A bit of a simplistic question here. It will be our 4th Holiday Season spent on the island staying in the Orient Beach area. It seems when we land (around 4:30 pm) we get stuck for a long period of time creeping our way along the Airport Road (I believe this is because of a raised bridge issue?). Is there a way to leave the Airport area via the Rhine Road and eventually connect up with Rue des Terres Basses/Rue des Sandy Ground and on through Marigot? If so does anyone think this would be faster or are we just going too far out of our way and into other traffic issues? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

well at the moment the road from the airport towards Simpson Bay is a bit of a nightmare in the late afternoon. It can take upwards of an hour from the airport to the bridge.
You can reach Orient Beach the "long way" - take the road through Maho - Mullet Bay - Cupecoy and onwards through the Terres Basses. The Rue de Sandy Ground from about Nettle Bay to Marigot can also be quite congested at that time of day though.
In the end, given the extra distance and the possibilities of congestion around Nettle Bay and through Marigot I would say you make a choice and hope for the best
Alternatively of course, you could drive to somewhere like Sunset, order a cocktail or two, watch the sunset, celebrate being on the island and leave around 6/6:30 and have a much less congested drive all the way!

good advice warwick

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How about a water taxi across the lagoon?

Thanks so much for your advice. Flip a coin or stop for a while at Sunset!!! Well go with the flow!!! Thanks again.

I would not leave my luggage in the car at Sunset on a dare. Be very careful.

If the Simpspn Bay traffic is backed up to the airport, go the other way thru Sandy Ground. It may be loger, but probably faster!

Thanks Elaine will do.