TRANSPORTATION TO AND ON ARUBA

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Aruba's state-of-the-art airport facility is the result of a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion project that has established the Queen Beatrix International Airport as a hub in the Caribbean.  The island is served by a number of airlines, with connections to any part of the world. U.S.-bound passengers benefit from their own terminal building that houses a U.S. INS/Customs facility, allowing flights from Aruba to enter the U.S. as domestic flights.

The US departure tax is $36.75.  This charge is waived if you're in Aruba for less than 24 hours, and you can leave the airport and return freely within those hours.  Children under two aren't charged departure tax.

Hotels don't operate shuttle service to and from the airport, but taxis are always on-hand and most car rental companies have offices at the airport directly across from the terminal.

Taxi service is safe and reliable.  Most drivers own their cabs and many drive vans suitable for large groups. Taxis don't have meters because rates are fixed.  Personnel at all hotels and restaurants will call a taxi for you if requested.

There are 16 car rental agencies on the island, as well as nine bicycle, scooter and motorcycle shops. Note that Arubans drive on the right-hand side of the road, speed limits are posted in kilometers and right turns on red lights are NOT allowed anywhere.

Arubus is the island's inexpensive and reliable daily bus service.  Buses run about every half hour between the major hotels and the capital of Oranjestad. Round trip tickets are US$2.00.  Transfers are made at the bus terminal in Oranjestad for other destinations.