Driving in Aruba

Are you travelling to Aruba and planning to explore this incredible island by car? Then you have come to the right place! Driving in Aruba couldn’t be easier.

Exploring Aruba by car is a great way to see all this paradise has to offer.

From the busy streets of Oranjestad to the peaceful beaches of Eagle and Palm Beach, there are many sights and attractions to discover.

But before you start driving, there are a few things you need to know about getting around Aruba.

In this blog post, we’ll cover how to navigate the island and the rules of the road.

Let’s jump in!

Known as “One Happy Island,” Aruba is a small Caribbean Island located just off the coast of Venezuela. Aruba is one of four countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Although there are many public transportation options available on the island, renting a car and driving allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

This is especially true if you are looking to visit some of the more ‘off the beaten path’ attractions like Arikok National Park.

No matter what the situation, you will be happy to know that driving in Aruba could not be easier.

Many of the rules are similar to those found in North America (and some parts of Europe), so you should feel right at home on the roads.

Should You Rent a Car in Aruba?

Yes, renting a car in Aruba can be an excellent way to explore the island and experience all it has to offer.

While Aruba may be a relatively small island, there’s still plenty to see and do

And as we just mentioned, having a car gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary and see the sights at your own pace.

Renting a car in Aruba is not just convenient, but it is also completely safe, and pretty affordable.

Aruba-Airport-Transportation-SUV-on-the-beach

That being said, you do need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Aruba.

And most car rental agencies will charge an additional fee for renters younger than 25.

🚙 Check rates and availability for all rental cars in Aruba here.

What Do I Need to Drive in Aruba?

If you plan to rent a car and explore Aruba’s stunning landscapes and vibrant towns, you’ll need a few things before you hit the road.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Aruba.
You will also need a valid driver’s license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
You will need a valid credit card in the driver’s name to cover the rental fees and any potential damages or fines.
You must have Basic Third Party Liability Insurance, which is usually provided by most rental companies.

🚗 Do You Need an International Driver’s Permit Before Driving in Aruba?

If you’re planning to drive in Aruba and you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you won’t necessarily need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Aruba recognizes foreign driver’s licenses, as long as they’re written in either English, Dutch, or Spanish.

However, if your driver’s license is not written in one of the recognized languages, or it’s not written using the Roman alphabet, you will need to obtain either a translation from an authorized translator before you arrive in Aruba, or an International Driving Permit.

Rules of the Road That You Need to Know Before Driving in Aruba

🚗 Seat Belts

Seatbelts must be worn at all times in Aruba.

🚗💨 Drive on the Right

Motorists in Aruba drive on the right-hand side of the road, just like in North America.

🚗💨 Speed Limits

Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour, and are enforced in Aruba.

In cities – 30 kilometres per hour (19 mph) unless it is posted otherwise.
In rural areas – 60 kilometres per hour (37 mph) unless otherwise stated.
Major roadways (ie. Sasaki Highway) – 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph).

🚗💨 One-Way Streets

You will find that many streets in Aruba are one-way streets. As a result, be careful when passing/overtaking other vehicles.

And if you want to pass another car, always pass on the left-hand side.

🚗💨 Vehicles Have Priority

Vehicles have priority over non-motorized vehicles in Aruba.
Since there are few bicycle lanes in Aruba, cyclists must exercise caution when riding on roadways.
Riding a bicycle at night also isn’t the best idea, as many roads in Aruba aren’t well-lit for the most part.

🚦 Right-Hand Turns

Turning right at a red light is not allowed for any reason.

🚦 Right of Way at Intersections

Vehicles coming from the right have the right of way at intersections.

🚦 Roundabouts

Many traffic lights in Aruba have been replaced by roundabouts in recent years.

Entering vehicles MUST yield to vehicles that are already in the roundabout.
Watch for raised lane dividers within the roundabout. They are used to discourage drivers from trying to change lanes while in the roundabout.
Signal to exit the roundabout.

🛑 Road Signs

Road signs in Aruba are a little different than the ones you may be accustomed to back home. So it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with their meanings before driving in Aruba.

