The most common way of getting to St Barts is via St Maarten, the airport in St Jean being too small to accomodate jets.
From the US, Delta, American and Continental fly into St Maarten, from Europe; Air France or KLM via Paris or Amsterdam respectively. There are also a number of charter companies offering once a week flights from Canada. People travelling from the UK may look into connecting to St Maarten via either Antigua or St Kitts.
Tradewind Aviation fly regular flights and charters directly from St Juan to and from St Barts.
Planes with a maximum of 12 passenger make the twenty minute connecting flight between St Maarten and St Barts.
The connecting flights can be made either with Winair, Air Caraibes or St Barth Commuter, all of whom also offer private charters, which can work out to be very interesting in terms of priceif you are travelling in a group.
Note that the airport in Gustavia closes at sunset and the largest plane seating only 12. So if you miss you connection through St Maarten, you, and/or your luggage will spend the night there.
Premium IV provides a service which gets you through the hassle of St Maarten airport. with the minimum of fuss
The airport on St Barts is located in St Jean on the southern side of the island. A rental car is recommended and rental booths are at the airport and four wheel drive vehicles are very common.
An alternative to flying is the Rapid Explorer Ferry which leaves from Chesterfield Marina, twenty minutes from Sint Maarten Airport by taxi. Most international flights arriving in the afternoon, the only afternoon departure is at 5.00PM.
On arrival on the island, most hotels and real estate companies will meet you and bring you to your place of stay.
Taxi services are intermittent, however they can sometimes be found at the airport, or at the port in Gustavia. The central reservation number is 0590 276 631. There is also shuttle bus service which rotates around the island until one in the morning. Please note that you have to buy tickets in advance.
