Aruba is a very safe country which gives you the opportunity to explore. Here is an overview of how you can get around the island.
What is the best way to explore the island?
The best way to explore the island is by renting a car. There are several rental car companies including the familiar multinational brands. The best deals can be obtained from local rental companies such as Top Car, Jay’s or Tropic. Keep in mind that some of the cheaper rentals may not have the safety or convenience features that are standard in your home country.
Is it safe to drive in Aruba?
Driving is relatively safe. Despite its Dutch heritage, Aruba is a car-centric country and heavy traffic is not uncommon. The roads are well designed and speed limits are clearly posted. Aruban drivers do tend to check their cellphones too frequently while driving and so driving defensively is recommended.
Aruba has no traffic lights. All major intersections have roundabouts. This will take some getting used to if it is not common where you are from.
Does Aruba have highways?
The main highway in Aruba is Route 1 which goes from Noord in the North to San Nicolas in the south. Route 1 is twinned in many parts and the speed limit is 80 kmph / 50 mph. The other 4-lane road in Aruba is called Watty Vos Boulevard and serves as a ring road around the capital city of Oranjestad.
Does Google Maps work in Aruba?
There can be traffic jams in Aruba, especially around Orangestad. Google Maps works well in Aruba and will help you navigate around traffic. If you don’t have a data plan, download the Maps.me app for offline navigation.
Is it easy to find parking in Aruba?
Parking in Aruba is generally easy. Most beaches have free parking lots or roadside parking. Supermarkets, restaurants and stores also tend to have ample parking.
The more difficult places to park are in Palm Beach and downtown Oranjestad. In Oranjestad, some parking spots are metered and payment can be made using US or Aruban coins or a pre-paid parking card. The meters to not accept credit cards.
In the Palm Beach area, there are a few paid lots and the hotels have their own parking for guests. There are a few places to park for free in Palm Beach: at Signature Park, the street that leads to the beach between the Barcelo and the Hyatt, behind the Moomba restaurant, and on JE Irausquin Blvd across from the Plaza Mall.
Is gas expensive in Aruba?
Gas is very expensive in Aruba, $4-5 USD per gallon. Only premium gas is sold at gas stations. Most stations are self-serve and you must pay at the cash before fuelling. Payment can be made in USD, Florins or by credit card.
Does Aruba have Uber?
There are no rideshare services in Aruba, only taxis. Taxis are a safe and reliable and can be called ordered by phone or Whatsapp. You might find one at a taxi stand in popular places such as the airport, the cruise terminal, at hotels, or the SuperFood grocery store. Taxi rates are set by the government and are published here. For example, the fare from the airport to Palm Beach is $35. More on taxis here.
Public Buses
Aruba has a public bus system called Arubus. Most routes terminate in Oranjestad near the cruise ship terminal. Bus fares are published here and route schedules can be found here. More on the bus system in this article.
Cycling
Ironically cycling is not a popular for of transportation in Aruba. In recent years, more multi-use pathways have been built and hopefully this will change. For visitors, you can rent a bike from one of the Green Bike stations and ride on the path that goes mostly uninterrupted from the airport all the way to Palm Beach.
Is Aruba Walkable?
Downtown Oranjestad and the areas around Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are very walkable with sidewalks, paths and cross walks. Drivers are very courteous and will stop for pedestrians in these areas. If you are staying off the beaten path in a residential area, there likely won’t be sidewalks or many places to go that are within walking distance. Many residential streets lead to a major road that will probably have a convenience store, locally referred to as a ‘Chinese grocery stores’.
