Ferry from St Maarten to St Barts: 45 or 80 Minutes (Complete Schedule, Price & Operator Guide)

Getting from St Maarten to St Barts by boat

St Barts has no commercial jet airport, so almost every visitor arrives via St Maarten (SXM) and continues either by light aircraft, helicopter, or boat. The sea crossing covers about 15 nautical miles (28 km) of open Caribbean water between the two islands.

Not the ferry: the private alternative, for comparison.

Three options exist for the water route:

• Public scheduled ferry, fixed timetable, shared cabin, €70 to €110 one way.
• Private boat transfer, door-to-door from your SXM hotel or the airport dock, flexible timing, faster crossing.
• Helicopter, fastest at around 10 minutes but the priciest, and chartered by the aircraft rather than by the seat.

For most travelers the scheduled ferry strikes a workable balance between cost and convenience. If you are still weighing the routes against each other, our full breakdown of how to get from St Maarten to St Barts puts the ferry, the commuter flight, the helicopter and the private boat side by side. For families with luggage, anyone arriving on a late flight, or guests who simply don't want to wait at a terminal, a private charter is usually the smarter call. Helicopter transfers via gosbh.com round out the premium options if you're connecting from a delayed long-haul.

Ferry operators: Voyager and Great Bay Express

Two companies run the route in 2026. Each has a different boat, a different dock, and a very different crossing time.

Voyager

Voyager runs the largest French-side service, with two catamarans (the Voyager I and Voyager II). Crossings depart from Marigot (French side), arriving in Gustavia. Oyster Pond no longer serves this route. Voyager is generally considered the best ferry from St Maarten to St Barts for travelers staying on the French side, because Marigot is closer than Philipsburg for most villas in Terres Basses, Grand Case, and Anse Marcel. Its schedules are published on voyager-st-barths.com. Crossing time is about 80 minutes. Voyager advertises around 55, but that number is measured buoy to buoy: add the channel, the docking and getting a full boat ashore with its luggage, and 80 is what the crossing actually costs you.

Great Bay Express

Great Bay Express is the Dutch-side operator, departing from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg. It's the natural choice if you're staying in Maho, Simpson Bay, or Philipsburg, or arriving on a same-day cruise call. Three sailings on most days make it the most frequent option. Schedules and live booking are published on the Great Bay Express official site. Crossing time is 45 minutes, blocked at exactly that on the operator's own 2026 schedule. It is the shortest crossing of the two, not the longest, whatever older guides say.

The Edge (no longer running)

The Edge ran this crossing out of Simpson Bay for years. Its boat was sold in April 2026 and the service is gone. We keep the mention here only because most guides and forum posts still list it as a third option, and travelers turn up at Pelican Marina expecting a boat that is not there.

Departure points: where do ferries leave from?

Choosing the right ferry largely comes down to which side of St Maarten you're staying on.

• Marigot (French side), Voyager. Closest to Grand Case, Terres Basses, Baie Nettlé. Roughly 20 minutes by taxi from SXM airport.
• Philipsburg / Bobby's Marina (Dutch side), Great Bay Express. Closest to Maho and Philipsburg. 15 to 20 minutes from SXM.

All ferries arrive at Quai de la République in Gustavia, the main harbor of St Barts. You'll clear a small port formality and step ashore in the heart of town.

Current schedule & frequency

The ferry from St Martin to St Barts schedule shifts seasonally. Always confirm 24 hours before travel. Weather cancellations are not uncommon between November and February when the trade winds peak.

Typical schedule

Voyager (Marigot ↔︎ Gustavia)

• Morning departure ex-Marigot: ~08:50
• Afternoon departure ex-Marigot: ~16:00
• Last departure ex-Marigot: 18:55, the last way off St Maarten by public boat
• Returns ex-Gustavia through the day, last around 17:30

Great Bay Express (Philipsburg ↔︎ Gustavia)

• Three departures on most days: 07:15 (Mon-Sat), 09:45 and 17:30
• Returns ex-Gustavia: 08:30, 11:00 and 18:45
• Fewer rotations in shoulder season; confirm the day before

High season runs roughly mid-December through mid-April. In the off-season (September to November), expect fewer crossings and occasional cancellations. The authoritative St Barts destination guide is a useful cross-reference for current operator status.

