How do you get to Bonaire?
Getting There7.3/10Easier to reach than about 70% of cities
- Main airport
- Bonaire Flamingo International Airport
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: bonaireinternationalairport.com, kayak.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- The two main inter-island connections are direct flights to Curaçao (10–15 minutes) and Aruba (40–50 minutes) via Divi Divi Air and Z Air; no ferry service exists despite the islands' geographic proximity.
- Inter-island travel involves full international border procedures (passport, immigration cards, security screening); total transfer time is typically 3–5 hours per leg, making same-day round trips impractical.
- Ground transport from the airport is minimal; taxi ($10 USD) or car rental ($35+ USD/day) are the standard options, and there is no public transportation system for airport transfers.
- A car rental ($35–$60 USD/day) is the most practical way to explore Bonaire's small but scenic landscape; scooter rentals are also popular alternatives.
- Klein Bonaire (offshore island) is accessible only by water taxi from Town Pier (two daily departures at 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM; ~5 minutes, $15 adult/$7.50 child).
- Both the Visitor Entry Tax ($75 USD adults) and STINAPA Marine Park tag are mandatory; the entry tax can be paid online in advance or at the airport on arrival (card only).
- Bonaire's small size and arid landscape make self-driving straightforward, though roads in the north (Washington Slagbaai National Park) are rough and better suited to 4x4 vehicles.
Airport
- Code
- BON
- Name
- Bonaire Flamingo International Airport
- Location
- Kralendijk, Bonaire
- Icao Code
- TNCB
- Description
- The main international airport serving Bonaire, a single-terminal facility typical of Caribbean regional airports.
Day Trip Nearby Sites
Klein Bonaire
- Transport
- Water taxi from Town Pier, Kralendijk
- Highlights
- Snorkeling, No Name Beach, uninhabited island
- Distance From Center
- 20 minutes (by water taxi)
Washington Slagbaai National Park
- Transport
- Car rental; rough roads (4x4 recommended)
- Highlights
- Flamingo viewing at Gotomeer, deserted beaches, hiking trails, lighthouse, bird-watching, highest peak (784 feet)
- Distance From Center
- ~35 minutes by car
Lac Bay
- Transport
- Car rental
- Highlights
- Windsurfing, mangrove kayaking (guided tours $30–$45 per person), shallow turquoise waters
- Distance From Center
- ~30 minutes by car (southeast coast)
Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary
- Transport
- Self-drive
- Highlights
- World-class flamingo breeding colony; visitors cannot enter sanctuary but can view from road with binoculars
- Distance From Center
- South of island, accessible by car
Rincon
- Transport
- Car rental
- Highlights
- Oldest village on Bonaire; historical and cultural significance
- Distance From Center
- North of island
Slave Huts
- Transport
- Car rental; scenic southern route
- Highlights
- Historical structures from mid-1800s salt industry; preserved cultural heritage sites
- Distance From Center
- South/southwest coast
International Flights
- Note Inter Island
- Multiple daily flights connect to neighboring islands; check-in requirements similar to international travel (1.5–2 hours advance, valid passport, immigration formalities on both departure and arrival).
Airlines
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- American Airlines
- Divi Divi Air
- Z Air (formerly Aruba Airlines)
- Winair
Major Hubs
- Miami (USA)
- Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- Curaçao
- Aruba
Flight Times
- From Aruba To Bonaire Minutes
- 40-50
- From CuraçAo To Bonaire Minutes
- 10-15
Mandatory Entry Costs
Visitor Entry Tax
- Status
- Required for all non-residents ages 13+
- Amount Adult
- $75
- Payment Method
- Online (via iDeal or credit card, 2 weeks before departure) or on arrival at airport (credit/debit card only; no cash accepted)
- Amount Child 2 To 12
- $10
Stinapa Marine Park Tag
- Status
- Required to enter Bonaire National Marine Park
- Coverage
- Includes entire coastline and nearby Klein Bonaire; extends to 200 feet depth
- Applicability
- Anyone entering the marine park waters (swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, water sports)
- Where To Purchase
- Dive shops, tour operators throughout island
- Note
- Free for cruise ship passengers; separate purchase required for independent travelers
Inter Island Transport
Air
- Status
- Primary inter-island transport method
- Flight Duration
- 10–50 minutes depending on origin
- Flights Aruba To Bonaire
- Divi Divi Air; Aruba Airlines (both serve this route)
- Flights Curacao To Bonaire
- Divi Divi Air (10 daily, Monday–Sunday); Z Air/Aruba Airlines (once daily, 4 days/week)
- Note Immigration
- International border procedures apply; allow 3–5 hours total travel time including check-in, immigration, boarding, and arrival formalities
Ferry
- Status
- No regular ferry service currently operational
- Charter Option
- Private boat/sailing charters available for specialized groups; not practical for routine inter-island travel
- Historical Context
- Caribbean Fast Ferry Company previously operated Curaçao–Bonaire route (~25 minutes); service discontinued. Regional governments have discussed reintroduction but no concrete date announced.
- Reasons Unavailable
- Strong sea currents, lack of adequate port infrastructure, insufficient demand to sustain regular service, high operating costs
Ground Transport Airport
- Shuttle Service
- Some hotels offer free or paid airport shuttle service; arrange in advance with accommodation
Car Rental
- Typical Daily Rate Range
- $35
per day, varies by vehicle type
- Availability
- Multiple agencies at airport car rental office area (left of parking lot)
- Valid License
- International/home license valid if held for 2+ years
- Note
- Book through providers such as Smiley Rentals Bonaire, Allroad Rental Bonaire, AB Car Rental, or Avis
Taxi From Airport
- Distance Airport To Center
- 2 miles (3.2 km)
- Typical Cost To City Center
- $10
- Description
- Taxis available outside airport terminal
Water Transport Klein Bonaire
- Cost Adult
- $15
- Trip Duration
- Approximately 5 minutes
- Departure Point
- Town Pier, Kralendijk
- Cost Child Under 12
- $7.50
- Water Taxi Schedule
- Two daily departures at 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM
- Description
- Klein Bonaire (uninhabited island off Kralendijk) accessible by water taxi
Local Transport Within Bonaire
- Taxi System
- Available for hire; meter rates standard; widely used for short distances
- Scooter Rental
- Popular on island; available through local companies
Car Rental
- Typical Daily Cost
- $35
per day, standard vehicle
- Note
- Most practical option for exploring the island; Bonaire is small and easily traversable by road
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Bonaire
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.