The island of Aruba is about 20 miles (32 km) long and is easy to explore by car. Most of our guests rent a car for the duration of their stay so they can visit all of Aruba’s beaches, sights, and restaurants. Driving in Aruba is safe, and navigation apps like Google Maps make it easy to get around.
Rental Companies
There are many car rental companies in Aruba. The general advice, based on countless reviews and Facebook posts, is to avoid the big international rental chains and go with a local company instead.
Most local companies do not have an office at the airport. Instead, they’ll have someone waiting at arrivals who will call a shuttle to take you to a nearby office. When returning the car, someone will usually drive you in your rental from the office to the airport, eliminating the need to wait for a shuttle.
We’ve had good experiences with the following companies: Trac, Wheels to Go, Top Drive, and Tropic.
What kind of car to rent in
Aruba
Most rental companies offer the typical range of vehicles, from compact hatchbacks to SUVs. Some also rent Jeeps. Most roads in Aruba are paved or well-graded, so a Jeep is only necessary if you plan to go off-road.
We usually rent a small sedan such as a Hyundai Accent. It has enough room for five passengers, a cooler, and beach chairs. We also make sure to get a recent model year with a backup camera—the last thing we want is to damage our car while on vacation.
Cars sold in Aruba are not always equivalent to what we’re used to in North America. Engines are often smaller, the power noticeably weaker, and many convenience features may be missing. For example, in sedans, it’s rare for the back seats to fold down. Everything in Aruba is imported and subject to high import duties, making cars very expensive—so cheaper, stripped-down models are more common.
Some rental companies rent older vehicles that have been repaired and may lack basic safety features. We once made the mistake of renting a car that didn’t have airbags. Buyer beware!
Should I rent a Jeep?
Renting a Jeep can be fun and allow you to visit the Natural Pool and go offroading on the eastern coast. Since it hardly ever rains in Aruba, you can drive around with the top down.
Not all rental companies have Jeeps and they are in high demand so it’s best to make a reservation far in advance. Jeeps are also much more expensive which is why people often rent them for just one day.
The most common Jeep model to rent is the Wrangler. Some companies also offer Suzuki Jimnys, which are very small Jeep-like vehicles not sold in North America.
Note that rental companies will explicitly forbid you from taking a non-Jeep vehicle off-road or into Arikok National Park.
Making a reservation
During high season (Christmas to April), it’s best to make a reservation far in advance. There have been times when most companies sell out leaving you either out of luck or with a vehicle that doesn’t meet your needs.
Do I need to get the insurance?
Rental companies offer different insurance options that can add $10 to $25+ per day to the cost of the rental. Your own car insurance or credit card may offer coverage, but check the fine print—many policies will not cover rentals in non-contiguous countries such as Aruba.
Driving in Aruba is safe, but in our experience, local drivers can be prone to distraction (often by their phones). Fender-benders are common, so we usually opt for some additional coverage for peace of mind.
How much do rentals cost?
This varies based on the time of year and vehicle type. It’s best to get competing quotes online to get a sense of cost.
One way to save on a car rental in Aruba is to pay cash in USD istead of by credit card. We’ve seen a discount of 10% offered for a cash payment.
Other requirements
The minimum age to rent is between 21 and 25 years old depending on the rental company.
Some companies will state that you must have access to a gated parking lot when parking overnight. We have never ecountered this requirement personally but we’ve heard it from guests. Most Arubans park in the street in front of their homes, even if they have a gated driveway. Smash-and-grabs happen but are rare. It’s best not to leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle anywhere in the world.