Ticket prices: one-way and round-trip

The cost of ferry from St Maarten to St Barts has crept upward in recent years as fuel and port fees have risen.

Voyager

• One way: €87 adult / €60 child (2 to 11)
• Round trip: €127 adult / €88 child
• Infants under 2: free

Great Bay Express

• One way: $110 USD adult / $55 child
• Same-day round trip: $130 USD adult
• Open round trip: $160 USD adult

Hidden fees to know

The ferry from St Maarten to St Barts price you see online is rarely the final number. Add:

• Port tax / harbor fees: already included. Both operators state the departure tax and port fee are in the price shown, so there is nothing to pay at the dock
• Luggage surcharge: €5 to €10 per bag over allowance (typically 1 piece + 1 carry-on free)
• Fuel surcharge: Sometimes added in low season

Budget €100 to €120 per adult one way once everything is included. Round trip with the same operator is almost always cheaper than two one-ways.

How long does the ferry ride take?

The ferry from St Maarten to St Barts time depends on the operator, departure point, and sea conditions:

• Great Bay Express from Philipsburg: 45 minutes, the shortest
• Voyager from Marigot: about 80 minutes

Sea state is the variable nobody advertises. On a rough day the scheduled time slips, and captains slow down for comfort. With 6-foot easterly swell (common from December through February), the same boat can take over 100 minutes and feel rough most of the way. Morning departures are noticeably calmer than afternoon ones, which is why experienced travelers book the early boat in winter.

Add 30 minutes on each end for check-in, boarding, and clearing the harbor.

What to expect on board

Ferries on this route are mid-sized catamarans seating 80 to 150 passengers. Expect:

• Air-conditioned indoor cabin with rows of bus-style seats
• Open-air upper deck (Voyager and Great Bay Express both have this)
• Small bar selling water, soft drinks, beer, rum punch
• Restrooms on board
• Luggage stowed in a forward compartment or rear deck, you don't keep it with you

The boats are functional, not luxurious. Seats can be tight, and during winter swell the ride is bumpy. Many travelers head to the open-air deck specifically because it helps with seasickness, fresh air and a horizon line make a real difference. Honest accounts on the TripAdvisor St Barts ferry forum confirm the experience varies dramatically by sea conditions and operator.

Customs and immigration

Even though both islands are part of the EU/French and Dutch jurisdictions, you'll still complete a short passenger manifest. Bring your passport. There's no formal customs queue on arrival, just hand in your form and walk into Gustavia.

Tips for a comfortable crossing

Real-world advice from travelers who've done this dozens of times:

1. Take Bonine or Dramamine 30 to 45 minutes before boarding. Even good sailors get caught out on a windy day. Non-drowsy formulas work fine.
2. Sit on the upper deck if conditions allow. The motion is smoother in the middle of the boat, near the waterline.
3. Pack light and use soft luggage. Hard suitcases are awkward in the cargo hold and more likely to get scuffed.
4. Arrive 45 minutes before departure. Boarding starts early and seats aren't assigned.
5. Carry essentials in a daypack. Sunglasses, sunscreen, water, phone charger, a light jacket. The AC cabin can be cold.
6. Avoid the early morning crossing if you arrive on a red-eye. A full ferry day after a transatlantic flight is brutal. Spend a night in St Maarten instead, or upgrade to a private transfer.
7. Check the swell forecast. Windguru or PredictWind for the Anguilla Channel will tell you what to expect.
8. Bring euros and cards. Euros are king on the French ferries; USD works on Great Bay Express.

Ferry vs. private boat transfer: which is right for you?

The public ferry is fine for solo travelers and budget-conscious couples. It becomes painful for families, groups, and anyone with tight flight timing.

