Antisocial Tourist

If you’re trying to coordinate airport transportation in Aruba, you’re in the right place. We’ve traveled to Aruba many times and we’re very familiar with getting around the island. Figuring out how to get from the airport to your hotel when you arrive is important, and a little pre-planning can ensure you start your trip off right.

Fortunately, there are several convenient options available. Whether you prefer the ease of a pre-booked transfer, the flexibility of grabbing a taxi, or the cost-effectiveness of public transportation, this guide covers it in detail. We’ll also cover what to expect when driving in Aruba, just in case you decide to rent a car.

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Airport Transportation in Aruba

There are plenty of great options for airport transportation in Aruba! Let’s dive right in.

Pre-booked Private Transfer

If you don’t plan on renting a car and you want to start your vacation stress-free, a pre-booked private transfer is an excellent option. There are quite a few highly rated companies that offer private pick-up and drop-off between the airport and your hotel or house rental. We recommend Kini Kini Transfer & Tours. They’re reliable, and affordable, and offer both one-way and round-trip transfers.

Your driver will meet you right outside of the airport doors. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it, so you can easily identify your driver. They’ll help you with your luggage and before you know it you’ll be in an air-conditioned vehicle being whisked away to one of Aruba’s beautiful hotels.

This option comes with a fixed price, paid upfront, so there aren’t any surprise fees, and you can choose a round trip option so your return trip to the airport will be taken care of in the same booking.

SEE PRIVATE TRANSFER OPTIONS

Pre-booked Shared Transfer

Standing Outside Aruba Airport Exit Doors

If you want to save a couple of dollars, you can also pre-book a shared transfer! Several reputable companies offer shared pick-up and drop-off services between the airport and your hotel or vacation rental. De Palm Tours runs the most popular airport shuttle bus.

Just like with a private transfer, your driver will be outside the airport doors with a sign that has your name on it. They will assist with your luggage and you’ll join some other tourists on the bus or shuttle, and be on your way.

There is a downside to the shared transfer though! It only goes to the more popular hotel areas — Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. Plus, you’ll only save about 5 USD by opting for a shared vs private transfer. For such minimal savings, we think it’s worth upgrading to a private option!

Taxi

If pre-booking a ride isn’t your style, taxis are another convenient option! You’ll find plenty of taxis lined up outside of the airport’s exit doors, readily available to take you to your destination. When you walk outside, look to your left and you’ll see a line of people waiting for a taxi. The line moves very quickly.

Taxis in Aruba do not have meters, so the rates are fixed. The rate sheet that is provided by Aruba is from 2022, and to our knowledge, has not been updated since. It’s a bit confusing to read too, especially if you’re not familiar with Aruba’s district names, so it’s best to simply follow these guidelines:

A taxi ride from the airport to the general hotel zone should cost between 25 USD and 35 USD
The minimum fair for any taxi ride in Aruba is 7 USD
There is a surcharge of 3 USD between the hours of 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM
No taxi ride should ever cost more than 51 USD (this could change if the rate sheet is updated)

It’s also important to note that many taxis only take cash. They accept both U.S. Dollars and Aruba Florin (AWG). The taxis that do accept cards will have a sticker saying so on the outside of their vehicle. If you’re calling dispatch to request a taxi, be sure to tell them you need one that accepts credit cards.

The most important thing to remember about getting in a taxi is to verbally confirm the price first! Even though the prices are set, the taxi drivers are not required to provide you with the rate sheet. Some taxi drivers will take advantage of this and overcharge you. Ask for the price before you get in the vehicle. A trip to the main hotel area typically costs between 25 USD to 35 USD.

Car Rental

For those who want the freedom to explore the island at their own pace — which we highly recommend — renting a car and driving in Aruba is super easy! It’s also incredibly cheap. A car rental in Aruba costs around 300 USD for a week. If you plan on taking more than two taxi rides a day, you’ll save more money by renting a car.

Major rental companies like Avis, Hertz, and Budget have counters at the airport, right outside of the exit doors. It is not uncommon for these companies to run out of cars though, so you will need to book your rental before you arrive. When you exit the airport, simply walk across the pick-up zone to the car rental counter to pick up your vehicle.

There are some great car rental companies located away from the airport too, like CarVenience. If your rental company isn’t on airport grounds, you can expect to meet a driver outside of the airport who will take you to the rental center. This driver will be near the hotel shuttles and will be holding a sign with your name on it.

