Marigot Transportation

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We had a regular big bus for our tour, and did not take a taxi or bus. However, it looks as if the taxis and buses are similar to many other Caribbean islands.

The government regulates taxi rates. Fixed fares apply from normal destinations like the Juliana International Airport and the Marigot ferry to the various hotels around the island. There's a taxi service at the Marigot port near the tourist information bureau.

An additional 25% is added to the base fare from 9 pm (2100) until midnight; 50% is added to the base fare from midnight to 6:00 in the morning. There are no meters, so inquire about the fare in advance.

The island has approximately 200 privately owned licensed buses; many are eight-seat Toyota vans. At a flat rate of $1 to $1.50 (as high as $2 after 8 PM), payable when you get out, buses are the island's best bargains.

They operate casually but frequently between 6 AM and midnight They leave every hour from Grand Case and travel to Marigot, Cole Bay, Simson Bay, Mullet Bay and other major towns on the island. There are also Marigot-Philipsburg, Orleans-Philipsburg, and French Quarter-Philipsburg connections. Buses connect towns but don?t generally serve the island?s beaches.

There are only a few official stops: just stand beside the road and flag down the vehicle (the license plate says "BUS").