When the ferry makes sense

• Solo or couple travel with light luggage
• Flexible arrival window (next ferry might be 6 hours away)
• Budget priority, €100/person beats chartering a whole boat
• Daytime crossing in calm weather

When a private boat transfer makes sense

• Group of 4+, per-person cost approaches the ferry rate
• Late arrivals, the last public boat off St Maarten is 17:30 from Philipsburg or 18:55 from Marigot
• Lots of luggage, no surcharges, no cargo hold
• Bad weather day, private boats are bigger, faster, and less affected by chop
• Connection from a delayed flight, you can't miss the only afternoon ferry
• You want to actually enjoy the ride, open-air deck, drinks, no crowd

A private transfer starts at €1,800 for up to 6 guests on the Cigarette 36, or €2,200 for up to 12 on the Concept 44, picks you up directly at the SXM airport dock, and lands you in Gustavia in 35 to 45 minutes. For a family of 4 with bags, you're often within €200 of the total ferry cost, but the experience is in a different league.

Getting to your hotel after you land in St Barts

You arrive at Quai de la République in Gustavia, the heart of the capital. From here:

• Walking: Most of central Gustavia is 5 minutes on foot. If you've booked a hotel like Le Carl Gustaf, you can roll your bags to the property.
• Taxi: Available at the harbor taxi stand. Expect €25 to €40 to most beaches and villas. There is no Uber in St Barts.
• Pre-booked transfer: For villas in Colombier, Lurin, or Pointe Milou, a pre-arranged driver is faster and avoids the wait. A vetted St Barts driver service meets you at the dock with a name sign and handles the bags.
• Rental car: Pick-up offices for Avis, Europcar, and local agencies are 5 minutes from the harbor, but most require advance reservation.

If you haven't locked in lodging yet, a quick browse of curated St Barts villas and hotels will help you match the right property to your arrival point. Staying near Gustavia means a shorter dock-to-bed transfer.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry from St Maarten to St Barts?

Great Bay Express takes 45 minutes from Philipsburg and Voyager about 80 from Marigot. Add roughly 30 minutes on each end for check-in, boarding and clearing the harbor. A private boat covers the same crossing in about 40 minutes with no fixed schedule.

Is there a ferry service from St Maarten to St Barts every day?

Yes. In high season (mid-December to mid-April) both operators run daily, with multiple crossings on Voyager and Great Bay Express. In low season expect one or two crossings per day and occasional cancellations from weather or low demand. Always confirm 24 hours before.

What's the cheapest ferry from St Maarten to St Barts?

Voyager from Marigot is typically the cheapest at around €87 one way. Great Bay Express same-day round trip at $130 USD can also be competitive. Round-trip with a single operator is almost always cheaper than two one-ways.

Can I take a ferry from St Maarten to St Barts the same day as my flight?

It depends on your flight arrival time. SXM arrivals before 14:00 generally connect to the late-afternoon Voyager or Great Bay Express crossing. Late afternoon or evening arrivals don't, you'll need to overnight in St Maarten or book a private transfer, which can run later into the evening.

Is the ferry ride rough?

It can be. The Anguilla Channel is open Caribbean water, and from December to February the trade winds push 4 to 6-foot seas regularly. Morning crossings are the smoothest. If you're seasickness-prone, take medication 30+ minutes before departure and sit on the upper deck.

Do I need a passport for the ferry?

Yes. Even though St Maarten and St Barts are part of the EU's outermost regions, you cross between Dutch and French territories, and operators require valid passports for the manifest. Bring the same passport you used to enter St Maarten.

What happens if my ferry is canceled?

Operators will usually rebook you on the next available crossing or refund your ticket. They are not responsible for missed flights or hotel costs. This is the single biggest reason travelers with tight schedules book private transfers, a private boat operates in conditions where the public ferry cancels.

Plan the crossing that matches your trip

The ferry from St Maarten to St Barts works well for the right traveler: light bags, daytime arrival, flexible plans, calm sea forecast. For everyone else, a private boat transfer turns the worst part of the journey into the best part: 40 minutes of open Caribbean, your own schedule, and a glass of rosé at the Gustavia dock. If you want a quote tailored to your group size and flight times, get in touch. We'll match you to the right boat and the right departure time, no ferry queue required.