Is There Uber in Aruba? Getting Around in 2024

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If you’re planning a trip to the most popular ABC island, Aruba, you’re probably wondering about the best ways to get around. As of 2024, there is no Uber or other rideshare services available in Aruba. However, there are plenty of other transportation options to explore my favorite paradise.

After many trips to Aruba, I’ve gotten around in a variety of ways. It’s not difficult, you just have to know what you’re looking for and what your preferences are! Lucky for you, I’ve done the dirty work to take out the guesswork so you can land in Aruba and be ready to get around like a local.

From taxis to rental cars, public transportation, and guided tours, I’ve tried them all. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best option depends on what you want to do and see during your stay. Let’s get started!

Is there Uber in Aruba?

No – Uber does not currently operate in Aruba. Taxis, rental cars, and public transportation options like the Aruba Trolley are great alternatives to getting around the island.

Having a rental car allows you to experience the best of Aruba without relying on taxi schedules or public transport. Renting a car in Aruba is both cost-effective and convenient, making it an ideal option for travelers.

Uber Alternatives

Between taxis, trolleys, and rental cars, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here’s what you need to know:

Guide to Taking Taxis in Aruba

 Rocky shore with waves crashing against the rocks, framed by a bright blue sky and the open ocean.

Taxis are a popular and convenient way to get around Aruba. They’re easy to find and hail – especially in tourist areas like the airport, hotels, and popular beaches.

For nights out and shorter trips to restaurants and bars, particularly in Eagle/Palm Beach area where parking can be a bit of a headache, I always opt for a taxi.

How to Get a Taxi

Taxis can be easily hailed at taxi stands. You’ll see them around the airport, cruise port, resort strip, and Oranjasted. Simply head to a stand or ask the front desk at your hotel to call one for you.

Pro tip: always keep a few taxi company or driver’s numbers on hand. If you need a taxi late at night or in a less populated area, you’ll want to call to schedule a pickup.

I’d also recommend checking out Aruba Facebook groups to find reputable taxi drivers.

I generally do not like getting taxis to go to the beaches, but if it’s your only option, make sure you have the number of a driver or two on you as a lot of the best hidden beaches won’t have tons of taxis waiting outside (though the most popular ones will).

Official Taxi Companies

  • Aruba Taxi Driver: +297 560 0895
  • ATC Aruba Taxi Company: +297 587 1300
  • Taxi Address Service Aruba: +297 587 5900

Taxi Fares

Taxis in Aruba do not have meters, so be sure to ask about the fare ahead of time. These fares are set by the Aruba Government and cannot be changed by taxi drivers. Familiarize yourself with the rate sheet ahead of time.

Below are some average fares:

  • Airport to High-Rise Hotel Area (Palm Beach) – $31
  • Airport to Low-Rise Hotel Area (Eagle Beach & Manchebo Beach) – $28
  • Airport to Oranjestad – $21
  • High-Rise Hotel Area to Oranjestad – $13

Note that there is a surcharge after 11pm, on Sundays, and for luggage. These may change by a few dollars yearly, but they are accurate at the time of writing, and you can always find the updated taxi rate sheet on Aruba’s official website.

And a fun tip if you really want to explore for a day or two: according to the official Aruba taxi laws, you can hire a taxi driver for $50/hour!

View the current taxi rate sheet

Additional Information:

  • Do taxis accept credit cards? No, taxis in Aruba will not accept credit cards and you should carry cash to pay taxis. Taxi rates in Aruba are set in USD.
  • Do taxis accept US dollars? Yes, taxis accept US dollars, they actually prefer it. Don’t worry about exchanging money with Florins.

Taxis are a popular way to get around Aruba and for good reason. They are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to renting a car – unless you plan to be driving around the island all day everyday.

For example, if I don’t have a rental car, I usually skip San Nicolaas since it costs up to $40 each way from Palm and Eagle Beach.

Tips for Taking Taxis

  • Check the Taxi Rate Sheet: Get familiar with the pricing for different routes to budget ahead of time and avoid surprises.
  • Keep Contact Numbers: Have the phone numbers of a few taxi companies or trusted drivers for convenience – especially if you’re away from the main strip or out late at night.
  • Carry Cash: Taxis do not accept credit cards, so make sure you have enough cash in a variety of bills (no need to convert to Florin, prices are in USD).

Rental Cars

Red jeep parked on a rocky shoreline with waves crashing in the background and a partly cloudy sky overhead.

Renting a car in Aruba is a great way to explore the island at your own pace. It provides the freedom and flexibility to visit all of the island’s attractions, including remote beaches and parks that are not easily accessible by public transportation. While there is some public transit on the island, it’s not something you’ll want to rely on.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to consider. On the plus side, renting a car allows you to create your own itinerary and travel whenever you want without depending on taxi availability or limited bus schedules; not to mention high fares to get outside of the main areas.

It is particularly useful for reaching remote locations like the Natural Bridge and Arikok National Park.

Additionally, depending on your plans, renting a car can be more economical, especially if you plan to explore many parts of the island away from the main strip like San Nicolaas and Baby Beach, which are all the way at the south end.

However, there are some drawbacks as well. Navigating can be tricky due to narrow one-way streets in Oranjestad and numerous roundabouts; not everything is maintained either.

There also aren’t stop signs or stop lights, it’s mostly yielding throughout the island, which did stress me out the first few times I drove around.

