Flamingo International Airport (BON) – Getting to Kralendijk and Beyond

Bonaire is a tiny island and Flamingo International Airport sits just 4 km south of Kralendijk. There is no public bus service from the airport. Your options are a taxi, a pre-booked transfer, or a rental car. Most visitors rent a car because you will need one to explore the island anyway. A taxi to central Kralendijk takes about 8 minutes. Fares are fixed by the government rather than metered, and every driver carries the official rate card — ask to see it and agree the price before you set off. Hotels on the northern or southern coast cost more, in proportion to the distance.

Flamingo Airport is small and relaxed. After stepping off the plane, you walk across the tarmac into the terminal. Immigration can take 15–30 minutes depending on how many flights arrive at once — there are only a few counters. Baggage claim is a single belt in a modest hall. Once you collect your bags, you pass through customs and exit into a small arrivals area.

Rental car desks are lined up just outside the terminal. If you pre-booked a transfer, your driver will be waiting in the parking area directly in front of the exit with a name sign. There is no formal meeting point — the airport is small enough that you will see everyone immediately.

There is a small ATM in the terminal if you need cash, though US dollars are the official currency on Bonaire. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants.

There is no public bus, no ride-hailing app like Uber, and no shared shuttle service. The island has roughly 22,000 residents and tourism infrastructure is straightforward.

Rental cars are the most popular choice because Bonaire is a driving island — you will want one for beaches, dive sites, and Washington Slagbaai National Park. Book early during high season (December through April) as availability can be limited.

Taxis on Bonaire have no meters. The government sets the rates, and every licensed driver (look for the TX on the plate) must carry the official rate card. Ask to see it and agree the fare before you set off — that card is the authoritative price, and it is the only one we will point you to, because the rates are revised and no online table is reliably current.

What the card prices is distance, so the ranking is predictable and worth knowing before you land:

A surcharge applies late at night and on Sundays and public holidays, and extra luggage beyond the standard allowance may carry a small charge — both are on the rate card. Tips are not mandatory but appreciated; rounding up is the local custom.

Pre-booked transfers cost slightly more than taxis but the price is locked in at booking. This removes the guesswork, especially for first-time visitors.

Bonaire receives a limited number of flights, mostly from Amsterdam (KLM), Miami, Atlanta, and some seasonal Caribbean connections. Late arrivals do happen, typically from the US or connecting flights.

The airport essentially shuts down after the last flight. There are no 24-hour facilities. Taxis are available for late flights but their numbers are limited — if several flights arrive close together, you may wait 15–20 minutes. An after-hours surcharge applies; it is listed on the driver's official rate card.

Pre-booking a transfer is strongly recommended for any arrival after 8 PM. The island is dark at night with minimal street lighting outside Kralendijk.

The airport is flat and easy to navigate with children. The walk from the plane to baggage claim is short. There are no long corridors or complicated connections.

Taxis on Bonaire are typically minivans or SUVs, which handle luggage and car seats well. However, child seats are not standard — you must request one in advance if booking a transfer, or bring your own. Rental car companies can usually provide child seats for an extra fee.

For families with dive equipment or bulky luggage, a pre-booked transfer with a larger vehicle is the most comfortable option.

If you pre-booked a transfer, your driver will be in the parking area directly in front of the terminal exit. Look for a name sign. The airport is so compact that there is really only one exit and one parking lot — you cannot miss it.

Taxis line up in the same area, just to the right of the terminal doors. There is no formal taxi rank with queuing — drivers approach arriving passengers directly.

Rent a car if: You plan to explore the island, visit dive sites, or stay outside Kralendijk. Most visitors do this.

Take a taxi if: You are staying in central Kralendijk for a short trip and your hotel is within walking distance of restaurants and shops.

Book a transfer if: You want a guaranteed price, arrive late at night, or are traveling with family and need a child seat arranged in advance.

Ask your hotel about shuttles if: You are staying at a resort — some include airport pickup, especially the larger dive resorts.