Martinique is a popular family destination with beautiful beaches and French-standard infrastructure. Getting from the airport to your resort with children just takes a bit of planning.
Child seat requirements
French law applies in Martinique: children under 10 must use an appropriate child restraint in vehicles. This means an infant carrier (birth to ~13 kg), a child seat (~9–18 kg), or a booster seat (~15–36 kg) depending on your child's size.
The problem: Martinique taxis almost never carry child seats. This is technically a legal requirement but rarely enforced. If child safety is important to you — and it should be — a pre-booked transfer with seats requested in advance is the only reliable option.
Vehicle sizes for families
| Family size | Recommended vehicle | Large bags | Stroller | |------------|-------------------|------------|----------| | 2 adults + 1 child | Standard sedan | 2 | Yes (folded) | | 2 adults + 2 children | Minivan | 3 | Yes | | 2 adults + 3 children | Minivan or large SUV | 3–4 | Yes |
Families heading to southern resorts like Sainte-Anne or Le Diamant have a 40–60 minute drive. With children, a comfortable vehicle with air conditioning makes a real difference.
The airport with little ones
FDF is a compact, manageable terminal. The walk from baggage claim to the vehicle pickup is short. There are basic baby-changing facilities in the terminal restrooms.
The heat hits immediately when you step outside — 28–32 C year-round with high humidity. Have water bottles ready and get into an air-conditioned vehicle quickly. Do not wait at the exposed taxi rank with a baby in the sun.
Resort transfers vs taxi
If your hotel has arranged a shuttle, that is one option. Otherwise, for families the choice is usually between a taxi and a pre-booked transfer. Given the child seat situation and the potential language barrier (most taxi drivers speak French only), a pre-booked transfer is the practical choice for families with children under 10.
The price difference is modest — perhaps EUR 10–15 more than a taxi — and you get guaranteed child seats, a pre-assigned driver, and a vehicle sized for your group.
Rental car with car seats
If you are renting a car, most major rental agencies at FDF offer child seats for about EUR 5–10/day. Reserve them in advance — they run out, especially in high season (December–April). Picking up a rental with kids can take 30–45 minutes total between paperwork and installing seats.