How to Get Around Aruba the Easy Way

You don’t have to worry about how to get around Aruba when planning a trip to this tropical island. 

The well-developed public transportation network makes getting around Aruba easy even if you don’t rent a car. 

I spent a week on the island and got around mainly by bus and walking, but also rented a car for a day. 

If figuring out bus routes sounds too complicated, you can also get a taxi or join a tour to visit most tourist attractions. 

Here’s everything you need to know about getting around in Aruba!

Buses in Aruba

Buses are the most common way to get around the island, and they are equally popular among locals and tourists. 

If you’re on a budget, taking buses is the best way to save money in Aruba. Depending on how many journeys you plan to take, you can opt for a single, return, or day ticket.

The Aruba bus website works great for planning your route, as you can see the schedule and bus stops for every line.

All bus lines go through Oranjestad, so it’s the best place to stay in Aruba if you want to get around by bus.

Another public transportation option is the trolley in downtown Oranjestad. Also known as the Aruba streetcar, it offers free transportation through the city center, stopping at the cruise port along the way. While it’s not a non-touristy thing to do in Aruba, it is a cool bit of history and a fun activity to add to your itinerary.

Taxis in Aruba

Aruba is a touristy island, so taxis are readily available at the airport, in front of major hotels, and inside the city center. 

However, there is no Uber in Aruba or other ride-sharing apps in general.

So, how to get a taxi in Aruba? You’ll find taxis parked in most tourist areas, and you can also call a taxi service to pick you up. There are no taxi meters since each journey has a fixed price regulated by the Aruba Department of Public Traffic. 

These prices are listed publicly and you can ask every driver for the list of prices, so you always know exactly how much the trip will cost. Prices are based on the destination not mileage. Here is the price list.

Taking a taxi is the most comfortable way to get around Aruba, but the cost quickly adds up if you take them all the time. Prices are higher on Sundays and holidays.

Driving in Aruba

Driving in Aruba is the best way to get around if you enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. Roads are good, and you don’t need a 4X4 vehicle for the majority of the roads. 

Jeep rentals are popular, but not always necessary. You can even get around Arikok National Park with a regular car! The only area you’d need a good 4X4 would be the road to Natural Pool.

I rented a car for one day in Aruba to get to the more remote places like Casabari Rock and that worked great! 

Unlike other islands, they drive on the right so it’s just like the US and Canada.

You can also rent a scooter to explore the island. Scooters are a convenient way to get around most Aruba roads and reach some of the island’s best beaches, like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. But they are not sturdy enough for more rugged terrains like Arikok National Park or Sasariwichi Dunes.

Book your car rental in advance, especially during holiday weeks. Christmas time is very busy.

🚗 Compare Car Rental Prices on DiscoverCars and Expedia

How to Get to Oranjestad from Aruba Airport

Aruba Airport is located just outside the city center of Oranjestad, so it’s easy to reach by bus, taxi, or rental car. Each option shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes.

By Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest way to get from Oranjestad to Aruba Airport. 

The bus line L2 from Oranjestad to San Nicholas stops in front of the airport, departing from Oranjestad once an hour from 5:15 am until 0:30 am. 

By Taxi

If you have a lot of luggage or the bus schedule doesn’t align with your arrival time, you can also get a taxi to your accommodation. 

Taxis from the airport have fixed rates, ranging from $26-35 USD to most of the hotel areas. Each passenger is allowed one suitcase and one backpack/hand luggage.

Driving 

If you’re renting a car in Aruba, you might as well pick it up right as you land at the airport! 

Several car rental companies have their offices at the airport or offer complimentary transfers to the agency, so you can pick up your car and drive straight to your accommodation. 

Getting Around Aruba by Bus

Even without a rental car, getting around Aruba is easy thanks to the convenient bus system.

Many bus lines in Aruba are designed with tourists in mind, allowing easy access to the most popular destinations such as San Nicholas, Arashi, and Eagle Beach.

Buses in Aruba are reliable and a budget-friendly way to get around the island. 

You can buy a single, a return ticket, or a daily bus pass to save money if you plan to take more than four buses in a day. Single tickets cost $2.60 USD and day passes are $10 USD.

How to Get to Arikok National Park

The best way to get to Arikok National Park is by joining one of the Arikok organized tours. The park is massive and having a guide makes the experience more enjoyable as you’re not just aimlessly wandering around.

Alternatively, you can take a bus L6 (seasonal) or come by car. 

I took the bus and then hitchhiked around but I really should’ve gone on a tour. It was challenging to see everything by walking even if you love adventurous activities since major sites are far apart.

I didn’t know you could drive a regular car in the park. The roads are not as bad as I expected, and you don’t need a 4X4 to get around.

How to Get to San Nicholas

San Nicholas is situated about 24 km from Oranjestad and you can simply take a bus between the two cities. 

Several bus lines connect the two cities (L1,2,3,11), and departures are fairly frequent starting from 5 am until midnight.  

How to Get to Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is one of the most popular snorkelling beaches, and I got there by bus which leaves you right on the beach. 

If you’re coming from the south, you’ll first have to get to Oranjestad where you’ll get on the bus L10 to the north of the island. 

This line is very frequent, starting at 6 am and running every 20 minutes. 

How to Get to Baby Beach 

The easiest way to get to Baby Beach in the south of Aruba is by driving. I took the bus to Baby Beach, but that bus line is currently suspended.

You could also take a bus from Oranjestad to San Nicholas and then taxi to Baby Beach, as the beach is situated about 4km from the bus station in San Nicholas.

How to Get to Flamingo Beach

The best way to get to Flamingo Beach is to stay at the luxury Renaissance Wind Creek Resort. 

It is a luxury resort and prices start at around $500 US per night, depending on the season. The low season is the best time to visit Aruba to experience luxury on a budget.

Keep in mind that the resort is on the main island, and you’ll still have to take a boat over to Renaissance Island to get to the beach.

Don’t worry if the resort is out of budget, there are two other ways to get to this beach. You can book the Island Spa Cove treatment on the island or get a Renaissance Island Day Pass. Both of these options book out weeks in advance, so plan accordingly. 

Getting Around in Aruba FAQs 

Final Thoughts on How to Get Around Aruba

Aruba is a small island and driving from the north to the south takes about 45 minutes. While renting a car is the easiest way to get around the island, getting around Aruba without a car is possible and quite straightforward.

Most tourist attractions are easy to reach by public transportation, and tours are a great way to get to the more remote destinations.

Now that you understand Aruba transportation and know how to get around Aruba, it’s time to start planning your Aruba itinerary! 

Aruba offers many fun things to do, and you’ll want to enjoy every moment!