Aruba - Transportation

AIR CONNECTIONS

Aruba's modern Queen Beatrix International Airport can accommodate commercial jet aircrafts as large as the Boeing 747. The island is served by a number of airlines, and connections can be made to any part of the world. 

The departure tax for Aruba is US $36.75 to the USA (It is usually included in the purchased airline ticket). For all other destinations, the departure tax is US $33.50.

Aruba is also served by seasonal charter flights from Cleveland, Newark, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Orlando, Atlanta, Charlotte, Loisville, Cincinnnati, Nashville and Stewart Newburgh.

Year round charters from Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and Hartford.

In Canada, charter service is available through Sky service.

CRUISE SHIPS 

The growth of cruise tourism has been remarkable with the visits of cruise lines such as Italian Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Costa Line, Sitmar Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Chandris Line, Sun Line, Royal Cruise Line, Majestic Cruise Line, and the Russian Black Sea Shipping Co.

Aruba is such a popular destination for cruise ships, it is exceeding all expectations with a record breaking increase of over 50% in cruise passengers than ever before.

With the dynamic and exciting beautification and renovation plans of the Aruba Ports Authority, The Cruise Tourism Authority is very optimistic that Aruba will be the preferred destination of all respected cruise lines.

MOTORCYCLES & SCOOTERS 

Because of Aruba's fine weather, most visitors love to be outdoors. A terrific way to get around this compact island is to rent a small motorcycle or scooter.....or a HARLEY! Yes, the tourists on this island love to rent Harleys! You really get a feel for the distinctive topography and enjoy the "easy riding" at the same time.

Renting a scooter or motorcycle for a day is probably the best way to see the island. On and off road adventures are a specialty of Aruba and there are many places that rent this mode of open air freedom transportation. A regular driver's licence is all you need! Helmets are supplied.

PUBLIC BUSES & CHARTER MOTORCOACH 

There is inexpensive and reliable daily bus service between all the districts and the hotel areas. Check at your hotel for schedules and hours.

The main bus station is located in downtown Oranjestad across from the waterfront shops and restaurants. From here, one can very affordably travel to anywhere along the hotel stretch. Originally only popular with the locals, tourists are discovering that this is an inexpensive and efficient way to get around between the hotel/beach area and downtown.

RENTAL CARS & 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES 

If you are adventurous and want to explore all Aruba has to offer, it's a good idea to rent a four wheel drive Jeep or Samurai. There are great sites to see but the roads to get there are often rugged and not suitable for a car.

Make sure that your spare tire is full of air before heading out into the rough rugged terrain. Many 4-wheel drive rentals often have no roof, so make sure you put on sun block because the sun shines brightly in Aruba! 4-wheel drive vehicles are numerous but they are often hard to get because they are used for "Jeep Safari" tours that are popular sightseeing day trips.

If you want air conditioning and plan to stick to the main paved roads, there are many types of cars to choose from. You can rent your vehicle at the airport or you can call and ask to be picked up at your hotel.

• Arubans drive on the right-hand side of the road.

• The minimum age of 21-25 and the maximum of 65-70 vary slighty by company.

• International driving license or any valid license held for at least two full years is required.

• Unlimited mileage; rates subject to change without notice.

• Deposit of US $500 or open signed credit card.

• Towing service available.

• Windsurf roof racks upon availability and upon request.

• Pick up service available, with some exceptions, at the cruise terminal.

• Insurance recommended, but does not cover if the driver is intoxicated in a car accident. 

TAXIS

The taxi dispatch office, which can also arrange taxi tours, is located at Pos Abou z/n in Oranjestad, behind the Eagle Bowling Palace on the Sasaki road. Taxis do not have meters; rates are fixed and should be checked in advance. Most taxi drivers have participated in the government's Tourism Awareness Program.