How to Get to Anguilla: Your Complete Travel Guide

Getting to Anguilla: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Tucked away in the British West Indies, Anguilla is a Caribbean jewel known for its powdery white beaches, turquoise waters, and—lucky for some—its remoteness. Getting to Anguilla isn’t as simple as hopping on a cruise ship or catching any old Caribbean flight. But trust us, this little bit of effort is worth every sun-drenched second once you arrive. Here’s everything you need to know about reaching Anguilla, from direct flights and water taxis to insider travel hacks that could save you hundreds.

Option 1: Flying Direct to Anguilla

Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) is small but well-connected for an island its size. As of now, American Airlines operates the only direct flight from the U.S. mainland—a daily service from Miami (MIA). It’s a quick flight on a regional jet, featuring a 1-2 seat configuration in business class.

Pros:

• Fastest way to reach the island from the U.S.
• No transfers or ferry rides needed

Cons:

• Limited availability
• Prices surge during high season (expect to pay up to $1,900 for business class)
• Small aircraft with minimal onboard amenities

If you're lucky, round-trip fares in economy can dip as low as $624 in low season. Business class might be just $1,248—though don’t expect lie-flat luxury on this short hop.

Option 2: Flying to St. Maarten and Transferring to Anguilla

For budget-savvy travelers or those who prefer flexibility, this is the most popular route. Fly into St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), then either ferry or fly the short distance to Anguilla.

Step 1: Fly to St. Maarten

St. Maarten is a bustling regional hub, offering multiple daily non-stop flights from cities like:

• New York (JFK)
• Miami (MIA)
• Atlanta (ATL)
• Toronto (YYZ)
• Amsterdam (AMS)
• Paris (CDG)

Round-trip fares from the U.S. can be as low as $300 in economy, and $1,000 in business class depending on the season.

Step 2: Sea or Air Transfer to Anguilla

Once you land in St. Maarten, you have two options:

A. Water Taxi or Ferry

• Private or Shared Sea Shuttle: These run from the Dutch side of St. Maarten and can be pre-booked. Most operators meet you at the airport and handle luggage.
  • Cost: ~$70–$115 per adult one-way
  • Time: ~25–30 minutes
  • Perks: Complimentary drinks, beautiful coastal views
• Public Ferry (from Marigot, French Side):
  • Cost: $30 one-way for adults, $20 for children
  • Schedule: Frequent daily service, but no advance bookings
  • Departure Port: Marigot Bay to Blowing Point in Anguilla

B. Quick Hop by Plane

• Anguilla Air Services or TransAnguilla offer the world's shortest international flight—just 7 to 10 minutes!
  • Cost: ~$120–$175 one-way
  • Perks: Fastest connection, aerial views of turquoise waters

Pro Tip: Expect to spend around two hours total transferring from SXM to Anguilla, with most delays due to waiting for the next ferry or shuttle.

Option 3: Fly Free with Resort Packages

Want to turn luxury into a travel hack? Stay at the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club for seven nights or more, and they’ll fly you in for free. This package includes:

• Complimentary round-trip air or sea transfer
• Concierge handling all logistics
• COVID testing on arrival with fast results (typically under an hour)

The catch? The lowest seven-night package hovers around $5,500, but for couples looking for a high-end island retreat, it’s a solid deal.

Other Ways to Reach Anguilla

From Puerto Rico or Antigua

If you’re island-hopping or already in the Caribbean, regional flights from Puerto Rico (SJU) and Antigua (ANU) connect to Anguilla multiple times a week.

• Carriers: Tradewind Aviation, Seaborne Airlines, Silver Airways
• Flight Time: ~1 hour
• Cost: ~$200–$350 one-way depending on the airline and season

Ground Transportation in Anguilla

Once you’ve reached Blowing Point Ferry Terminal or AXA Airport, it’s time to hit the road.

• Taxi Prices: $28 (seaport) or $32 (airport) per couple, plus extra for bags and additional passengers
• Rental Cars: Available, but you'll need to purchase a temporary Anguillan driving permit
• Tipping: A few dollars per bag is customary for porters; tipping drivers is appreciated but not required

Travel Tips to Make It Easy

• Traveling early or late? You’ll need a private boat transfer if arriving before 8:30 AM or after 5:30 PM in St. Maarten. Book in advance and expect to pay ~$1,050 for a private charter.
• Departure Taxes: These are real and must be paid in cash or card at departure points.
  • From Anguilla: $28/adult
  • From St. Maarten: $36/adult
• Bring small bills for tips and unexpected fees.
• Private yachts are an option too—but you’ll need a local agent to clear customs at Sandy Ground.

Island Arrival: What to Remember

Getting to Anguilla might not be the easiest Caribbean journey—but that’s exactly what makes it special. With no cruise ports and limited flights, this island remains blissfully uncrowded, ultra-relaxing, and delightfully exclusive. Whether you arrive by boat, plane, or posh resort package, one thing’s for sure: once your feet hit that soft Anguillan sand, you’ll be glad you made the journey.