How to Get to St Barts from France

Tucked away in the heart of the Caribbean, St. Barthélemy is a dream destination known for its idyllic beaches and exclusive atmosphere. But here’s the catch: the island’s airport is too small for direct flights from France. So, a stopover is necessary. No worries—here are the best ways to reach St. Barts smoothly and in style.

Step 1: Fly to a Nearby Island

Your first move is to land on a larger Caribbean hub. These three destinations are the most convenient gateways to St. Barts:

Saint Martin (Princess Juliana Airport – SXM)

• This is the most popular route.
• Direct flights from Paris-CDG to Saint Martin with Air France and KLM
• Direct flights from Paris-Orly with Corsair
• Air Caraïbes also flies to Saint Martin, with a stopover in Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe (Pôle Caraïbes Airport – PTP)

• Accessible from Paris-Orly with Air France, Air Caraïbes, and Corsair
• A solid alternative if you prefer a stopover on French territory before hopping to St. Barts

San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)

• Ideal if you’re coming via the United States
• Well-connected to major US cities via American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue
• Heads up: French travelers need a visa or ESTA to transit through the U.S.

Step 2: Hop Over to St. Barts

Once you’ve reached your transit island, only one final leg stands between you and paradise. Here’s how to get to St. Barts:

From Saint Martin (SXM)

• Small aircraft (10–15 minutes): Winair and St Barth Commuter operate several daily flights
• The landing is iconic, with a short runway framed by hills and ocean
• High-speed ferry (45 min–1 hour): Departs from Marigot (French side) or Philipsburg (Dutch side)
• Ferry lines: Voyager (Marigot) and Great Bay Express (Philipsburg)
• More affordable, but the sea can get choppy depending on the weather

From Guadeloupe (PTP)

• Direct flight (45 minutes) with St Barth Commuter or Air Antilles Express
• Private catamaran crossings are rare but possible on request for groups or charters. More details here: How to get to St. Barts from Guadeloupe

From San Juan (SJU)

• Private or semi-private flights with Tradewind Aviation, offering a premium experience with VIP lounge access

VIP Arrival Options: Private Jet & Helicopter

If you’re after a seamless, stylish entrance with no stopovers, there are high-end alternatives available:

• Private jets from Saint Martin, Antigua, Puerto Rico, or Miami with carriers like Tradewind Aviation and ExecuJet
• Helicopters: While helicopters can’t land directly on St. Barts, transfers via Saint Martin are possible with Héli Sécurité or Corail Hélicoptères

Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Journey

• Book early: During high season (December–April), flights and ferries fill up weeks in advance
• Pack light: Small planes limit checked luggage to 10–15 kg and carry-on to 5 kg. For large items, consider shipping via freight
• Mind the weather: The sea can be rough in winter—if you’re prone to seasickness, flying is the better choice