As a Canadian driver (and my friends from the US will understand this as well), I was accustomed to signs indicating that something is prohibited (left turns for instance), normally have a red circle with a red line crossed over it 🚫.

In Aruba, a sign marking a prohibited action will only have a red circle around it ⭕. Not a big deal, but definitely worth noting.

🍼 Car Seats

Kids under the age of 5 are required to be in car seats.
Kids older than 5 do not need to be in a car seat but MUST be sitting in the rear seats of the vehicle.

📱 Cell Phones

Talking on the phone is illegal while driving in Aruba.
Violations can result in sizeable fines, court time, and even imprisonment.
The device must be hands-free if you want to talk on the phone.

🍹 Drinking and Driving

In Aruba, the maximum blood alcohol content (BAC) is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood. If you exceed this limit, you can be arrested for Impaired Driving.

And because alcohol affects people differently, you can’t really guess how many drinks will put someone over the limit.

If you are planning to drink, just play it safe and call for a ride. There is no Uber in Aruba, however, taxis are inexpensive and plentiful across the majority of the island.

🚓 Traffic Violations

If the police stop you for a driving offence, then expect to be issued an offence notice (ticket).

You will then have 21 days to pay the fine, which can be done at the local police station.

If you don’t pay the fine, your rental company will be notified.

You can then expect a notification to have to pay the fine, with the added bonus of a hefty administrative fee from the rental company.

🚨 Emergency Number

If you get into any kind of trouble while driving in Aruba, call 911.

This will get you in touch with the Police, Fire Department or Ambulance.

If you get into an accident, call the police first, then your rental company and insurance company.

Navigation in Aruba

As we have mentioned, Aruba is a pretty small island, so it’s pretty hard to get really lost.

With that being said, there are also quite a few parts of the island with little or no cell reception.

Our advice is to download 🗺️ Google Maps before you leave on your adventure.

This way, if you can’t access the maps live, you at least have an offline version to work with.

🧭 Insider Tip – If all else fails, pay attention to the Divi Divi trees! Their windswept branches always point west – which also happens to be the direction of where the popular resort area lies.

Road Conditions in Aruba

In Aruba, you will find that the main roads are paved and in pretty good condition.

This means you can easily get around most parts of the island in a standard rental car.

Once you head a little further out of the city, and to more off-the-beaten-path locations, the roads tend to get a little more rough.

In this case, we would definitely recommend renting an SUV or jeep with four-wheel drive.

Something else to keep in mind when driving in Aruba is the animals.

As a city girl, what still freaks me out when driving, are the animals wandering on or alongside the road.

From dogs to goats, donkeys, and even iguanas, don’t be surprised or alarmed by the animals that make their way onto the roads in the more rural parts of the island.

🚗💨 Off-road Adventures

Of course, if you are looking to be really adventurous, you could always rent an ATV or UTV to explore the northern and eastern parts of the island where the roads are practically nonexistent!

And if you are not comfortable driving an ATV alone around the island, there are plenty of ATV or UTV tours available.

These awesome tours will take you to all the best sightseeing spots that are too remote to reach by car.

Hubby and I had a blast on our tour. But just a heads up, prepare to get REALLY dusty!

🚙 Check prices and availability for all Aruba ATV and UTV tours here.

Gas Stations in Aruba

If you are planning to drive in Aruba, then you will need to know a few things about gas stations on the island.

Gas stations are relatively easy to find in Oranjestad, San Nicolas, and the resort areas on the West Coast.
Attendants will pump gas for you at most stations in Aruba.
If you do choose to use a self-service lane, you will need to go inside the station to pay for the gas BEFORE using the pump.
Gas in Aruba is sold by the litre (not by the gallon).
Gas prices in Aruba are regulated by the government, meaning that they are the same everywhere on the island.

Parking in Aruba

It is generally easy to find places to park in Aruba. There are a few rules to consider, as well as different parking options for when you are in the city.

🚫 No Parking Zones in Aruba

When driving in Aruba, you are not allowed to park in the following places:

On a bridge.
Alongside a yellow line on the road.
On a road with a continuous middle line.

