Ferry or a propeller plane, these are the only means of reaching the sun-kissed paradise island of St. Barth. Here's what you need to know before you choose your mode of transportation and plan your trip. After a 4h30min trip from JFK to SXM (St. Maarten), you are just 22 miles away from the idyllic sun-kissed island of St. Barth. Spelled St. Bart, St. Barts, St. Barths, St. Barth, St. Bart’s and St. Barth’s, let’s just get this straight right off the bat and avoid any confusion—the real French spelling is St. Barth, all others are lingo terms. Having been to the island four times, I can give you a complete run down of the pros and cons of getting to the island via high-speed ferry vs propeller plane vs flying private. The easiest way to reach this exclusive paradise is through the neighboring island of St. Maarten.
The first time I visited St. Barth, I took the ferry after reading scary stories of people's 15 minute flight to the island. Boy, was that a mistake. All the other times I took the commuter plane. If you ask me, the commuter plane and private jet charter are hands-down the best choice. It’s the fastest, easiest, and, honestly, the most breathtaking way to arrive. Yes, the ride is a bit nerve-wracking—the plane kills the engine, skims a road, hovers over cars, dips behind a mountain, and glides onto a tiny airstrip that ends right at the water’s edge—but the view makes it unforgettable.
Fun Fact
St. Barth’s airport—Gustaf III—has been making hearts race (and not just from excitement) since it opened in 1984. It has one of the shortest runways in the world, just over 2,100 feet long. It’s so short that only small prop planes can make the landing—even the tiniest jets don’t stand a chance.
1. How to Get to St. Barth via Propeller Plane
There are 2 commuter planes that leave from St. Maarten to Gustaf III Airport: Winair and St. Barth Commuter. I've always flown St. Barth Commuter. St. Barth Commuter is the smallest of the 2 propeller planes and has a lot less flights a day (I believe around 3-4). The flights only have space for up to 9 people, 1 person sits in the front next to the pilot and the other 8 sit in the back. Typically people prefer St. Barth Commuter due to the service and experience, but I can't vouch for that with certainty since I haven't flown Winair before.
Winair, on the other hand, has MORE flights throughout the day and is a bigger propeller plane with about 20 seats. Because of their frequency and extra seating, their prices are a little higher than St. Barth Commuter.
Lastly, a multi-millionaire who lives on the island owns St. Barth Commuter, while Winair is governmentally owned.
2. How to Get to St. Barth via Private Jet Charter
Flying private is absolutely worth it if you’re traveling with a group of six or more. By the time you add up individual tickets for a shared propeller plane, the cost is pretty much on par with booking a private plane—so why not splurge? Plus, it’s way more convenient. Instead of working around the shared plane schedules, you’re in control—you leave when you want, not the other way around. The company meets you at the SXM transfer spot and escorts you to the propeller plane without having to go through security or customs. They even pick up your checked luggage for you. The difference between a shared commuter plane and flying private is that when you fly private the plane is very, VERY small. Much smaller than the commuter plane as you can see from the pictures above. Additionally, the private planes get very loud because they are so small, so if you have a baby come prepared with baby headphones for noise protection. You can kind of get a sense of the noise levels from the 2 videos below. Otherwise, it's an amazing experience!
Commonly Asked Questions About Flying to St. Barth
Can You Get On the Propeller Plane With A Baby?
The fourth time I touched down on the island, I had a new little travel buddy in tow—my 3-month-old daughter, Sibilla (aka Sibby). Honestly? The whole experience was surprisingly smooth. The flight attendants handed me a tiny seatbelt for her, which I looped through my own—like a little safety chain—and just like that, we were off! I half-expected to be the only parent braving the skies with a baby, but on the way back to St. Maarten, we had another tiny co-pilot sitting right next to us. Turns out, St. Barth Commuter is well-versed in flying with little ones and it's very much the norm on the island.