Driving in Aruba

Driving in a foreign country can be intimidating, but not in Aruba! There are no major highways, the speed limit is low, and the signage is clear. Most spots on the island also come up on Google Maps. They even drive on the right side of the road like in the U.S. Other than a couple of two-lane round-a-bouts, driving in Aruba is a breeze.

The best part about driving in Aruba is that almost all of the parking is free! There are some paid parking lots near the cruise terminal and the high-rise shopping areas, but other than that, you can expect free parking everywhere you go. All beach parking is free.

💣Antisocial Tourist Tip — Most gas stations in Aruba have attendants who will pump gas for you. If you do find yourself at a self-service station, you’ll need to pay before you pump. Gas prices are regulated by the government, so all gas stations will have the same prices.

EXPLORE CAR RENTALS

Hotel Shuttle

Many hotels in Aruba offer airport shuttle services for their guests for an additional fee. Check with your hotel in advance to see if this service is available, and if it is, find out the cost. If it’s a better rate than the other options on this list, use the shuttle!

If your hotel does offer this service, your shuttle should be right outside the door when you exit the airport. Walk straight out and look towards your right. Not all hotel shuttles will be well-marked, but there will be drivers standing outside each shuttle, so simply ask where to go for your hotel and they’ll point you in the right direction. Hotel shuttles run around the clock, roughly every 20 minutes.

Arubus

If you’re on a tight budget, the Arubus is the most cost-effective airport transportation in Aruba. Arubus is Aruba’s public bus service (adorable name, right?). The bus covers all major tourist routes and beaches between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, as well as the airport.

The airport bus stop is located just outside of the terminal, to the right of the exit doors. It runs every 15 to 30 minutes and costs 2.60 USD per ride, one way. Unfortunately, unless you’re staying near the bus stop in Oranjestad, you’ll likely need to transfer buses to get to your hotel.

The airport bus route will drop you off in downtown Oranjestad. From there, you can hop on another bus that will take you to the hotel areas and popular tourist spots. You can check the current routes here.

💣Antisocial Tourist Tip — We don’t recommend using the bus to get to your hotel. It’s a decent way to get around the island, but not necessarily from the airport. Spend the extra few dollars on a pre-booked transfer (avoid taxi service if you’re on a budget).

Island Tours With Hotel Pick-Up

If you don’t plan on renting a car and you want to see as much of the island as possible, we suggest booking an island jeep tour! Many jeep tours include free pick-up and drop-off from most of Aruba’s hotels too, so it’s a hassle-free way to explore.

You can choose between half-day, extended half-day, and full-day tours, covering everything from historic attractions to the Natural Pool to snorkeling at Baby Beach. These tours typically include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and sometimes meals or refreshments, making it a stress-free way to experience the best of Aruba.

OUR TOP PICKS

➟ National Park Arikok Jeep Safari Adventure
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🚦 PICK-UP: Yes | ✅ Book it!
This condensed half-day tour is perfect for those pressed for time or stopping by the island from a cruise. You can choose between a morning and afternoon departure and set off to see the best of Arikok National Park, including the Natural Pool, in just a few hours.

➟ Aruba Cave Pool and Secret Beach Safari Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🚦 PICK-UP: Yes | ✅ Book it!
This half-day tour is perfect for those who don’t want to take on the rough terrain of Arikok National Park. This tour takes you to the new Cave Pool at Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, as well as the Natural Bridge, Alto Vista Chapel, and California Lighthouse. You’ll end at Tres Trapi where you can snorkel with sea turtles.

➟ Jeep Safari Tour to Arikok National Park with Baby Beach Snorkel
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | 🚦 PICK-UP: Yes | ✅ Book it!
This extended half-day tour is perfect for travelers looking for more than a typical half-day tour without committing to a full day. You’ll get to explore both the Natural Pool and the incredible Baby Beach.

Final Thoughts: Airport Transportation in Aruba

No matter your budget or travel preferences, there’s an airport transportation option in Aruba that will suit your needs. We think a pre-booked private transfer or a car rental is the best way to get to your hotel. Pre-booking a private transfer is a low-stress and convenient way to start your trip off smoothly, and renting a car is the perfect way to ensure you can explore the island on your own time.

No matter what you decide, you can be sure that you’ll encounter many smiling Arubans along the way. Aruba is named “One Happy Island” for a reason, and you’ll begin to understand why the moment you step out of the airport.

Aruba Resources

Need a place to stay? Head here!
Ready for an island experience? Find one here!
Interested in fast-tracking the airport? Look here!
Considering a car rental? Click here!
Want to book an airport transfer? Book it here!
Looking for Aruba’s entry requirements? Here you go!
Visiting from another country? Stay Connected!

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!