Taking a Taxi in Curacao
Up until recently, there were only 200 registered taxi drivers in Curaçao. However, the market is now expanding to meet the demands of the growing tourist industry, making it easier to find a cab on the go. It’s common to book a taxi through your hotel or resort, although you will still find them on the street in certain areas of Willemstad and at popular beaches. Otherwise, you can use a local taxi app, phone a driver directly, or pre-book a transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Curacao taxis can accommodate up to 12 passengers and come in various vehicle sizes and colors. Taxis are typically independently owned, so the main thing to look for is the “TX” on the number plate. Unless you’re traveling somewhere off the beaten track, your Curacao taxi price will likely be a fixed rate, including rides to and from Curacao Airport and the city center.
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Curacao taxi prices
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM OTROBANDA TO AIRPORT | 32.50 € | 41 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM WILLEMSTAD TO PLAYA CAS ABAO | 90 € | 112.50 € | 40 MIN |
| FROM AIRPORT TO HOTELS | 32.50 € | 41 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM CRUISE PORT TO MAMBO BEACH | 30 € | 37.50 € | 12 MIN |
| FROM WILLEMSTAD TO GROTE KNIP | 100 € | 125 € | 50 MIN |
Curacao Taxi Rates
Since vehicles are usually independently owned and operated, when you take a taxi in Curacao, the price is generally at the discretion of the driver. Official rate sheets should be on display in the vehicle or available on request, however, you may find that this isn’t always the case.
Nevertheless, the government has set standard fixed fare rates for most destinations, such as rides from Curacao Airport to Willemstad for €32.50 to €37 (ANG 63-72), depending on which side of the city you are staying.
Furthermore, if you’re venturing to somewhere outside of the main tourist areas, it’s standard for your driver to charge you €13.80 (ANG 26.90) upfront for the first 4 kilometers, and then €1.90 (ANG 3.70) for every kilometer thereafter.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re traveling at night (23:00 to 06:00), or with more than four passengers, there will be an additional 25% surcharge.
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How to get a Taxi in Curacao
Finding a taxi service in Curacao is easy enough in Willemstad, although, outside the main town center, you may be better off phoning or booking one via an app. In any case, always ensure that they have a TX number plate, as these are the only legal taxis on the island. Most taxi vehicles also have a yellow “TAXI” rooftop sign.
You can easily hail a taxi in Curacao by putting out your hand in the street or by walking to an official taxi stand. There are only a handful of taxi stands on the island, most often marked with a blue and white sign and road paint, however, you may also find taxis waiting outside hotels, shopping malls, beaches, and transport hubs.
How to get a taxi from Hato International Airport
The official taxi stand at Curacao Airport is located to the left as you exit the Arrivals Hall. Keep walking until you see a row of taxis lined up; there is no need to book, just hop in the vehicle at the front of the queue.
How to get a taxi from Curacao Cruise Port
The taxi stand is located at the end of the pier. It’s common to share a ride with other people to your destination and for drivers to charge a per-person rate, for instance, €4.60 – €7.40 (ANG 9-14.40) to Mambo Beach. Be sure to agree on the final price before departing.
How to get a taxi from Punda
There is a taxi stand to the right after you cross the Queen Emma Bridge, where drivers can park in individually marked car spaces. If a driver doesn’t approach you, feel free to knock on the front window to get their attention.
How to get a taxi from Otrobanda
Similar to the Punda side of Willemstad, you’ll find the official taxi stand in the Otrobanda to the left as you come off the Queen Emma bridge. There is a huge car parking lot dedicated to taxi vehicles here where you can take the next available driver.
How to get a taxi from Mambo Beach
As is the case with all beaches on Curacao, there isn’t a designated taxi stand that you can walk to. However, it is common for taxis to hang around along the main strip, so you should have no trouble finding one for your return journey.
Most popular taxi apps in Curacao
Whether you want to escape the heat and avoid wandering the streets looking for a ride, or you’re leaving a bar or restaurant late at night, using a taxi app in Curacao can be a stress-free way to arrange transport to and from your hotel.
The Curaçao taxi organization, Thirty Steps Association (TSA), created the 24/7 Taxi Curacao App, which helps connect visitors with local drivers for an upfront cost. You can also pay for your ride through the app.
Since drivers are still limited across the island, the last thing you want is to be stuck without a driver for your journey to and from the airport, which is why we suggest pre-booking your transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Useful taxi numbers in Curacao
If you’re planning a longer journey or are taking a taxi from outside Willemstad, you may wish to arrange a local taxi in Curacao with a number. Some of the top-rated phone dispatch companies on the island are:
- Curacao Taxi Max: +599 9 512 6302
- Curacao Taxi Etienne: +599 9 682 5525
- 24-7 Taxi Curacao: +5999 844 9247
Otherwise, ask your hotel reception to call a taxi on your behalf, or if someone has recommended a trustworthy driver, you can text them directly on WhatsApp.
Why book your Taxi Service in Curacao with Welcome?
Given all the taxis in Curacao are run by different companies, you may receive varying levels of customer service and pricing. If you want to book a Curacao taxi that you can rely on for 5-star service every time, we recommend using Welcome Pickups for a Curacao Airport taxi or around island taxi. We offer 24/7 customer service, modern air-conditioned vehicles, English-speaking drivers, guaranteed on-time pickups, and competitive set-rate fares. Let Welcome take the stress out of your transport in Curacao, so you can get back to making the most out of your relaxing vacation.
Curacao Taxi Tips
- To secure a fair price, it’s best to agree upon a set fare with your driver before beginning your journey.
- It’s standard to pay for your taxi service in Curacao with cash, using either guilders or US dollars.
- Curacao taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10%.
- Taxis are often large vans, which you can either share with other riders or use privately. Keep in mind that there will be a 25% surcharge per additional rider once you have more than four people, regardless of whether you know each other.
- If you require a baby booster seat we suggest booking your ride in advance with Welcome Pickups.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxi in Curacao
As a standard, Curacao taxis aren’t wheelchair accessible. If you are looking for a fully wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a ramp or hydraulic lift, you will need to contact a specialist tour company such as Embrace Care to book this service in advance. Some of the local taxi companies do offer larger vehicles, but they can only accommodate a foldable wheelchair.
Curacao Taxi Safety and Complaints
Using a taxi service in Curacao is usually a very safe and pleasant experience. However, if you do have any issues during your journey, including being overcharged, you can report them directly to the company you traveled with (their phone number is usually on the side of the car), or you can escalate with the local Curacao tourist police by visiting their office on Beach Boulevard. To make a complaint, you will need the license plate number and the driver’s registration details.