Wondering if there is Uber in Aruba?
Continue reading for the complete Aruba transportation guide.
If you plan to travel to Aruba, you’ll need to know how to get around. As of 2024, there is no Uber in Aruba. However, there are still plenty of options when it comes to getting around Aruba.
During our 9th anniversary trip to Aruba, we were able to easily find transportation to get around the island. Thankfully, the island is relatively small, so we were able to walk to a lot of the restaurants and activities that were on our to-do list.
This ultimate Aruba transportation guide is sure to answer all of your questions about the best ways to get around the island.
Is There Uber in Aruba?
No, there is no Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services available in Aruba as of 2024.
However, there are plenty of alternative ways to get around the island, including taxis, private transfers, rental cars, guided tours, and public transportation.
Taxis in Aruba
There is no Uber in Aruba, so the next closest option is to take a taxi. Luckily, taxis are plentiful, making it an easy way to get around the island during your trip to Aruba.
Taxis in Aruba are highly regulated by the Aruba Department of Public Traffic, which helps keep prices legitimate and protects tourists from taxi scams that are common in other countries. This makes taking a taxi a safe and cost-effective way of getting around Aruba.
How to Get a Taxi in Aruba
Getting a taxi in Aruba is easy. There are typically taxi rank in heavily populated places like the airport, cruise port, popular beaches, and resort areas. In this case, you simply go up to the next available taxi, tell the driver where you want to go, and you’re on your way.
If it’s late at night or there isn’t a taxi rank nearby, you may have to call a taxi. You can either ask your hotel reception to call you a taxi or you can call one of the official taxi companies to send a car.
Here are some of the official taxi companies in Aruba:
Aruba Taxi Driver: +297 560 0895
ATC Aruba Taxi Company: +297 587 1300
Taxi Address Service Aruba: +297 587 5900
Are Taxis Easy to Get from the Aruba Airport?
Taxis are typically easy to get at the airport since there is a taxi rank that almost always has taxis waiting to pick people up. This is how my husband and I got from the airport to our hotel. The process was simple and we didn’t have to wait in line very long. However, if the airport is busy or if you arrive late at night, you may have to wait longer for a taxi.
Because of this, it may be a good idea to pre-book a private airport transfer before your arrival. That way, you can be sure you won’t waste time waiting in a taxi line. This airport transfer service is highly rated and includes round-trip transfers to and from the airport so that you don’t have to worry about transportation throughout your entire trip.
What is the Cost of a Taxi in Aruba?
Due to the regulations set by the Aruba Department of Public Traffic, taxis in Aruba do not have meters and instead have fixed costs based on your destination.
All prices are also per taxi, not per person, and each taxi allows a maximum of five passengers. It is important to note that there is an additional surcharge when taking a taxi on Sundays and holidays and when taking a taxi from 11:00 pm until 7:00 am the next day.
The cost of a taxi is quite affordable in Aruba. Below are some average taxi prices, although these are subject to change based on the decisions of the Aruba Department of Public Traffic:
🚕 Airport to High-Rise Hotel Area (Palm Beach) – $31
🚕 Airport to Low-Rise Hotel Area (Eagle Beach & Manchebo Beach) – $26
🚕 Airport to Oranjestad – $21
🚕 Airport to Cruise Port – $10
🚕 High-Rise Hotel Area to Oranjestad – $13
🚕 Low-Rise Hotel Area to Oranjestad – $10
🚕 Low-Rise Hotel Area to High-Rise Hotel Area – $10
Do Taxis Accept US Dollars?
Taxis in Aruba accept US Dollars, making it very convenient for travelers from the US who are visiting Aruba. You can also choose to pay for taxis with Arubian Florian, which is the local currency in Aruba.
How to Get From the Aruba Airport to Your Hotel
Unfortunately, the resorts in Aruba do not offer airport shuttle services. This means you will need to figure out how to get from the Aruba Airport to your specific resort.
While it is possible to take a taxi from the airport, the easiest and most stress-free way to get to and from the airport to your hotel is by pre-booking an airport transfer service.
By pre-booking your transfer, you won’t have to worry about transportation when you arrive, and can instead focus on enjoying your vacation in Aruba.
There are two options when booking an airport transfer. The first is to book a private transfer service (like this one). This is the best option because this service is only for your group, meaning you don’t have to wait around if another group’s flight is delayed. Additionally, if your flight is arrivig late, your transfer service will monitor your flight number and arrive precisely when you do.
