PRINCESS JULIANA AIRPORT (SXM) INFORMATION

Princess Juliana International Airport (IATA: SXM, ICAO: TNCM) is on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten off the shore of Simpson Bay. The SXM is notable for its extreme proximity to Maho Beach, on the Dutch side of the island.

Maho Beach is just a few feet from the runway where large jetliners fly over it at close altitude. This proximity means that tourists and locals can enjoy the thrill of watching planes come in for a landing right over their heads.

The airport is the main gateway to this territory alongside a smaller airport, the Aéroport de Grand Case or L'Espérance Airport, on the French side of the island,

Princess Juliana International Airport sits 4 meters above sea level at 18°02′27″N and 063°06′34″W.

History of Princess Juliana International Airport

The facility is considered one of the oldest and busiest in the Caribbean. In 1942, the airport operated as a US military base during World War II. A year later, the first commercial flight landed in December 1943.

In 1944, Princess Juliana (the future Queen) of Orange of the Netherlands officially opened an airbase as a civilian airport with a 650-meter runway and completed with 550 meters to allow for aircraft to land.

The airport was named after her. In 1964 it was remodeled and relocated. A new terminal building and control tower was also constructed and were later upgraded in 1985 and 2001.

Demand for passenger traffic grew over the years and a three-phased master plan was commissioned in 1997.

The expansion project consisted of improvement to the existing terminal, construction of a radar facility and a new air traffic control tower, the construction of a modern terminal, and the construction of a runway to comply with ICAO rules.

Today, Princess Juliana International Airport provides a four-story terminal complex with 46 check-in desks, 10 transit desks, and 13 boarding gates.

It also operates 20 immigration booths for arriving passengers and five exit-control booths for departing passengers.

It also provides a comfortable and spacious airside Departures Hall with retail shops, food and beverage outlets, comfort rooms, and public areas.

The Arrivals section has three carousels in the Baggage Claim area and Baggage Information Display System (BIDS) for real-time monitors.

The airport also provides a food court. ATMs are also available in various terminal locations and several car rental booths in the Arrival area.

Transfer Services at Princess Juliana International Airport

Princess Juliana International Airport provides several modes of transportation for its customers in Sint Maarten (Saint-Martin) and to nearby destinations.

Services to/from SXM, including rental cars, taxis, and shuttles are in front of the airport terminal building.

Located about 12 kilometers from downtown, the airport is served by multiple major international airlines. The quickest way to get downtown is by taxi for less than US$ 30.00.

At the airport terminal, passengers will have several options for dining, shopping, and facilities like restrooms and ATMs are also available.

Note: The two official currencies on the island are the Euro on the French side and the florin (NAF) or guilder on the Dutch side. You can also use US dollars everywhere on the island. Major credit cards are widely accepted as well.

Planning your transfer options before hitting the road will give you peace of mind in this Caribbean paradise.

Before leaving your home, know what items are allowed in your carry-on bag, what you can pack in your checked baggage, and what items are prohibited.

For the convenience and direction of the riding public, passengers may approach the Airport Information Desk for transport assistance anytime.

Finally, travelers should only transact at the airport counters and other legitimate establishments for their safety.

Rental Car Services at Princess Juliana International Airport

You will find the Car Rental counters at the Arrivals Hall near the Baggage Claim area. Generally, they are open 24/7, but operation hours may vary.

Please inquire with your service provider about specific service hours, requirements, and return procedures.

To speed up the process when picking up your vehicle at the facility, have your valid driving license, passport, and credit card ready to present at the counter.

Without these requirements, you may not be able to complete the transaction.

As soon as you have submitted any necessary paperwork, someone will bring you your car key and lead you to where your vehicle is stored.

Plan and book your rental car as soon as possible ahead of your trip. Also, check with your rental car company to confirm your reservation ahead of your trip.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you’re not sure where to go, give the rental company a call.

When renting a vehicle, customers must abide by the Terms and Conditions of the rental company at all times. See and compare all rental car companies at Princess Juliana International Airport.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

For item(s) left near the rental car center, report to the Airport Lost and Found Section + 1-721-546-7549, +1-721-546-7542, or + 1-721-546-7777

Ideally, found items will be kept in the Lost Property Office for 30 days.

Ride Shares at Princess Juliana International Airport

Rideshares are not available at this airport or anywhere on the island. Before flying in, please confirm with your airline or by calling the airport if this is still the situation.

Taxis at Princess Juliana International Airport

Proceed to the Ground Transportation Center of the airport for your taxi. A typical ride from SXM to the downtown area would be around US$ 30.00.

If you need to travel outside of the downtown area, please consult your driver for rates.

Tipping the driver is not a requirement on the island but is widely practiced. You can show appreciation for good service by giving a tip to your driver. See more information about taxis at Princess Juliana International Airport.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and driver's name in case you leave something behind.

Ferries at Princess Juliana International Airport

Passengers will use the St. Maarten Ferry Terminal to transfer to several points in the territory. From SXM, you can hire a taxi for US$ 25.00. More information about ferry services to and from Anguilla – St. Maarten Ferry Terminal.

Buses at Princess Juliana International Airport

Public buses or any form of public transport are only available downtown.

Alternatively, you can reserve a shuttle or taxi to your destination on the island or rent a car from the SXM Arrivals Hall. More information about buses to and from Princess Juliana International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle at Princess Juliana International Airport

Major hotels on this tourist island may provide your party with a shuttle service.