I brought a pair of baby headphones for noise protection, and let me tell you—I’m so glad I did. Those propeller planes get loud, especially the private ones. Honestly, I probably should’ve packed a pair for myself! I can also confirm they work like a charm. I tested this firsthand on the flight from St. Maarten to JFK when I made the mistake of not putting them on Sibby at first. Every time the flight attendant made an announcement, she’d jolt awake and freak out. The moment I put them on? Out like a light for the rest of the flight.
What Side Is The Best Side to Sit On?
When you fly from St. Maarten to St. Barth, seats on the right offer a view of Gustavia and the Southern shores of St. Barth. Seats on the left offer a view of Colombier on St. Barth and St. Maarten as you depart. Both are gorgeous and it feels like you’re getting a helicopter view of the 9.7 square mile island, so it’s up to you which you prefer!
Traveler Hack
For St. Barth Commuter, before they walk you to the commuter plane, ask the boarding agent or pilot if you can call dibs on the co-pilot front seat. The view and experience from there are incredible and if you don’t hop on it fast enough, someone else will. Pics below of my mom as "co-pilot" next to the actual pilot!
How Early Do I Need to Get the Gustaf III St. Barth Airport? What Is the Airport Like?
Given the size of the island, you can imagine that the St. Barth “airport” isn’t exactly big. It’s super tiny, maybe the size of an American supermarket. The difference between the St. Maarten and St. Barth (SBH) airport is huge. Whether you are landing or departing, there is no need to get to the airport 1 hour and a half before departure time. 45 minutes is more than enough. In fact, "check-in" closes 30 minutes before take-off.
The island is so secure that security checks are not a thing. The only process that gets done on the island is the customs and boarding pass check. On the top floor is an open aired air-conditioned lounge area with a coffee bar, small boutique store and St. Barth souvenir shop. Below you’ll find all the islands latest magazines (which are also scattered throughout the island) and the car rental shop. Quick, speedy, and unique, in my opinion commuter planes are the best way to get to the island!
3. How to Get to St. Barth via High-Speed Ferry
People will tell you that if you are scared of the commuter plane, then the high-speed ferry is the way to go. It will take longer, but doesn’t require flying. Once you land in St. Maarten, you take a $20 taxi or ferry van through the Dutch side of the island into the French side where you are dropped off at a dock. Most high-speed ferry companies offer a transportation service from the airport to the dock so you can book through them. It will take you about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Once there, we boarded the Dreamliner ferry from Great Bay Express. There are seats inside, outside, and on the roof. I recommend staying outside downstairs to avoid the scorching sun and nausea from staying indoors. On a calm day the ride there is fine, but on a windy day…be prepared to get washed and to experience some very rough waves and bumps along the way. The crew made us feel completely calm, but Pat and I couldn’t help but panic and hold on for dear life as everyone on board got terribly seasick. After 45 minutes, the high-speed ferry pulled into the main town of Gustavia. Finally on land, you can catch a taxi, meet your villa manager, or hotel concierge who will drive you to your property or to the airport (2 min away) to pick up your rental car. The prices are roughly the same if not a bit cheaper as the commuter plane once you include the taxi transfers.
Ultimately, I recommend that you go with the iconic commuter plane experience that offers splendid views, a quick trip, and a taste of the high life among the stars (literally!).
6 comments
I would *Love* to take the commuter plane! Heck, I’d love to go to St. Barth’s any old way I can get there. The whole experience looks dreamy!
Either way sounds fine to me! No complaining allowed in paradise! And those plane views look amazing 🙂
Definitely on my island to-do list 🙂 xx
I once took a trip that required me to fly in a small 13-seater plane. At first I was VERY afraid, just thinking that little thing was going to go crashing down. But, once I was up there it was amazing! Since it flew a lot lower than a commercial jet I was able to get an incredible view! Also, I didn’t get the motion sickness that I normally get. If I ever go to this island I will definitely be taking that commuter plane! Looks lovely!
this is absolutely what i was looking for thankyou for this amazing article hope to see more in future.