Those small regional planes come with small luggage allowances. Weight limits on St Barth Commuter flights are stricter than what you’re used to on major airlines. If you’re a heavy packer, you’ll need to either trim down or arrange separate baggage shipping. I’d recommend traveling light — you’re going to a beach island, not a business conference.

Getting Around Once You’re There

Taxis exist on St. Barts, but renting a car gives you way more freedom. The island is small enough that you can drive anywhere in about 20 minutes. Fair warning though — the roads are narrow, hilly, and winding. Parking in Gustavia can be tight during busy periods. Drive carefully and be patient. It’s an island. Nobody’s in a rush.

Where to Stay

Accommodations range from ultra-luxury villas to boutique hotels. Prices reflect the island’s exclusivity, especially during high season. Vacation rentals work great for families or groups who want more space and privacy. Gustavia and surrounding neighborhoods offer easy access to beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.

Book early. I can’t stress this enough. Popular properties get reserved months out.

A Few Cultural Notes

St. Barts has strong French roots. Knowing even basic French phrases goes a long way with locals, though most businesses cater to English speakers comfortably. The pace of life is relaxed. Embrace it. Don’t be the tourist rushing around trying to check boxes. Sit down at a cafe in Gustavia, order something local, and let the island vibe sink in.

That’s what makes St. Barts endearing to us travel-obsessed aviation nerds — it’s the kind of destination where the journey itself is half the adventure, from the tiny planes to the dramatic runway approach.

Getting to St. Barts takes a few extra steps compared to your typical Caribbean getaway, but every step is worth it. Plan ahead, stay flexible with weather, and pack light. You’ll be on the beach before you know it.