Haven't been to sxm for a few years and have been missing it terribly but am coming back this March. Staying at Rainbow this time and thinking about just taking the bus most of the time but unsure if that is a good idea or a bad idea. I have no knowledge of schedules, where they go, etc. I'd like to go to Karakters a few times, Phillipsburg, etc. I'm going to be there for 18 days so renting a car can be pretty $$.. Ideas for me?? Thanks!!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

There is no bus schedule, but they move along the main roads very frequently - the wait is rarely more than a few minutes. They do stop running fairly early in the evening. And there are some areas of the island they don't service very well. Having said that, I've been visiting SXM for twenty years now (really going to miss it this January!) And rarely rent a car very often now. I stay at the RI and can walk to lots of places in Maho. I'm not much of a night owl and will use a taxi on those evening when I will be out later than the buses run. I will occasionally rent a car for a day or so. That works for me, but everyone is different.

You will find it next to impossible to get to Cupecoy after about 5pm on a bus. Most buses turn around in Maho and don't bother to come our way after the workers have gone home.