Queen Beatrix Airport is centrally located on this small island. Distances are short, which keeps transport costs reasonable. Here is what each option actually costs.
Taxi: USD 22-50 depending on destination
Aruba uses a government-set fixed-rate taxi system. Fares are per vehicle (up to 4 passengers), not per person. There is no meter.
| Destination | Taxi fare | |------------|----------| | Oranjestad centre | USD 22-25 / EUR 20-23 | | Eagle Beach (low-rise strip) | USD 25-30 / EUR 23-27 | | Palm Beach (high-rise strip) | USD 28-35 / EUR 26-32 | | Noord | USD 25-30 / EUR 23-27 | | Malmok / Arashi Beach | USD 32-38 / EUR 29-35 | | Savaneta | USD 35-42 / EUR 32-38 | | San Nicolas | USD 40-50 / EUR 37-46 |
A fifth passenger adds about USD 3. There is a USD 3 surcharge between 11 PM and 6 AM. Luggage is included in the fare.
Pre-booked transfer: USD 35-80
Sedan transfers to the hotel strip run USD 35-55 (EUR 32-50). Minivans cost USD 55-80 (EUR 50-73). The price includes meet-and-greet service, flight tracking, waiting time, and door-to-door service. No night surcharge.
Arubus: AWG 4.50 / USD 2.50
The public bus to Oranjestad costs about AWG 4.50 / USD 2.50 (EUR 2.30). Buses run every 15-30 minutes during the day. The bus goes to Oranjestad only, not directly to the beach hotel areas. From Oranjestad, you can take another bus to Palm Beach, but with luggage this is not practical.
Car rental: USD 35-60 per day
Rental cars start at about USD 35-60 per day for a basic vehicle. This is not a per-trip cost but worth mentioning if you plan to explore the island. Gas stations are plentiful and parking is generally available.
What affects the price
Destination zone is the main factor for taxis. The fixed-rate card has specific fares for each area.
Group size changes the per-person calculation. A taxi at USD 30 split four ways is USD 7.50 per person, which is barely more than the bus and infinitely more convenient.
Time of day adds a modest USD 3 surcharge for taxis between 11 PM and 6 AM. Transfers typically have no surcharge.
Currency is simple in Aruba. USD is accepted everywhere at roughly 1 USD = 1.75-1.80 AWG. You do not need to exchange money. If you pay in AWG, the rates are identical. EUR is less commonly accepted directly.
Common money traps
- Paying per person instead of per car: Taxi fares are per vehicle. If a driver tries to charge per person, they are overcharging. Politely point to the rate card.
- Currency confusion: The florin (AWG) and USD are used interchangeably. Make sure you know which currency a price is quoted in, though at most businesses USD pricing is standard.
- ATM fees: ATMs dispense AWG or USD. International withdrawal fees vary by bank. Most businesses accept cards.
The honest recommendation
For most visitors heading to the hotel strip, a taxi is the best balance of price and convenience. The fixed-rate system is transparent and fair. At USD 28-35 to Palm Beach split among a couple or family, it is good value. Pre-booked transfers are worth it for large groups or if you need child seats. The public bus only makes sense for budget travellers going to Oranjestad specifically.