Lastly, finding parking in busy areas can sometimes be difficult, especially during peak travel seasons. If you don’t have an assigned spot, you may spend a bit of time circling parking lots.

Tips for Renting a Car:

  • Book in Advance: Ensure you secure a car by booking ahead of time, particularly during high tourist seasons.
  • Navigation: Download an offline map of Aruba on your phone to help with navigation, as there might be areas with limited cell service.
  • Driving Etiquette: Be aware of local driving rules, such as driving on the right side of the road, and be prepared for roundabouts and one-way streets in city areas.

Trolley

divi tree in aruba under a pink and yellow sunset sky on the beach

This trolley street car is not a way to get around the entire island of Aruba, but a great way to get around Oranjestad, Aruba’s downtown city.

It’s free to ride and heavily used for cruise passengers to get from the port to the downtown shopping area. It doesn’t operate every day and runs every 45 minutes. If you see one coming, hop on and take a ride through Oranjestad.

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    Bus

    The Arubus (clever) is the public transportation system in Aruba. It is the best way to get around Aruba on a budget, as it is extremely cost-efficient, starting at $2.60/ride, or $10/day.

    Bus Fares:

    • One-way ticket: $2.60
    • Day pass: $10

    The bus service runs frequently between major areas from 5:45 am to 11:30 pm. Check the schedule before making your plans though as bus times change throughout the day.

    The Arubus route mostly travels down the south side of the island. It is widely used by locals living in Aruba. You can't rely on it to go everywhere, but depending on where you need to go, it could be a convenient way to get around and save money for a day or two in Aruba.

    You can take the bus to go to a few beaches as well:

    • Arashi Beach (one of my favorites for snorkeling)
    • Baby Beach
    • Eagle Beach
    • Palm Beach
    flamingo on a beach is there uber in Aruba?

    How Walkable is Aruba?

    The touristy areas, Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, are both walkable and convenient. The terrain is flight and you also have easy access to the affordable busses and trolley stops in the area. Other areas like North of Noord and Santa Cruz are much less walkable.

    However, Aruba is almost 70 square miles - 20 miles long and 6 miles high. So, you won't be able to walk everywhere or see the only island on just your two feet!

    Do You Need a Car in Aruba?

    Aerial view of a sunset over a beach with a jetty extending into the calm ocean, surrounded by palm trees and beachgoers.

    No - you don't need a rental car. However, you may still want one! It really depends on what you're looking for during your trip.

    If you plan to stay in Palm or Eagle Beach on the main resort strip, or even in Oranjestad, you'll be able to get around on your feet or with pretty affordable taxi rides.

    Renting a car is the best way to see the island if you are looking to explore the entire island of Aruba on your own schedule. With a car rental, you can easily get around to all the different beaches and attractions that Aruba has to offer.

    Plus, you'll have the freedom to explore at your own pace and make stops along the way. Best of all, car rentals in Aruba are very affordable. My last trip cost me about $60/day total for a sedan rental car. 4WD will be more expensive, of course.

    Find a rental car in Aruba from Discover Cars ➡️

    Transportation from Aruba Airport

    A beach with large rocks arranged in a line on white sand, with a calm sea in the background.

    When arriving at Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba, getting to your hotel is quite straightforward. There is a taxi stand just outside the terminal, and in my experience, there have always been lines of taxis waiting, ensuring you won't have to wait long for a ride.

    These rates are fixed and regulated by the government. Rates to get to the hotel strip are as follows:

    • $28 to Eagle Beach
    • $31 to Palm Beach
    • 5 person max
    • Cash only - USD is best.

    These rates are fixed and regulated by the government.

    Private transportation: For those who prefer a more personalized service or are arriving at odd hours (ie late in the evening or very early in the morning when there are fewer taxis out and about) arranging private transportation in advance may be the best stress-free option.

    Companies like Kini Kini, De Palm, and Wix offer reliable private transfer services. They're all super professional and punctual.

    This is a great way to have a smooth beginning and end to your vacation, as well as get to chat with your local driver to get your vacation started!

    ✅ Book your pickup and drop-off from the Queen Beatrix International Airport with Wix Tours & Transfers

    Guided Tours and Private Drivers

    A vast, sandy expanse covered with numerous stacked rock cairns near the sea.

    For a more curated experience, consider booking guided tours or hiring a private driver. Guided tours often include transportation and a knowledgeable local guide, making it easy to explore hidden gems.

    Popular Tours:

    FAQs: Getting Around Aruba

    • Is Aruba walkable? Some areas, like Palm Beach, are walkable, but the island's size means you’ll need other transportation for longer distances.
    • Is it worth renting a car? If you want to explore the island extensively, renting a car is a great option. For shorter stays - 3 days or less - taxis and tours might suffice.

    Conclusion: The Best Way to Get Around Aruba

    While there is no Uber in Aruba, there are plenty of other convenient transportation options.

    Whether you prefer the flexibility of renting a car, the ease of taxis, the affordability of public transport, or the comprehensive experience of guided tours, Aruba has something for every traveler. My best advice is to simply plan ahead. With fixed rates and schedules, they make it easy to help you decide what's best for you and your crew.

    Hopefully, my guide has answered all of your questions and will give you the peace of mind to get around Aruba like an expert by the time you arrive.

    Find a rental car in Aruba from Discover Cars ➡️

    or schedule a pickup from the airport

    ✅ Book your pickup and drop-off from the Queen Beatrix International Airport with Wix Tours & Transfers

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