Avis St. Maarten — International Car Rental at the Airport
The global Avis brand at Princess Juliana Airport with compacts, SUVs, and 7-day-a-week availability on Airport Road.
Why Go
Avis brings its global rental car infrastructure to St. Maarten with a location on Airport Road in Simpson Bay — steps from Princess Juliana International Airport. The fleet ranges from compact Toyota Agyas and Nissan Versas to full-size SUVs like the Ssangyong Rexton and Tank 300, covering every budget and group size.
The Experience
For visitors who want the reliability and insurance clarity of an international brand, Avis delivers a familiar process in an unfamiliar destination. The Airport Road location means you can pick up a car within minutes of clearing customs at Princess Juliana — no shuttle ride to an off-site lot, no guessing whether the rental company actually exists. The fleet reflects the island's driving conditions: compact cars for couples navigating Philipsburg's narrow streets, mid-size options like the Kia Sonet and Haval Jolion for families, and proper SUVs (Ssangyong Rexton, Tank 300) for visitors who want to tackle the steep hillside roads on the French side without worrying about ground clearance. With 27 beaches to explore on a 37-square-mile island, a rental car transforms a St. Maarten vacation from a resort-bound stay into a full exploration. The 7-day operation (7:30 AM to 7:30 PM) covers early-morning arrivals and evening departures without the restricted hours that smaller operators sometimes impose.
What to Try
Rent an SUV for the week and plan a different beach each day — 27 beaches across both sides means you will not repeat. Drive the island loop: Philipsburg → Dawn Beach → Orient Bay → Grand Case → Marigot → Simpson Bay in a single day. Use the compact option for a budget-friendly cruise port day trip. Return the car at 7 PM after a late beach day without rushing.
Insider Tip
St. Maarten drives on the right side of the road, and the main routes are well-maintained and well-signed. The challenge is the hillside roads on the French side, which are narrow, steep, and sometimes poorly marked. An SUV with good ground clearance makes these roads more comfortable, especially after rain.
The Practical Stuff
Located on Airport Road, Simpson Bay, Dutch side. Hours: daily 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM. Fleet: compacts (Toyota Agya, Nissan Versa, Kia Sonet), mid-size (Haval H6, Haval Jolion), SUVs (Ssangyong Rexton, Tank 300). Airport pickup location. Price range: moderate ($$). International insurance and booking standards. Reservation recommended for peak season.
Pair It With
- Budget Car Rental — Sister brand next door for comparison shopping on Airport Road
- Leisure Car Rental — Local alternative nearby if Avis is sold out during peak season