The other option is to book a shared airport transfer (like this one). This may be a good option if you are on a stricter budget, since it is a more affordable option of getting to your hotel.
Check availability and pricing for Aruba airport transfers:
✅ Private Aruba airport transfers
✅ Shared Aruba airport transfers
Renting a Car in Aruba
Since there is no Uber in Aruba, you may want to rent a car while traveling to the island. Renting a car allows you the most freedom and flexibility, since you don’t have to rely on ordering taxis or following the schedules of public transportation. Renting a car is a great option for getting around Aruba.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Aruba
There are a few things that you must have to rent a car in Aruba. Below are some of the typical car rental requirements:
✅ A valid driver’s license: A Foreign or International Driver’s License from a member country of the Geneva Convention is accepted.
✅ Most car companies require the driver to be over the age of 25. Some car rental companies will rent to drivers ages 21-24 if certain conditions are met.
✅ All car rentals must be insured with at least Basic Third Party Liability Insurance, which you can obtain through the car rental company.
Is it Expensive to Rent a Car in Aruba?
Renting a car in Aruba is not expensive compared to other popular destinations around the world. Car rental prices vary based on the type of car, how long it is rented for, and the time of year. In general, it is cheaper to rent manual cars vs. automatic cars and to rent smaller cars vs. Jeeps or large SUVs.
To find the best deal on a rental car in Aruba, I recommend checking Discover Cars. They will allow you to compare prices and ratings of car rentals to find the best deal. As always, make sure to book a car with good reviews.
✅ Check availability and pricing on rental cars in Aruba ✅
Can US Citizens Drive in Aruba?
US Citizens can drive in Aruba. US driver’s licenses are a valid form of driver’s license in Aruba, making it easy for US Citizens to rent cars. Like the US, they also drive on the right side of the road, which makes driving in Aruba easier for Americans.
Tips for Driving in Aruba
If you plan to rent a car in Aruba, make sure to read through my tips below:
✅ They drive on the right-hand side in Aruba.
✅ There are many one-way streets in Aruba, especially in Oranjestad.
✅ Speed limits are enforced, and are typically as follows (unless otherwise specified): in urban areas the speed limit is 30km/h, out of town is 60km/h, and on highways is 80km/h.
✅ Most gas stations have attendants who will pump the gas for you, you don’t pump it yourself.
✅ Aruba has many roundabouts and cars driving in the roundabout have the right of way.
✅ Download an offline map of Aruba on your Google Maps app. This allows you to use Google Maps even when you might not have data on your phone.
Getting Around Aruba by Taking Guided Tours
If you don’t plan to rent a car, taking guided tours or activities is another great way to get around Aruba – especially since there is no Uber in Aruba. We got to De Palms Island to see flamingos and experience a SeaTrek by booking a guided tour.
Not only do guided tours typically provide you with transportation, but they also have local guides and can show you some hidden gems that you likely wouldn’t find on your own. This makes taking a guided tour an incredible way to get around Aruba.
There are so many great tours to take in Aruba. Below are some recommended tours (but you can also find more tours on Viator.com).
This tour includes roundtrip transportation and a local guide that will show you around the island. Visit some of the top sights and hidden gems in Aruba, such as Baby Beach, the California Lighthouse, the Ayo Rock Formation, the Casibari Rock Formations, and more.
As you explore, you’ll gain more insight into local culture and history from your expert guide on this incredible full-day island tour. Make sure to pack the right beach gear on this Aruba excursion!
☀️ ATV to Aruba’s Secret Beach and Cave Pool Adventure
A perfect tour for thrill-seekers, this half-day tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Aruba. The tour includes transportation from your hotel and takes you on an adventure to some hidden gems on Aruba’s northern coast.
You’ll have a chance to drive a UTV or ATV as you see the volcanic landscapes, explore cave pools, and visit secret beaches.
If you want to experience the vibrant nightlife of Aruba without worrying about transportation, then this nightlife tour is the perfect option for you. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off so that you can enjoy your night out worry-free.
You’ll also have a local guide to show you around the best bars in Aruba. This is a great option for solo travelers, couples, or friends who want to experience Aruba’s nightlife.
