Curacao Hato International Airport is about 12 km from central Willemstad, and getting there is straightforward but not cheap by Caribbean standards. Here is what you will actually pay.
Taxi fares from CUR airport
Taxis at Curacao airport use a zone-based pricing system — there are no meters. Fares are set by the government and posted at the taxi stand outside arrivals.
| Destination | Taxi Fare (ANG) | Taxi Fare (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Willemstad / Punda / Otrobanda | ANG 45–55 | EUR 22–27 |
| Pietermaai District | ANG 45–55 | EUR 22–27 |
| Mambo Beach / SeaQuarium | ANG 50–65 | EUR 25–32 |
| Jan Thiel Beach | ANG 55–70 | EUR 27–35 |
| Santa Barbara / Spanish Water | ANG 60–75 | EUR 30–37 |
| Lagun / Jeremi Beach | ANG 75–95 | EUR 37–47 |
| Westpunt / Playa Kenepa | ANG 90–120 | EUR 45–60 |
These are per vehicle prices for a standard sedan taxi (up to 4 passengers). A minivan for larger groups costs roughly 20–30% more.
Private transfer prices
Pre-booked private transfers cost slightly more than taxis but include meet-and-greet service, fixed pricing with no surprises, and often a more comfortable vehicle.
| Destination | Sedan (EUR) | Minivan (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Willemstad center | EUR 28–35 | EUR 38–48 |
| Jan Thiel Beach | EUR 32–42 | EUR 42–55 |
| Mambo Beach area | EUR 30–40 | EUR 40–52 |
| Westpunt | EUR 55–75 | EUR 70–95 |
Currency tips
Curacao's official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), pegged to the US dollar at approximately 1.79 ANG = 1 USD. In practice, USD is accepted almost everywhere. EUR is also widely accepted at tourist-facing businesses, though the exchange rate applied may not be favorable.
ATMs at the airport dispense both ANG and USD. Credit cards are accepted by most taxi drivers, but it is wise to carry some cash for smaller fares.
What affects the price
Several factors can push the cost higher:
- Luggage surcharge: Not standard, but oversized items like surfboards or dive gear may incur an extra ANG 10–15
- Night surcharge: Not officially mandated, but some drivers add ANG 5–10 after midnight
- Number of stops: If you need to drop off at multiple hotels, expect ANG 10–15 per additional stop
- Waiting time: If you ask the driver to wait, expect charges of ANG 15–20 per 15 minutes
Bottom line
For most visitors heading to Willemstad or the nearby beach areas, budget EUR 25–35 for a taxi or EUR 28–45 for a private transfer. The ride is short and the pricing is transparent — just confirm the fare before getting in.