Aruba Airport Transportation: All Your Options

The bottom line on getting to your hotel

Rental car is best for most visitors. You'll need transportation anyway, so start using it immediately. Taxi works for late arrivals or short stays. Skip the bus unless you're on a tight budget with minimal luggage and plenty of time.

All options are straightforward. The airport is small, the island is simple to navigate, and you'll reach the hotel zone in 15-30 minutes depending on method.

Taxi: fast and simple ($25-45)

Fixed rates from Queen Beatrix Airport: $25-30 to low-rise Eagle Beach hotels, $28-35 to high-rise Palm Beach hotels, $45-55 to San Nicolas or the south. No meters, no negotiating. Rates are posted at the taxi stand.

Pros: Available 24/7, no booking required, door-to-door service. Walk out of arrivals, join the taxi line, state your hotel, go.

Cons: One-way only. You'll need transportation for the rest of your trip anyway. At $30 each way, taxis for multiple trips add up fast.

Best for: Late-night arrivals, short trips (2-3 days) where you'll stay at the resort, travelers who don't drive, or getting to the hotel while your rental car reservation starts the next day.

Rental car: pick up and go ($35-95/day)

Terminal counters (Hertz, Avis, Budget): Walk from baggage claim, sign papers, drive away. Premium pricing (15-25% above off-site), but maximum convenience. Open until 11pm-midnight.

Shuttle agencies (Top Drive, GMAX, Sunset, Mitoo, More4Less): 5-10 minute shuttle to nearby lots. Save $10-20/day on rentals. Most close by 6pm, though after-hours arrangements are possible.

Near-airport offices (Amigo, Econo): Across the street from arrivals. No shuttle needed, no terminal premium. A good middle ground.

Best for: Anyone staying 4+ days who wants to explore beyond the hotel zone. The car pays for itself versus taxi fares within the first couple of days.

Hotel shuttle: free but limited

Some resorts offer complimentary airport pickup. Check with your hotel before booking other transportation. If available, it's free and simple. Give them your flight details, look for the sign in arrivals.

Pros: Costs nothing. No paperwork, no navigation.

Cons: Only certain hotels offer this. Scheduled pickup times may not align with your arrival. You'll need a car or taxi for the rest of your trip anyway.

Best for: Budget travelers staying at hotels that offer shuttle service, or those who've booked a rental car starting the next day.

Public bus: cheap but slow ($2.50)

The Arubus runs from the airport to Oranjestad and the hotel zones. Cost is just $2.50. The bus stop is a short walk from the terminal.

Reality check: Buses run every 20-30 minutes during the day, less frequently in evening. No service late at night or early morning. The ride to Palm Beach takes 45+ minutes with stops. No luggage storage. You hold everything.

Best for: Solo travelers or couples with minimal luggage who are on a strict budget and have plenty of time. Not practical for most tourists.

What to actually book

Most visitors (4+ day trips, want flexibility): Reserve a rental car online before arrival. Choose between terminal convenience or shuttle savings based on your arrival time and patience.

Short stays at all-inclusive resorts: Take a taxi ($25-35) and arrange taxi rides for any excursions. Or book 1-2 organized tours through the hotel.

Budget travelers: If your hotel offers airport shuttle, use it. Rent a car for 1-2 days mid-trip for exploring, rely on buses and walking otherwise.

Cruise passengers: Taxi is simplest for the short port visit. Don't bother with rental car paperwork for 8 hours on the island.