TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Taxi to Orient

So after 16+ trips this year we aren't going to rent a car our first week. Because we have never used a taxi before I have a question. I you take a taxi from the airport to Orient Bay do they wait until they get their vans filled?

Not if you use Will Brooks, he's the best! He's a sponsor on TTOL you can find his contact info. there.

I believe that the answer to your question is no. From the airport, it is not like at the port where the dispatchers automatically try to fill vans and you pay a per person price such as $7 per person from port to Orient. At airport, you just get in a taxi with your group and pay the per taxi price - which you should ALWAYS confirm before settling into taxi. This is just my personal observation - someone else may know differently.

What does Wilfred Brooks charge to go from the airport to Orient?

If there are multiple people in the line going to Orient they MIGHT take more than one couple. IF they do, they should reflect it in the fare/price. There is a dispatcher at the airport and they will not allow a van to sit for very long without either loading people or moving them out. Not all taxis are vans either so if just 2 of you it could be a car.

To specifically answer your question, I do not think all vans will sit until fully loaded.

I communicated with Mr. Brooks about this just a month or so ago. Going rate for a taxi in line is around $30 + luggage and tip and depending on where exactly you are going in the Orient area.

If a special request is made for a specific driver and they need to park, meet you with a sign, wait for a delayed flight, make a grocery stop, etc. then the rate becomes negotiable and will be higher than the $30.

For a specific request, I would suggest contacting Wilfred Brooks direct.

Wilfred Brooks

We hired a taxi last year just a normal car just the two of use I believe it was $40.00

I was charged 50 on Saturday from Wilfred for two to go from airport to orient

Did you make arrangements ahead of time for him to meet you or was he the next cab in line at the airport?

When in doubt, one should ask the dispatcher and/or the driver and establish the fare before travel begins.

Our experience is different at the airport. We have never had our own taxi, they have tried to fill the van. First time we had to stop a great bay, then Westin then club o. Very long trip and the store closed 2 minutes before we got there. Second time, stopped in Marigot, but I was ok with that route.

Be clear you want.

At the port, loaded up with all pax heading to Orient pay by the pax.

I think I'd call Wilfred if you want your own taxi.

Seems like the price has been hovering around 30 or 40 for at least 6 years. Just found an email from Wilfred from 2010 Christmas--he charged us 40 and I gave $50 total.

Yes prearranged

Thanks everyone! JD shame you arrive after me I would try and bribe you with lunch if you would picked us <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />. Think I will prearrange with a sponsor and go that way.

You know I would do it! Hope to catch up with you guys.