Is There Uber In Aruba? 6 Alternative Transportation Methods

ByKatie Caf Updated on

Unfortunately, there is no Uber in Aruba. This is due to tight taxi regulations from government officials. Although there are no ride-hailing apps in Aruba, there are lots of other ways to get around the island. The main transportation alternatives are traditional taxis, which are priced by destination rather than metered, hiring a private driver, renting a car and driving yourself, and public transportation options like the Arubus (local buses) or the trolly in Oranjestad.

✔️ Getting Around Aruba – Essential Info

  • There are no ride-hailing apps in Aruba
  • Traditional taxis only take cash (USD or Aruban Florin)
  • All taxi prices are fixed rates and set by the government in Aruba.
  • There are no meters, so ask the price before getting in the cab
  • Extra charge for luggage ($2 per bag) and late-night trips ($3 fee) after 11 PM
  • Taxis are more difficult to hail if you’re not in the city center.
  • Private Drivers: The government has a set rate of $50 per hour for one car (up to 5 passengers). 
  • The cheapest way to get around in Aruba is by taking the Arubus (public bus)

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✈️ Aruba Airport Transfer Service

You cannot take Uber directly from the airport terminals in Aruba, but this private transfer service is just as convenient and budget-friendly.

→ Book It!

6 Alternatives to Uber in Aruba

1. Traditional Taxis

The reason there is no Uber on the island of Aruba is because taxis are they’re regulated very tightly by the Aruban government. All taxis on the island have an official price list set by the government for all locations on the island. >> Download the Aruban Government’s fixed taxi price list.

A taxi ride in Aruba costs between $7-$50, depending on the distance. Everyone’s version of expensive is different, but I think that taxis in Aruba are quite affordable because they’re regulated by the government, so taxi drivers don’t have the option of overcharging tourists. 

From anywhere in a city like Oranjestad, or outside of a major tourist destination, you will easily be able to call a cab. If you want to visit more off-the-beaten-path destinations, or if you want to go out late at night when there are fewer cabs available, I recommend 🚗 renting a car.

💡Tip: You can get the phone number of any taxi in town and call them to arrange a pick you up if you’re going to a remote area

2. Hiring A Private Driver

You can easily hire a private driver in Aruba by using a local cab driver. The government has a set rate of around $50 per hour for one car (up to 5 passengers).

3. Renting a Car  

Renting a car in Aruba is a great way to see some of the lesser-known (and less crowded!) sights on the island. You can rent a car when you arrive at Oranjestad Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), but I would recommend arranging your rental car ahead of time and picking it up when you arrive at the airport instead.

💰 Cost of Rental Cars: Around $50 per day for a basic model and are usually cheaper if you rent for three days or longer. 

It depends – if you don’t plan on leaving your resort frequently, and just want a few nights out on the town, you can easily travel in Aruba by just taking taxis. If you want to do lots of excursions to more remote areas on the island, especially if you want to visit lesser-known beaches and parks, you will want to rent a car to explore Aruba with. 

Yes! You can easily drive a rental car in Aruba with just a valid US driver’s license. Aruba is not a destination that requires an International Driver’s Permit. 

✔️ Be 21 years or older.

✔️ Know that some rental companies in Aruba charge an additional fee if you’re under 25.

✔️ Have a valid driver’s license (doesn’t need to be international).

✔️ You will need to show your passport.

✔️ Know that you need third-party liability insurance, you can purchase this through your rental company

 

✅ Aruba uses kilometers, not miles. 

✅ In Aruba, they drive on the right side of the road like in the US. 

✅ Download Google Maps offline in Aruba, since there are areas with no service. 

✅ Note that there are a lot of one-way roads in Aruba. 

✅ Know that attendants pump gas for you at gas stations.

4. Taking Tours 

Want to see all the natural wonders and off-the-beaten-path attractions in Aruba, but don’t want to rent a car and go it alone? Taking guided tours in Aruba is an easy way to see all that the island has to offer. I’m linking some of the top Aruba tours below:

Barhopping & Nightlife Tour on a Party Bus

Catamaran & Dolphin Snorkeling Tour

Cave Pool UTV Tour & Cliff Jumping!

The Oranjestad trolly is an Uber alternative transit option in Aruba.
(Photo by Katalin Hoczane Melich on Unsplash)

5. Public Transportaion: Taking the Trolly in Oranjestad 

The Oranjestad trolly is an iconic tourist attraction as well as a public transit option in Aruba. The trolly is 100% free to ride, but it only operates in a few areas of Oranjestad and is mainly used by tourists disembarking from cruise ships on day trips to Oranjestad.The Oranjestad trolly is better to use as a fun activity than an actual way to travel around Aruba. 

6. Public Transportation: The Arubus

Public buses in Aruba are called “Arubus” and are the main form of public transportation on the island, and the method most locals use to get around. The Arubus travels regularly up and down Rt 1, which is the main (and only) highway in Peru – it frequently makes stops in Oranjestad, San Nicolas, and Sabana Basora. The Arubus also makes stops in tourist areas like Arashi Beach, the Mariott hotel, and the hotel zone of Oranjestad. > Check the Arubus Schedule Here

💰 Arubus Cost: The Arubus is an affordable transit option in Aruba – it only costs 4.50 AWG ($2.60) for one ride, and 17.50 AWG ($10) for a whole day pass. Buses run the main line between the Hotel Zone and Oranjestad regularly between 6 am and 11:30 PM. 

💡 Tip: Taking the Arubus is the most budget-friendly way to travel in Aruba! 

Is Aruba Walkable? 

Yes and no – while the main areas like Oranjestad city and the length of the Hotel Zone are walkable, you cannot travel the whole island on foot, it’s just too big! If you stay within the city of Oranjestad, you can easily walk to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. 

What Is The Best Way To Get From Aruba Airport To Your Hotel?

The very best way to get from the airport to your hotel is to pre-book an airport transfer service, that way you will have someone waiting for you at the airport when you arrive and outside your hotel when it’s time to leave. If you don’t want to pre-book a transfer service, there are taxis outside the airport waiting to pick up tourists you can use. 

Katie Caf

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored over 30 countries and lived abroad in places like Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, India, Indonesia Thailand, Europe, and the USA. Her goal is to help other traveler see the world by providing first-hand accounts of what to expect on the road.

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