Passengers are advised to confirm with their local hotel if this service is available at their place of accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the designated area of the terminal.

Parking at Princess Juliana International Airport

The airport provides several parking spaces for customers.

Passengers who want to park their vehicle at the facility must ensure that they arrive earlier to have plenty of time to look for parking to avoid being late for their flight. See more information about short and long term parking at Princess Juliana International Airport.

The facility will not be held liable for any parking-related delays by the passenger.

Other Services at Princess Juliana International Airport

Wi-Fi at Princess Juliana International Airport

For Wi-Fi access, passengers can connect for up to 30 minutes for free. Connect to *SXMAIRPORT-WiFi-Visitors* for free.

ATMs at Princess Juliana International Airport

There are several ATMs in the Arrivals and Departures hall.

The machine takes Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Fees may apply.

Check the fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if traveling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans.

Currency Exchange at Princess Juliana International Airport

Services offered by the Currency Exchange Center include selling travelers’ cheques and cash exchanges for local and foreign currencies.

Please look for overhead signs pointing in the direction of the currency exchange center at SXM.

Note: Currency exchange shops and kiosks in airports are not the best places to exchange money.

For the best rates, try a local bank or a bank ATM to make your currency exchanges.

Check if your bank offers foreign ATM fee refunds. Not all currency exchanges charge the same rate.

Additionally, consider withdrawing foreign currency from an ATM at your destination, preferably one that is affiliated with your bank to pay the lowest transaction fees.

Nursing Stations at Princess Juliana International Airport

It appears that there are no designated areas for nursing mothers or special quarters for families traveling with children at the airport.

Nursing mothers who need some privacy may approach the Information Desk at the airport lobby for assistance.

Restrooms at Princess Juliana International Airport

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are throughout the airport.

Food and Beverages at Princess Juliana International Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at Princess Juliana International Airport

There are several restaurants, cafés, and snack bars while waiting for your flight.

Smoking at Princess Juliana International Airport

Generally, smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminals. When in the facility, please follow smoking regulations at all times.

At SXM, a smoking facility is not available inside the terminal building.

Lost and Found Section at Princess Juliana International Airport

For items lost on the aircraft or at the gate area, please contact the respective airlines lost and found.

If you lost an item in any other area at the airport, including the security checkpoints and shuttle buses, please contact the Lost and Found Section at + 1-721-546-7518 or + 1-721-546-7518.

When leaving your details for lost items(s), please include your full name, contact details, phone, email, and a description of the item(s).

The airport will keep all lost and found items for a considerable time of at least 30 days. After said period, the property will be deemed abandoned.

Please make sure to reach the airport representative at the counter before moving on to your next destination.

Ticketing at Princess Juliana International Airport

Please look for overhead signs pointing in the direction of ticketing areas at the terminals in front of the security checkpoint.

Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Contact the airline directly for fares, ticket purchases, and flight schedules.

Finally, consider the advantages of booking a flight ahead of time.

All information and ticket purchases can be done directly by the passenger or its representative on the website of your airline.

Information Desk at Princess Juliana International Airport

The Airport Information Office can help you obtain valuable guidelines on flights, facilities, and travel options in and around the airport.

Phone numbers: + 1-721-546-7549 and + 1-721-546-7542.

Please follow the overhead signs to the Information Desk in the lobby.

Pet Relief at Princess Juliana International Airport

Before deciding to fly with your pet to the Bahamas, please check with the airline about any restrictions or special rules regarding carrying pets onboard a flight.

You must also verify whether any health certificates, documents, and/or quarantine are required in the destination country.

Pets must be carried in containers (kennels) that are strong enough to withstand breaking and prevent escape.

Pet owners have to respect the community rules regarding the movements of pet animals in enclosed public spaces.

All information about the necessary documents needed for your pet may be obtained from your airline.

Baggage Claim at Princess Juliana International Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim on the Ground Level of the terminal. Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter.

Lost or damaged luggage can be reported at the Lost and Found Office at + 1-721-546-7518 or + 1-721-546-7518.

When leaving a message, include your name, email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at Princess Juliana International Airport

This airport in Sint Maarten is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed at the gates and aircraft doors.

Travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the airport policies or procedures at security checkpoints, please call +1 721-546-7542.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

Book flights well in advance, and when possible, call the airline directly to ensure that all disability-related needs will be met.

When possible, plan for travel to and from airports, including transportation options to your final destination.

Make these arrangements well in advance to avoid frustration upon arrival and departure.

Finally, please arrive at the airport at least one hour earlier than advised. This will allow time for accommodations to be made and avoid delays through the security gates.

Princess Juliana International Airport Contacts

Address: Airport Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
General Phone: +1 721-546-7542
General Email: ajack@sxmairport.com
Lost and Found Email: https://www.sxmairport.com/contact.php
Lost and Found Phone: + 1-721-546-7518 or + 1-721-546-7518
Official Website: https://www.sxmairport.com

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 110V/50 Hz
Plug: A, B
Currency: Florin, Guilder
Wi-Fi at Airport: The airport offers free Wi-Fi connectivity in the public areas of the terminals. By connecting to *SXMAIRPORT-WiFi-Visitors* on your device, passengers may enjoy up to 30-minute free internet access.