St. Martin, St. Maarten Driving Tips

St. Maarten Activities

Island traffic is heaviest during the hours of 8am and 5pm, particularly in Simpson Bay and on the approach to Philipsburg. The relatively recent addition of Traffic Circles (Roundabouts) at Maho, both ends of Cay Hill and on the Pondfill Rd. at Philipsburg, have done much to ease the congestion.

To allow boats and mega-yachts to enter or leave Simpson Bay Lagoon, the Simpson Bay Drawbridge on the Dutch Side and the Sandy Ground Bridge on the French Side of the Lagoon must open several times a day. While the bridge openings are scheduled, during times like the Heineken Regatta in high season, additional and unscheduled openings do happen due to the vast amount of boats in the Lagoon.


There are Free Parking Lots in both the Dutch Capital of Philipsburg at the Government Building and along the Pondfill and in the French Side capital of Marigot at the Marina Royale. Free parking is also available at the open-air market in Marigot. There is also paid parking opposite Windward Island Bank and KFC when entering Philipsburg. Parking is generally free in all other areas on both sides but be advised that local towing companies will be quick to get your car should you park in any restricted area and there are many. Be especially wary of parking on the roadside in Philipsburg or Maho as the road signs may be confusing as to whether the spot is legal or not.