Getting around Aruba
From Queen Beatrix International Airport to Arubus public buses, taxis, and rental cars, here's everything you need to navigate the island with confidence.
Airports
Aruba has a single airport, and almost every visitor arrives at Queen Beatrix International Airport:
Queen Beatrix International Airport
Near Oranjestad, south coast
The island's only commercial airport, a short drive southeast of Oranjestad. Almost all visitors arrive here
Snorkel & island boat trips
Departures from Oranjestad & Palm Beach
There is no second airport; reach the Antilla shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Baby Beach lagoon by day-trip catamaran or speedboat, not by air
Taxis & ride-sharing
Official Taxis
Licensed taxis line up at the airport, the cruise terminal, hotels, and Oranjestad. Fares follow government-set rates and are not metered, so confirm the flat price with the driver before you set off. The airport to the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach hotel strip is a short ride, with a surcharge in the evening and on Sundays.
No Ride-Hailing Apps
Aruba does not have Uber or similar ride-hailing apps. Use licensed taxis, ask your hotel to arrange a trusted driver, or pre-book a private transfer for fixed pricing.
Hiring a Driver for the Day
Many visitors hire a taxi driver for a half or full day to tour the island. Agree the route and total fare up front. Drivers double as informal guides to beaches and viewpoints.
Hotel Transfers
Many resorts arrange airport transfers, sometimes included in the rate. Book in advance through your hotel, especially for late-evening arrivals when taxis can be scarcer.
Public transportation
Arubus Public Buses
The government-run Arubus service connects Oranjestad with the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach hotel strip, the airport, and towns across the island, stopping right at most hotels. Buses are inexpensive and run frequently through the day, with a reduced schedule into the evening.
The Oranjestad Tram
A free streetcar runs through downtown Oranjestad, from the cruise port along Caya Betico Croes (Main Street) and back. It is an easy, no-cost way to cover the shopping and dining district without moving your car.
Oranjestad Bus Terminal
Routes are organised around the central bus terminal in downtown Oranjestad, next to the cruise terminal and Royal Plaza. Ask the driver or staff which line serves your destination, and check the last departure times before heading out for the day.
Renting a car
Renting a car gives you maximum freedom to explore the island at your own pace, and it is the easiest way to reach Arikok National Park, the rugged north coast, and quieter beaches. A valid driving licence held for a couple of years is generally accepted for tourist stays.
Good to Know
- •International and local agencies have counters at the airport and around Oranjestad
- •A valid driving licence from your home country is generally accepted for tourist stays
- •An International Driving Permit can help if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet
- •Minimum age and deposit conditions vary by agency, so confirm when booking
- •Fuel is sold by the litre at stations across the island
Watch Out For
- •Drive on the RIGHT, including at roundabouts
- •Rough, unpaved tracks to some western beaches (a higher-clearance car helps)
- •Goats and iguanas wandering onto rural roads
- •Poor road lighting outside Oranjestad at night
- •Always photograph the car before driving off
Ferries & boats
Aruba is a single island, so there are no inter-island ferries, but boats reach the reefs, wrecks, and coves that are best seen from the water:
- Catamaran day sails - catamarans and speedboats leave from Oranjestad and the Palm Beach pier for snorkel cruises along the calm west coast, with lunch and open-bar options
- Antilla shipwreck trips - boats run to the WWII Antilla wreck off Malmok and to Boca Catalina, two of the island's most popular snorkel stops
- Snorkel and dive charters - operators run along the sheltered leeward coast to reefs and to the shallow Baby Beach lagoon down at San Nicolas
Quick cost comparison
| Transport | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Arubus public bus (single) | Around US$2.60 | Budget travel between towns |
| Arubus day pass | Around US$15 | Hopping on and off all day |
| Taxi (fixed fare) | US$25-40 | Airport transfers, convenience |
| Taxi for the day | US$150-200 | Island tours with a local driver |
| Car rental | US$30-60/day | Exploring Arikok and quieter beaches |
| Oranjestad tram | Free | Getting around downtown Oranjestad |
Need more travel tips?
Check out our local insider tips to make the most of your Aruba visit.