How do you get to Oranjestad?
Getting There1.9/10Harder to reach than about 90% of cities
- Main airport
- Queen Beatrix International Airport
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: welcomepickups.com, aruba.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- The Aruban Florin (AWG) is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of approximately 1 USD = 1.79 AWG, so exchange rates remain stable year-round.
- Public buses do not operate 24 hours; plan accordingly if arriving late. Taxis are the only reliable ground transport option after 23:30.
- If taking the public bus from the airport, the walk from the terminal to the bus stop (behind the car park) may be challenging with heavy luggage.
- For better value, purchase a return card (2 trips) or day pass rather than individual one-way tickets if planning multiple bus journeys.
- US dollars are widely accepted in Oranjestad alongside AWG, but change is often given in local currency.
Tram
- Name
- Oranjestad Tram (Arutram)
- Route
- Port of Call to Plaza Comercio
- Notes
- Hydrogen-powered tram line serving downtown Oranjestad. 8 regular service stops plus 2 additional stops. Designed to enhance mobility within the city center.
Airport
- Name
- Queen Beatrix International Airport
- IATA Code
- AUA
- Distance From City Center
- 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Travel Time To City Center
- 10 minutes by car/taxi
Car Rental
- Location
- Across from Arrivals Hall
- Availability
- 10+ companies at airport (Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and local providers)
Cruise Ships
- Port
- Port Authority, downtown Oranjestad
- Amenity
- Free electric trolleys available at terminal to reach downtown
Rail And Ferry
- Rail
- No trains on Aruba.
- Ferry
- No ferry services between Aruba and neighboring islands (Curaçao, Bonaire, Venezuela). Air travel only option.
Airport To Oranjestad
Taxi
- Cost
- AWG 22
- Duration Minutes
- 10
- Notes
- Government-regulated fixed rates. Only door-to-door option available 24/7. Surcharge of 3 AWG (1.70 USD) applies for travels between 23:00-07:00 and on Sundays/public holidays. One piece of luggage and one personal item included; 2 AWG (1.10 USD) per additional item.
Public Bus (Arubus Lines L1, L2, L2B, L8)
- Cost
- AWG 2.60
- Duration Minutes
- 15
- Notes
- Budget option. One bus per hour. Bus does not stop directly at terminal; pick-up point is behind car park on main Route 1. Waiting times can reach 1 hour. Operates until 11:30 PM; unavailable late night.
Private Transfer/Shuttle Service
- Cost
- AWG 97
- Duration Minutes
- 5
- Notes
- Private car for 1-4 passengers. Convenient pre-booking option with door-to-door service. Minivan transfers range 90-135 AWG (50-75 USD). Shuttle van for larger groups: 180 AWG (100 USD) for up to 8 passengers.
Public Transportation In City
- Day pass
- AWG 10
- Provider
- Arubus
- Return Card
- AWG 5.00
- Single Fare
- AWG 2.60
- Main Terminal
- Downtown Oranjestad, adjacent to cruise terminal and Royal Plaza
- Bus Service Frequency
- Every 15 minutes (05:45-18:00), then every 40 minutes until 23:30
- Notes
- Buses stop at all major hotels. Payment accepted in USD or AWG onboard. Smartcard available with discounts for frequent riders, students, seniors. No night service after 23:30.
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 Oranjestad
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.