☀️ Aruba Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling
You can’t visit Aruba without spending time out on the water, and this catamaran cruise is the perfect way to do that. Enjoy a champagne breakfast, the best snorkeling spots in Aruba, and relaxing in the sun as you cruise through the Caribbean‘s crystal-clear waters.
Hiring a Private Driver in Aruba
It is possible to hire a private driver on the island, although this is typically the most expensive way to get around Aruba. To hire a private driver you can simply call one of the taxi companies and hire one of the drivers to take you around. The cost is around $50 an hour for this service.
Public Transportation in Aruba
Last but not least, it is possible to use public transportation to get around Aruba. Public transportation is the most affordable way to get around the island, although there are certain limitations such as wait times and crowds that can make it less convenient.
Does Aruba Have Public Transport?
Yes, Aruba does have public transportation. Aruba’s main method of public transportation is by a bus service called Arubus. The bus service is run by the Aruban government and offers various stops throughout the island. Aruba also has a unique free trolley that operates in the capital of Oranjestad.
Taking the Bus in Aruba
Taking the bus is an affordable way to get around Aruba. The Arubus has routes that frequently stop between the capital, Oranjestad, and along the popular beaches and resort areas.
It is important to note that the bus does not run 24 hours a day. Instead, buses in Aruba run Monday through Saturday, every 15 minutes from 5:45 am until 6:00 pm. From 6:00 pm until 11:30 pm, the buses run approximately every 40 minutes. On Sundays, the buses still run but on a reduced schedule.
Bus fares are around $2.60 for a one-way ticket or you can purchase a day pass for $10. These cheap prices make it a budget-friendly way to get around the more popular parts of the island during the daytime.
Free Trolley in Oranjestad Aruba
The capital city, Oranjestad, features a charming trolley that is completely free to use –making it another great way to get around the city. This hop-on, hop-off trolley makes a full loop around Oranjestad, from the main street to the cruise port terminal.
The trolley stops at several unique sights, including many restaurants, shops, the Fort Zoutman, the Archaeological Museum, and more. The free trolley runs from Monday through Saturday between the hours of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Is Public Transportation Safe in Aruba?
Public transportation is safe in Aruba as well as being convenient and a reliable way of getting around. There are very few incidents on public transport, making it a safe method of transportation for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to keep watch over your belongings as there is always a chance of pickpockets or petty theft when you leave valuables unattended.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Aruba?
The best way to get around Aruba depends on what type of trip you are taking and your travel style. While there is no Uber in Aruba, there are still plenty of other great transportation options around the island.
If you are an independent traveler, renting a car may be your best option. This will give you full freedom to explore the island at your leisure.
If you are a backpacker or budget-savvy traveler, taking public transportation like the Arubus and free trolley are great options since they are the cheapest ways to get around Aruba.
If you are visiting Aruba on a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or luxurious getaway, then it is completely worth it to splurge on private airport transfers and private tours that will cater to your interests.
Lastly, if you are a solo traveler or like to be social while traveling, then taking guided tours is an amazing way to see more of Aruba while meeting other people and learning from a local guide.
No matter what type of trip you are looking to have, Aruba is sure to have the perfect transportation option for you. Getting around Aruba is easy and convenient, which lets you focus on enjoying your time on the beautiful island.
FAQ: Getting Around Aruba
Some areas of Aruba are walkable, but you can’t walk everywhere on the island. For example, if you are staying in Palm Beach it is easy to walk to restaurants and shops in that direct neighborhood. However, it would be too far to walk from Palm Beach to Oranjestad, the airport, or other locations.
It is worth renting a car in Aruba if you like to have the freedom and flexibility to explore different areas of the island at your own pace. However, if you plan to relax on the beach and stay closer to your resort then a car may not be necessary.
It is possible to take the bus to the Aruba Airport. It is important to note that the bus in Aruba does not go directly to the Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba. However, there is a bus stop located across the street from the airport, which is about a 10-minute walk.
The Wrap-Up: Is There Uber in Aruba?
While there is currently no Uber in Aruba, there are still plenty of ways to get around the island, as we’ve discussed in this Aruba transportation guide.
You can rent a car and have the freedom to explore at your leisure, rely on taxis or private transfers, utilize Aruba’s bus system, or even take guided tours to see other parts of the island with a local guide. On our trip, we combined taxis, group tours, and walking to get around during our trip to Aruba.
No matter how you choose to get around Aruba, you are sure to have an incredible trip to this tropical Caribbean paradise.
