Taking a taxi in Aruba
Taking a taxi while on holiday in Aruba is a great way to get around this Caribbean paradise, allowing you to take in the sites quickly and stress-free. Taxis can be arranged in several ways by waving one down on the street, grabbing one from a taxi stand, or booking one over the phone or in advance through a company like Welcome.
That being said, millions of visitors flock to this island each year and yet there are less than 500 registered taxis, hundreds of which operate privately and aren’t reachable through a dispatch service, resulting in long wait times. Nevertheless, taxis are still the easiest and most reliable way to travel. Aruba taxis are legally allowed to carry up to seven passengers, although most taxis can seat up to five. Taxis come in all different colours but official taxis should have an official ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof and display the fixed fare rates in the window.
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Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM AIRPORT TO ORANJESTAD CITY CENTRE | 18.90 € | 21.60 € | 11 MIN |
| FROM AIRPORT TO ARUBA CRUISE TERMINAL | 22.50 € | 25.20 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM THE AIRPORT TO NOORD | 27 € | 29.70 € | 17 MIN |
| FROM EAGLE BEACH TO THE AIRPORT | 25.20 € | 27.90 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM ARUBA CRUISE TERMINAL TO EAGLE BEACH | 13.50 € | 16.20 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM ORANJESTAD CITY CENTRE TO SANTA CRUZ | 18.90 € | 21.60 € | 20 MIN |
Taxi prices in Aruba
When taking a taxi in Aruba prices won’t be determined by a taximeter. Instead, you’ll be charged a fixed rate depending on your starting point and destination, based on different zones. In any case, rides to anywhere on the island from Aruba Airport will cost somewhere between $17 and $12 (€15.30 – €37.70), with a minimum fare of $7 (€6.30) applied to all rides.
The cost of your taxi in Aruba may also be affected by the time and day of your travel and any luggage you’re carrying. For instance, if you’re travelling on Sundays, during major holidays or at night (between the hours of 23:00 to 07:00), there will be a surcharge of $3 (€2.70) added to your fixed fare and for extra luggage you’ll pay $2 (€1.80) per item. You can see a full list of Aruba taxi rates here.
*Aruba taxi rates were last updated in 2018 and those rates are currently still valid. However, taxi drivers have been asking for these to be revised so keep an eye out for new Aruba taxi rates in 2024.
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How to get a taxi in Aruba
There are several ways you can find an Aruba taxi service on the island. Taxis can be hailed on the street from the main hotel strip or the main highway, however, outside of these areas taxis may not pass by all that often.
Otherwise, finding a taxi rank in Aruba is relatively easy, with taxis often found outside Aruba Airport, the cruise ship terminal, major hotels, shopping streets and popular beaches like Palm and Eagle Beach.
How to get a taxi from Aruba Airport
Aruba Airport isn’t all that big so you won’t have any trouble navigating to the taxi stand. After you’ve collected any luggage, make your way to the Arrivals exit where you’ll find official Aruba Airport taxis lined up out front. From Aruba Airport to the centre of Oranjestad takes about 10 minutes and you’ll pay a fixed fare price of $21 (€18.90) during the day and $24 (€21.60) at night.
How to get a taxi from Aruba Cruise Terminal
After disembarking your cruise, you’ll pass several retail stores as you make your way to the exit. Just beyond the shops is where taxis will be lined up waiting after each cruise ship docks. Keep in mind that since it is first come, first served, there is often a long wait. From the cruise port to Eagle Beach– one of the most popular on the island – takes around 8 minutes and should cost $15 (€13.50).
How to get a taxi from Palm Beach
The easiest way to find a taxi from Palm Beach is to head to one of the nearby hotels. Taxis are often stationed here throughout the day, and if there are none waiting, you can ask one of the hotel staff to phone one on your behalf.
How to get a taxi from Oranjestad Bus Terminal
The bus station is well-positioned for finding a taxi, located right by the cruise terminal and the Royal Plaza Mall. Taxis are typically waiting outside the exit to the terminal, however, if there are none available you can try the shopping centre car park, or across the road at the cruise terminal taxi stand.
Most popular taxi apps in Aruba
Unfortunately, there currently isn’t an Aruba taxi app that allows passengers to book a ride. Furthermore, local taxi drivers have been resistant to the introduction of ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.
With this in mind, if you’re travelling to and from the airport, the most reliable transport option is to book a private transfer in advance using a trusted company like Welcome. You’ll receive a competitive fixed fare rate and a guaranteed on-time pick-up. Plus, drivers are English-speaking and local to the area so they can transfer you quickly and seamlessly.
Useful taxi numbers in Aruba
If you need to travel during bad weather, late at night or from a far-out location, you can also call an Aruba taxi service directly. Some of the most popular taxi companies that you can call for pickups are:
Aruba Taxi Company: +297 (587) 1300
Taxi Address Service Aruba: +297 (587) 5900
Taxi Services Aruba: +297 (741) 0504
Why book your Aruba taxi in advance
There’s nothing better than knowing all your transport needs are taken care of so you can concentrate on enjoying a relaxing vacation in Aruba. At Welcome Pickups, your comfort is our main priority, that’s why we offer guaranteed on-time pickups, English-speaking drivers, exciting travel extras and unbeatable prices for all our Aruba taxis.
Aruba taxi tips
- You can fit up to 5 passengers in an Aruba taxi.
- Be sure to agree with your driver on your journey’s fixed rate before beginning your journey.
- You can pay for your Aruba taxi in both Aruban florin and US dollars.
- Tipping your taxi driver isn’t mandatory or expected in Aruba but it’s always appreciated, especially if you received great service.
- Finding a taxi at night after 21:00 can be tricky in Aruba so if you think you’ll need a ride later than this, we suggest pre-booking a taxi with a company like Welcome instead
- Most Aruba taxi drivers only accept cash and prefer for the exact fare to be handed over to avoid giving change, as they don’t always carry enough.
- Children under the age of two don’t count towards the passenger count.
Wheelchair-accessible Aruba taxi service
Unfortunately, the standard taxis in Aruba aren’t wheelchair accessible. If you’re looking for a fully equipped vehicle with a ramp or lift, you can contact We Welcome Wheelchairs. This company specialises in Aruba taxis that are wheelchair friendly. To book, you can call them on +297 (742) 0492, or you can visit their website to book online.
Aruba taxi safety and complaints
Although taxis in Aruba are generally well-regulated and safe, drivers aren’t required to undertake any driving courses or have official qualifications. Moreover, on occasion, you may experience a rude driver or be overcharged.
If any of these things happen, or if you feel unsafe at any moment, be sure to take note of your driver’s ID number or the taxi number and report it to the local authorities by calling +297 (582) 4000 or phone the company directly, if applicable.