Aruba Airport Car Rental
At Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), you have two options: walk to a terminal counter or take a 2-5 minute shuttle to a local agency. Shuttle agencies typically save you $10-20 per day.
Unless you're arriving late at night or traveling with young children, the shuttle is worth considering. All agencies listed here offer airport pickup.
The Bottom Line
For most travelers: Take the shuttle. You'll save $70-140 on a week-long rental, and the pickup process is just as fast once you factor in terminal counter lines. The only reason to pay terminal prices is a late-night arrival (after 6pm) or traveling with very young kids.
Terminal vs. Shuttle: Real Comparison
| Terminal Counter | Shuttle Agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Economy car rate | $50-80/day | $30-60/day |
| Total time to car | 15-25 min (lines + paperwork) | 15-20 min (shuttle + paperwork) |
| Hours | Matches most flights | Most close 6pm, some until 9-10pm |
| Week rental savings | — | $70-140 |
Arriving After 6pm?
Most local agencies close by 6pm. Your options for evening flights:
What to Expect at Pickup
- 1WhatsApp the agency when you land. They'll track your flight anyway, but confirming speeds things up.
- 2Exit to ground transportation. Look for the agency shuttle or a rep holding a sign with your name.
- 3Quick ride to their office (2-5 minutes), sign paperwork, and you're driving.
Have ready: Driver's license, credit card, booking confirmation. Some agencies take photos of your license via WhatsApp before you arrive to speed up paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the shuttle to off-airport agencies?
After exiting baggage claim, head to the taxi/shuttle pickup area. Most agencies will have contacted you via WhatsApp with meeting instructions. Look for signs with agency names or wait for their representative to find you.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Most local agencies monitor flight arrivals and adjust pickup times automatically. Confirm via WhatsApp when you land. If you're significantly delayed, they'll reschedule your pickup. This is where WhatsApp communication is essential.
Which agencies operate after 8pm?
Jay's Car Rental offers pickups until 9pm. Econo Car Rental extends to 10pm. For arrivals later than that, you may need to arrange a next-morning pickup or use a taxi to your hotel.
Is the terminal counter faster than the shuttle?
Terminal counters skip the shuttle ride, but you still have paperwork and potential lines. Off-airport agencies often have your car ready to go when you arrive. Total time is usually comparable, about 15-20 minutes either way.