Getting around
Low
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: exploringcuracao.com, majesticcuracao.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- After 8:00 PM, the bus system is almost non-existent except for a few routes. If you plan to enjoy Curaçao Nightlife, you cannot rely on public buses to get back to your hotel.
- Service is infrequent, especially outside of Willemstad.
- Download the official ABC Curaçao app (available on iOS and Android) which provides a real-time route planner, bus schedules, and maps. While Google Maps shows some routes, the ABC app is significantly more accurate for local timing.
- Taxi prices increase after 23:00.
- Downtown Willemstad (Punda and Otrobanda) is genuinely walkable for city exploration, but beach exploration and broader island travel require a car or taxi.
- 50cc scooters are for city use only. Due to the distance and hills not allowed on the road to westside.
Taxis
- Payment
- Taxis don't accept credit card payments and you need to pay cash.
- Pricing
- Cabs in Curaçao are not metered, but there are fixed prices that are determined according to the zones. Prices are also based on a maximum occupancy of 4 people per run, between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- Surcharges
- There will be surcharges for each extra person (5 persons: 25%, 6 persons 50%, 7 persons 75%, 8 persons 100%) or if the cab ride is outside the above-mentioned schedules (25%).
- Availability
- Curaçao has a well-regulated taxi industry, with licensed taxi drivers offering rides throughout the island. Taxis are available at major hubs like the Curaçao International Airport and various taxi ranks around popular tourist spots.
- Identification
- Taxis in Curacao are easily recognized by having a license plate that is marked with the letters 'TX'.
Example Fares
Airport to Willemstad
- Airport To Willemstad
- XCG 54
Expect to pay at least $30 for a one-way taxi ride from the airport to Willemstad.
Punda to Mambo Beach
- Punda To Mambo Beach
- XCG 36
A one-way ride from Punda (old town) to Mambo beach would set you back $20 USD (4.7km).
Car Rental
- Booking
- Place a reservation for your car in advance online. This will save you time and money when you come to pick up your car.
- Driving
- If you have a valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license, you are legally allowed to drive in Curacao.
- Availability
- In 2026, average car rental prices in Curacao range from $35 to $85 per day, depending on the vehicle type and season.
- Rental Companies
- Avis operates 6 locations in Curaçao, more than any other rental company.
Daily Rates
- Medium
- XCG 125
Medium car rentals in Curaçao typically cost around $70 per day.
- Economy Small
- XCG 98
You can expect to pay an average of $45 per day for an Economy. Adjusted to current market range.
Walkability
- Summary
- Willemstad's city center is compact and highly walkable, with many beautiful sights along the way. Downtown Willemstad is ideal for walking between Punda and Otrobanda. Many streets in Willemstad are pedestrian streets, so you can't even properly drive inside the city. Major sights are easily accessible on foot via mostly flat, pedestrian-only streets. Outside the city center, walkability diminishes significantly; Pietermaai is currently the most walkable neighborhood on the island.
- Getting Around Tier
- low
- Getting Around Tier Rationale
- Public transport is very limited, buses have a reputation of being never on-time and schedules are scarce, making car rental or taxis necessary for exploring beyond Willemstad's center.
Public Transit
- Payment
- Pay the driver in cash.
- Terminals
- Curaçao's bus stations are located in the areas of Punda and Otrobanda in downtown Willemstad. These stations in the city center serve as hubs where you can catch buses heading to various destinations across the island.
- System Overview
- The only option of public transportation in Curaçao is buses. There are two types of buses: the larger buses called Konvoi, and small vans (called 'bus') that can take up to 10-12 people.
Fares
- Minibuses
- XCG 3.50
Prices are between 3.00 to 5.00 Antillean guilders, adjusted to current XCG.
- Konvoi Large Buses
- XCG 2.00
Prices for these buses range from 1.75 to 2.50 Antillean guilder, adjusted to current XCG currency at 1.79 exchange rate.
Buses Large
- Routes
- With a network that covers most major areas, you can hop on a bus to reach most neighborhoods of the island.
- Operator
- The large buses are operated by Autobusbedrijf Curaçao (ABC).
- Schedule
- Buses usually operate from early morning until early evening, with frequency varying depending on the route and time of day.
- Reliability
- Buses have the reputation of being never on-time, schedules are scarce and you might be waiting in the sun with no shade.
Buses Small
- Note
- There are no fixed bus stops. The driver will take you to your desired stop along the route.
- Description
- These shared vans operate on several routes, offering a flexible and convenient option for getting around. Prices for these buses are between 3.00 to 5.00 Antillean guilders.
Scooter Rental
- Note
- Riding a scooter with the cool wind in your hair, you can burn very quickly in the tropical sun.
50cc No License
- Daily Rate
- XCG 52
50cc scooter: Price per day (minimum 4 days) is € 29, - includes insurance, helmet and lock.
- Licensing
- On Curacao you can drive a 50cc scooter without a driver's license.
150cc Motorcycle License
- Daily Rate
- XCG 81
Max speed: 85km per hour 2 seater scooter Price per day (minimum 4 days) is € 45 -Rent includes liability insurance, helmet, lock, roadside assistance and taxes.
Getting Around Summary
The best way to get around Curaçao is by car. The public buses cover the majority of the island, but service is infrequent, especially outside of Willemstad. Public transportation in Curaçao is affordable but limited, making it best for travelers on a budget who don't mind flexible schedules. Public Bus – Cheapest but unreliable.
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this walkability & transport research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.exploringcuracao.com
- 2.majesticcuracao.com
- 3.travel.usnews.com
- 4.curacao-travelguide.com
- 5.freewalkingtourscuracao.com
- 6.fiestatourscuracao.com
- 7.curacao.com
- 8.rentcarcuracaodeals.com
- 9.kleincuracao.deals
- 10.bookingcarscuracao.com
- 11.bookingcarscuracao.com
- 12.kayak.com
- 13.skyscanner.com
- 14.tropicdrive.com
- 15.fiestatourscuracao.com
- 16.inyourpocket.com
- 17.curacaotodo.com
- 18.busjump.com
- 19.kurabotanica.com
- 20.smart.columbus.gov
- 21.airmundo.com
- 22.curacao-travelguide.com
- 23.topmakelaarcuracao.com
- 24.mycuracaoguide.com
- 25.shadesofsummr.com
- 26.celebritycruises.com
- 27.viator.com
- 28.scooterscuracao-flamingogo.com
More About Curaçao
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.