Cheap Car Rental in Aruba
Economy cars in Aruba start at $30-45 per day. Most visitors don't need a Jeep. Aruba's main roads are paved and well-maintained. Save $30/day by choosing the right car for your trip.
Budget-focused agencies like Drive 4 Cheap and Island 297 specialize in affordable rentals. Compact cars like the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio offer the best balance of price and comfort.
The Smart Budget Move
Rent an economy car for most of your trip, then swap to a Jeep for one day to see the Natural Pool and Arikok. A week of economy + one day of Jeep costs about $280. A full week of Jeep? $420+.
That's $140 saved. Enough for a nice dinner at Barefoot or Madame Janette.
Three Ways to Save
Go Local
Family-owned agencies charge $20-30 less per day than Hertz or Budget. Same island, better prices.
Skip the Terminal
Off-airport shuttle agencies save $10-20/day. The 3-minute ride is worth $70-140 over a week.
Right-Size Your Car
Economy cars handle 90% of Aruba. A Kia Rio at $35/day beats a Jeep at $70/day if you don't need 4WD.
Where Economy Cars Can't Go
Budget cars handle Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Oranjestad, Baby Beach, and every restaurant on the island. But they're not allowed on:
If those spots are on your list, book a Jeep for one day. Most agencies let you swap vehicles mid-trip.
Watch for These Fees
| Fee | Typical Cost | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Young driver (under 25) | $10-15/day | Book with Mitoo (accepts 21+) |
| Insurance upsell | $15-25/day | Check if your credit card covers CDW |
| Prepaid fuel | $20-40 lost | Always choose full-to-full policy |
| Additional driver | $5-10/day | Some agencies include free; ask first |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest car I can rent in Aruba?
Economy cars like the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Spark start around $30-35/day from budget-focused agencies. These are smaller 4-door sedans with A/C that handle paved roads well.
Are cheap rental cars in Aruba reliable?
Local agencies maintain their fleets carefully. Their reputation depends on it. Budget cars are older but functional. You might get a 2019 instead of a 2023 model, but everything works. The savings come from simpler vehicles, not poor maintenance.
How do I avoid hidden fees when renting cheap?
Ask about: young driver fees (under 25), additional driver fees, fuel policy (full-to-full is best), airport surcharges, and insurance upsells. Get the total in writing before confirming your booking.
What's the difference between cheapest and best value?
Cheapest means lowest daily rate. Best value considers what you get: a $35/day car with zero-deductible CDW included beats a $30/day car with $500 deductible. Factor in the complete cost, not just the headline rate.