Walkability & Transport in Bonaire

Good to Know

• Downtown Kralendijk is genuinely walkable for restaurants, shops, and the waterfront, but the island itself cannot be explored on foot—most attractions require motorized transport.
• Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) do not operate on Bonaire; taxis require advance booking and are not hailed on the street.
• Car rental is often cheaper than daily taxi use for stays longer than 3-4 days and gives you genuine freedom to reach dive sites and remote beaches.
• Bonaire has no traffic lights and free parking everywhere, making driving very relaxed once you're behind the wheel.
• Scooters and bicycles expose you to poor road conditions, loose animals, and limited street lighting, especially outside Kralendijk.
• Gasoline costs significantly more than the US mainland; budget accordingly. The four gas stations can be far from some locations.
• Taxis accept USD only (cash preferred); not all taxis accept credit cards. Booking ahead is essential, especially during cruise ship arrivals or when flights land.
• BOB-Bus (launched 2020) exists but is not a reliable regular service; do not plan your stay around it.
• Walking outside well-lit areas after dark is not recommended due to poor visibility and occasional wildlife on roads.