How to Get to Saba

How to Get to Saba from St. Maarten: Your Essential Travel Options

Saba doesn’t have direct international access, so all travel routes pass through St. Maarten (SXM Airport). From there, you have two main ways to reach the island: by plane or by ferry.

Option 1: Fly with Winair

• Airline: Winair offers daily flights from St. Maarten to Saba’s Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport.

• Flight time: About 15 minutes — one of the shortest commercial flights in the world.

• Experience: A scenic and thrilling ride in a 16-seater aircraft, ending with a landing on the world’s shortest commercial runway.

Option 2: Take the Ferry

2 ferry services operate between St. Maarten and Saba:

1. The Edge – Departs from Simpson Bay, around three times a week.

2. Makana Ferry – Offers multiple sailings weekly from Philipsburg.

• Travel time: Roughly 90 minutes each way.

• Cost: Generally more affordable than flying.

• Conditions: The sea can be choppy — seasickness medication is recommended if you're sensitive to motion.

Travel Planning Tip

Always allow extra time in your itinerary when traveling to or from Saba. Delays are common, especially due to weather. Both flights and ferries can be postponed or canceled with little notice, so avoid tight connections or same-day international flights when possible.

Final Thoughts

• Book in advance, particularly during high season.

• Flying is faster and better for tight schedules, but ferries are often cheaper and allow more luggage.

• Confirm schedules close to your departure, as conditions can change quickly.