Gustaf III Airport (SBH): Complete Transport Guide
Everything you need to know about getting in and out of Saint-Barthélemy's airport: taxi transfers, rental cars, transfer prices to every hotel area, and what to do if no driver is waiting.
About SBH airport
Gustaf III Airport (IATA code SBH) is the only airport in Saint-Barthélemy. It sits at the foot of a hill in St-Jean, with one of the shortest commercial runways in the world at 650 meters (2,133 feet).
The terminal is small, with one main building, two boarding gates, a few rental car desks, and a taxi stand right outside. Pilots need a special certification to land here. Flights operate daylight only, roughly 7am to 6:30pm.
Most visitors arrive on a connecting flight from St. Martin (SXM), Guadeloupe, or Antigua. Charter and private flights operate from the same airport but use a separate FBO area. Taxi stands and rental car desks serve both.
Getting from SBH to your hotel
Taxis wait at the stand right outside arrivals. Most rides take 5 to 20 minutes depending on where you are staying. Below are typical fares for the most common destinations.
| Destination | Distance | Time | Typical fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gustavia | 2.5 km | 5 min | 30 EUR |
| St-Jean | 1 km | 3 min | 30 EUR |
| Saline Beach | 5 km | 12 min | 35 EUR |
| Gouverneur Beach | 6 km | 15 min | 35 EUR |
| Flamands | 4 km | 10 min | 35 EUR |
| Colombier | 5 km | 15 min | 40 EUR |
| Grand Cul-de-Sac | 5 km | 12 min | 35 EUR |
| Lorient | 3 km | 8 min | 30 EUR |
| Toiny | 9 km | 20 min | 50 EUR |
| Pointe Milou | 4 km | 10 min | 35 EUR |
| Marigot | 6 km | 15 min | 40 EUR |
| Corossol | 3 km | 8 min | 30 EUR |
Based on the official Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy fare schedule (2024). Actual fares may vary depending on the driver, the vehicle, and the time of year. Evening (after 6:30pm), Sunday, and holiday rides add 5 EUR. Night rides (midnight to 6am) add 10 EUR.
Taxi stand at the airport
The official airport taxi stand is located right outside the arrivals exit, on the right as you leave the terminal. It is a covered area with benches and a phone.
Phone number
Direct line to the SBH airport stand: +590 590 27 75 81. Call this if no driver is visible at the stand or if you want to confirm availability before walking out.
Busiest times
Stands are busiest when commercial flights from St. Martin land. The two main waves are mid-morning (around 10am to noon) and late afternoon (3pm to 5pm). At those times, taxis stage and wait. Outside those windows, the stand may be empty for stretches.
What to do if no taxi is waiting
This happens. Drivers come and go. If the stand is empty:
- Call the stand line above. Whoever is closest will come.
- Use our taxi directory to call any of the 49 drivers directly. Most numbers ring through to a personal mobile.
- Message us on WhatsApp at +33 7 56 95 69 94. We will dispatch the closest available driver.
Renting a car at SBH
Five international agencies have desks at the airport: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, and Europcar. Several local agencies are nearby in St-Jean and many will deliver the car to the airport on request.
Typical rates
- Compact car (Smart, Fiat 500): 50 to 80 EUR per day
- Small SUV (Suzuki Jimny, Mini Countryman): 90 to 150 EUR per day
- Convertible Mini or Mini Moke: 120 to 200 EUR per day
- Premium SUV: 250 EUR per day and up
Documents required
US, Canadian, and EU driver's licenses are accepted. International driving permit is recommended for clarity but not strictly required for short stays. Most agencies require a major credit card for the deposit.
Booking ahead matters
In high season (December to April, especially Christmas and New Year week), inventory runs out fast. Book online at least 30 days ahead. The full directory of rental agencies is on our car and scooter rentals page.
What if no taxi is available when I arrive?
This is one of the most common worries for first-time visitors. The honest answer: it rarely happens during regular flight times, but it can during early arrivals, late arrivals, and the busiest peak weeks.
Our advice:
- Pre-book your transfer 24 to 48 hours before arrival. Use the free booking form or message us on WhatsApp with your flight number. We will assign a driver.
- If you are walking out unannounced, head straight to the stand. If empty, dial the stand or message us.
- Have a backup plan for early or late flights. Stands are not staffed 24/7. Pre-booking is essential for early-morning departures or late-evening arrivals.
The WhatsApp concierge exists exactly for this. We connect you with whoever is free, even if no driver is at the stand. Free service. You pay the driver the regular fare.
Booking transfers in advance
For high season, weddings, group arrivals, multi-night stays at remote villas, and any flight before 8am or after 5pm, we strongly recommend pre-booking your airport transfer.
How to pre-book
- Use our free booking form. Fill in your pickup, destination, date, and flight number. We confirm by WhatsApp within minutes.
- Or message us directly on WhatsApp with your details.
- Or call any driver from our taxi directory directly to arrange a private booking.
What we need
Flight number and arrival time. Hotel or villa address (or just the area). Number of passengers. Any large luggage or special needs (child seat, wheelchair, etc.).
Pre-booked transfers cost the same as walk-up rides. There is no premium for booking ahead through us. The driver gets paid the regular regulated fare.
Departure from SBH: when to leave your hotel
SBH is a small airport but the runway is short and weight checks can take time. Allow buffer.
Recommended timing
- Regional flight to St. Martin (SXM): arrive 60 to 90 minutes before departure. Most visitors aim for 75 minutes.
- Connecting flight via SXM to the US or Europe: arrive at SBH 90 minutes before, plus give yourself 2 to 3 hours of layover at SXM for security and customs.
- Charter or private jet: 30 to 45 minutes is usually enough. Confirm with your operator.
Buffer for traffic
St-Jean has one main road. During high season around 10am to noon (when most flights depart), traffic backs up. Add 10 to 15 minutes to your transfer time during these windows.
Night arrivals at SBH
SBH does not allow night landings. Commercial and most charter flights stop around sunset. The last regular arrivals are usually before 6:30pm.
If you are arriving on a delayed flight that lands close to sunset, the airport remains staffed but taxi availability drops fast. Drivers transition to standby work for restaurants. Pre-booking is critical.
Late arrivals also incur the evening surcharge of 5 EUR if pickup is after 6:30pm. After midnight (rare for arrivals but possible for late returns from elsewhere), the night surcharge of 10 EUR applies.
Based on the official Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy fare schedule (2024). Actual fares may vary depending on the driver, the vehicle, and the time of year.
Charter flights and private jets
St. Barth is a popular destination for private aviation. Operators like Tradewind, St Barth Executive, and various Caribbean charters serve SBH directly.
Private aviation arrivals use the same airport but typically a separate FBO building for processing. The taxi stand and rental car desks serve both commercial and private arrivals.
If you are arriving by private jet and want a smoother experience, pre-book with us. We can have a driver waiting curbside with your name. Message us on WhatsApp with your tail number and ETA.
Frequently asked questions
Need a transfer from SBH?
Pre-book your airport transfer or get help right when you land. Free, fast, and direct to a driver.