🚗 Paid Parking in Oranjestad

There are several parking options when in Oranjestad.

Paid metered parking at the side of the road or in various parking lots around the city.
Paid metered parking at the Renaissance Marketplace.

Aruparking is a company that runs all the parking meters in Oranjestad, as well as in other parts of the island.

The meters are usually in effect from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

Parking at the meters can be paid for by way of coins (both Aruban and US), a prepaid Aruparking SmartCard, credit cards, and by using a smartphone app.

🚗 Free Parking in Oranjestad

If you’re looking for free parking in downtown Oranjestad, there are a couple of options to keep in mind.

Free non-metered parking spots are available on the side of the road in downtown Oranjestad. These limited spots can be hard to come by, especially during the busiest times of the day.
Aruparking metered spots are actually free outside of peak hours. So, from Monday through Saturday, you could park for free after 7:00 pm, and anytime on Sundays.

🚗 Parking at Hotels in Aruba

When it comes to parking at hotels in Aruba, the policies can vary widely depending on the property you’re staying at.

Some hotels offer free parking for their guests, while others charge a daily fee or require you to use a valet service.

If you’re planning to rent a car during your stay, it’s a good idea to check with your hotel in advance to see what their parking policies are.

We would like to note, however, that along the main hotel strip, you will find some free street parking, as well as some free public parking lots.

Aruba-with-Kids-toddler-walking-on-Aruba-beach

🚗 Parking at Beaches in Aruba

Parking is free at all Aruba beaches.

That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Some of the more popular beaches on the island, such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, offer designated parking lots for visitors.

However, these lots can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you plan to park there.

Additionally, some of the smaller, more secluded beaches may not have designated parking areas at all, so you may need to park on the side of the road or in a nearby lot and walk to the beach.

As with parking anywhere in Aruba, be sure to check any posted signs or restrictions before you park to avoid getting a ticket.

Aruba Driving – FAQs

Can Canadians drive in Aruba?

Yes, Canadians can drive in Aruba. As long as you have a valid driver’s license from Canada and meet the age requirements for driving in Aruba, you should have no problem renting and driving a car on the island.

Is it worth renting a car in Aruba?

Yes, it’s definitely worth renting a car in Aruba if you want to have the freedom to explore the island on your own terms. With a car, you can easily access all of the island’s attractions, including its many beautiful beaches and natural wonders, and enjoy a more authentic and personalized travel experience.

Is it cheaper to rent a car or taxi in Aruba?

In general, car rentals are cheaper than taking a taxi in Aruba, especially if you plan to explore the island extensively. While taxi fares can add up quickly, renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace and can be a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Can you drive around Aruba in a day?

Yes, it’s possible to road trip around the entire island of Aruba in a day. However, if you want to truly explore and enjoy all that the island has to offer, it’s recommended to take your time and spread your explorations over several days.

How long does it take to drive all around Aruba?

It takes around 1-1.5 hours to drive all around Aruba. The island is relatively small, measuring only about 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, so you can easily drive from one end to the other in a relatively short amount of time.

Is it safe to rent scooters in Aruba?

In general, it is safe to rent scooters in Aruba as long as you take the necessary precautions and follow local traffic laws. However, it’s important to note that the roads can be busy and chaotic, especially in the downtown areas.

Is parking free in Aruba?

No, parking is not always free in Aruba. Some parking spots require payment through parking meters. However, there are also some free parking options available, such as certain non-metered spots on the side of the road in downtown Oranjestad and at some of the island’s beaches.

🚙 Get the best rates on a car rental from Queen Beatrix International Airport here.

Aruba-Red-Scooter-at-the-side-of-the-road

Aruba Driving – Final Thoughts

So there you have it – everything you need to know about driving in Aruba! From the rules of the road to where to find parking, we’ve covered it all.

Renting a car in Aruba can be a fantastic way to experience the island’s many wonders.

Just remember to bring your driver’s license and a sense of adventure, and you’ll be all set to hit the road.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, driving in Aruba is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Driving in Aruba – What You Need to Know Before You Go 2024