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We used the bus several times to get from Palm Beach to Oranjestad and back again, the one way fare is $1.30, $2.30 for a round trip. The drivers do take USD but give change in Aruban currency so it's best to bring along lots of small bills and some change if you plan on using the bus and not exchanging currency.You can see the schedule on the attached website, the main bus station in Oranjestad was very close to Iguana Joe's.
We arrived rather late into the airport in Aruba so we didn't want to fuss with waiting for a shuttle or figure out where the bus stop was so we took a cab. We shared a ride with another couple so it seems it should have been split between the two parties but when we asked she said $22 to the Palm Beach area and I thought the fare would be around $20 so I suspect she gouged us a bit. On the way back to the airport, the driver quoted us $20.I think it only took about 15-20 minutes even with a bit of traffic. Always ask what the fare is before you get into the cab so you don't have a surprise at the end. The drivers readily accept US dollars so don't worry about getting Aruban currency. I read that you should tip 10-15%.The DePalm airport shuttle is another alternative but it's only slightly less expensive if there are two of you traveling, $18.25 per person round trip. Plus you have to...
If you are planning to spend more than a few days in Aruba, you might consider renting a car for either the week or a day. Taxis can become quite expensive if you are shuttling into town, to the store, to other beach areas and to restaurants so having your own transportation might save you some money. Do the math and consider if it's worth it, especially if you are traveling in a group and can split the cost.In addition, most people never travel off the hotel route and miss out on the rugged beauty of the northern part of the island, where fewer tourists travel. Unfortunately the natural bridge is no longer around, but the change in terrain on the island is interesting and worth to see the violent crashing waves on the north in stark contrast with the calm waters fronting all the hotels.
You can't get everywhere by bus , but frequently scheduled services runs to many areas Monday thru Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with less frequent runs from 6:00 p.m. to midnight and Sundays & Holidays.Have the correct change when you board the ARUBUS. A one-way ticket is $1.50 USD or 2 Florins and round-trip fare is $2.00 USD. Stops are marked by a yellow "BUSCHALTE" road sign . Regular routes are between San Nicholas on the south-west coast and the resorts along the beach on the north-west coast with stops in Oranjestad.Hans and I took the bus to downtown Oranjestad and it was pretty simple. There was a bus stop right in front of the Holiday Inn and the trip took about 20 minutes and brings you right to the downtown bus station. On the way back just look for the bus that says "HOTELS".
There is a reliable bus line that runs from the high rise hotel area on Palm Beach to downtown. The ride is pretty cheap and runs until about midnight. There are also numerous taxi's for hire and are also affordable.
Our trip to Aruba ended with a flight out to Las Piedras airport, Venezuela on a VERY small Sol America propella plane. The weather had been extremely windy the previous night and people were relating terrifying tales of nightmare journeys to add to our edginess.We were also hearing warnings about how much more dangerous Venezuela had become (exaggerated in my humble opinion) in recent years. So it was with some trepidation, we set off early am from the comfort of the Amsterdam Manor for the 20 min flight.At Aruba's Queen Beatrix airport, there is a shrine and meditation room just near the gate for the Venezuelan flights.If you saw that plane, you would understand my need to drop by for a visit ; )Needless to say, we arrived in Venezuela in one piece, but that's another story.
We stayed outsite the tourist area in aruba, adn did not rent a car the first week. So when we wanted to go to oranjestad we went by bus, and to the tourist area too. It is a cheap way to travel, 2 florin. There are normal busses, but mini busses too, and you raise your hand and they stop. if the mini busses have places for passengers they switch on their lights, and then they stop. We had even an trip with a schoolbus, the driver dropped us in the hotel area. Funny thing was, he took his dog with him every day working.
Transportation in Aruba is EXCELLENT!!TAXI'S - are everywhere and the drivers very friendly. A cab ride from the airport to the hotel area costs $16 US. There are no meters. Fares are fixed and set by the government. Taxis are available for sightseeing also.BUSES - are a great way to get around the hotel areas, some of the beaches, or DOWNTOWN. Bus stops are marked with a yellow sign BUSHALTE. The fare is $2 US roundtrip, or $1.30 one way. We took the buses late at night from downtown to the hotel area without any problems.BY FOOT - The island is relatively flat and trade winds blow almost constantly, so walking and jogging are a great way to get around. We walked the entire length of both hotel areas and back (a few miles). We could also walk to the Dutch Windmill, Bubali Bird Sanctuary and Butterfly Farm. JEEP or CAR - It's good to rent a vehicle for a day or two to see other parts of...
If you feel adventure like, rent a Jeep Wrangler. I believe it is superior in ground clearance if you want to go mildly off road. The rental places say you can't take them certain places -but that is only for YOUR protection. DO NOT go in the sand dunes, the last guy we met that went spent one solid hour stuck!
The first couple of days we didn't have a rental car. The public transportation system is easy enough to let us take the bus around...more so for us I guess because we stayed at the busy section of the island. But after waiting around for the bus to arrive and figuring out which bus to go where we rented a car. It wasn't very expensive and much more convenient. With a car we were able to see much more of Aruba, like the Natural bridge and the california light house. Aruba is a not a very big island and with a car you can just drive around the coast until you see pretty much everything. Besides, who wants to wait for a bus while on vacation?
Bucuti Beach resort Oranjestad Oranjestad
1165 Opinions
Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba
2 Reviews and 1165 Opinions We were greeted with not just one but two glasses of champagne while we checked in, which we thought...
Caribbean Palm Village Resort Noord
147 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Aruba attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Aruba sightseeing.
Q: i need some help to choose a hotel in aruba.it should be a romantic place ,close to the sea. thanks M
A: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is the only Aruba hotel with honeymoon suites, I would say thats romantic. Other places would be: Bucuti Beach Resort - for...
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