Reaching Anguilla has never been easier, yet first-time visitors often wonder whether to fly straight to the island or land in neighboring St. Maarten and cross by sea.
Both options offer smooth paths to the beach, but each comes with distinct logistical advantages depending on your origin, budget, and travel style.
Route 1: Fly Directly into Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA)
Booking a flight straight into AXA is the most seamless, single-ticket way to touch down on Anguillian soil. Direct access has expanded significantly across commercial scheduled routes, boutique regional carriers, and resort air charters.
Flight Options
- Commercial & Scheduled Jet Service:
- American Airlines: Direct mainline/regional service from Miami International (MIA).
- AnguillAir (by BermudAir): Direct, nonstop seasonal flights connecting AXA with major US Northeast and Mid-Atlantic gateways, including Boston Logan (BOS), Baltimore/Washington (BWI), and Newark Liberty (EWR).
- Resort Charters & Regional Connectors:
- Aurora Anguilla Charter Service: Exclusive public charter service utilizing custom Embraer ERJ-170 jets, flying guests directly to AXA from select East Coast hubs like Westchester County (HPN) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL).
- Regional Hops: Frequent scheduled flights connect through San Juan (SJU) on Cape Air and Tradewind Aviation, alongside connections via Antigua (ANU) and St. Thomas (STT).
The Arrival Process
Because you land directly on the island, there is only one customs and immigration checkpoint. After collecting your bags inside the terminal, you step straight outside into the island breeze.
Ground Transfer Times from AXA (The Valley)
- Cul de Sac / South Coast: 10–12 minutes
- West End / Meads Bay: 15–20 minutes
- East End / Shoal Bay East: 15–20 minutes
Route 2: Fly into St. Maarten (SXM) + Sea Shuttle to Blowing Point
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) remains one of the Caribbean’s primary international hubs, serviced by major carriers from North America, Canada, and Europe. Flying into SXM paired with a short sea crossing is the classic arrival route.
Step 1: Landing at SXM
After deplaning, clearing St. Maarten immigration, and retrieving your checked luggage, proceed into the main arrivals greeting area.
Step 2: Transferring to the Boat Dock
- Shared or Private Sea Shuttle (Dock across from SXM): The most popular and effortless method. Operators such as Funtime, Calypso, and GB Express meet you right outside arrivals and escort you on a 2-minute ground transfer to the Simpson Bay Lagoon ferry dock directly across the road.
- Public Ferry (Marigot Ferry Terminal): A budget-friendly option departing from Marigot on the French side of the island. This requires a 15-to-20-minute taxi ride from SXM to Marigot, where boats run roughly every 45 minutes between 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM.
Step 3: The Sea Crossing
Board your shuttle for a scenic, open-water ride across the Anguilla Channel to Blowing Point. The crossing takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Most private and semi-private shuttles provide cold water or rum punch as St. Martin recedes and Anguilla’s low coastline comes into view.
Step 4: Clearing Anguilla Customs at Blowing Point
Upon docking at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, clear Anguilla immigration and customs, then step outside to meet your driver or rental car representative.
Ground Transfer Times from Blowing Point
- Cul de Sac / South Coast: 3–5 minutes (right next door)
- West End / Rendezvous Bay: 7–10 minutes
- Shoal Bay East: 20–25 minutes
Comparison: Which Route Suits Your Trip?
| Feature | Direct to AXA | Via SXM + Sea Shuttle |
| Main Advantage | Single-ticket ease, no water crossings, fastest airport exit | High daily flight frequency, broad carrier choice, competitive airfares |
| Flight Options | American (MIA), AnguillAir/BermudAir (BOS, BWI, EWR), Aurora Charters, SJU hops | Nonstop service from major US, Canadian, and European hubs |
| Luggage Handling | Checked straight through to AXA | Claimed at SXM and handed over to boat shuttle staff |
| Arrival Port | Clayton J. Lloyd Airport (The Valley) | Blowing Point Ferry Terminal (South Coast) |
| Best For | Northeast/Miami departures, short getaways, luxury charters | West Coast/Midwest connections, points bookings, late-afternoon arrivals |
Travel Tips for a Smooth Arrival
- Keep Departure Fees in Mind: Boat transfers departing St. Martin/Sint Maarten and Anguilla incur small passenger port and departure taxes. These are often bundled into private shuttle bookings or collected at the terminal desks via cash or card. Keep a payment method handy.
- Buffer Your Return Ferry: On departure day, schedule your sea shuttle from Blowing Point at least 3 hours before your flight out of SXM to comfortably clear the crossing, terminal logistics, and SXM security lines.
- South Coast Convenience: If you stay along Anguilla’s southern shore near Cul de Sac, arriving at Blowing Point puts you under five minutes from your accommodation, turning the sea shuttle into a doorstep-to-doorstep experience.
Which route do you prefer?
