Car Rental in Oranjestad

Why rent a car in Oranjestad?

Oranjestad is a great place to visit. Although small and cozy (it has only about 35,000 residents), it is nonetheless by far the largest settlement on the island and is home to Aruba’s most interesting museums and best-preserved colonial architecture. Like anywhere else in Aruba, you are never far from a beautiful beach - Oranjestad can also serve as a base for exploring the island’s Caribbean coastline,opportunities for water sports, and well-preserved nature.

Top ways to enter Oranjestad

• Aruba Oranjestad Airport: Also known as Queen Beatrix Airport after the former Dutch monarch, it is the only airport in Aruba. The airport has flights by around 20 different airlines offering flights to and from other Caribbean countries as well as destinations like the USA, Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Aruba Airport is just 1.5 km (0.9 miles) south of Oranjestad city center and can be reached in about five minutes by car.
• By sea: As of November 2019, there are no ferry services connecting Aruba to other Caribbean islands, not even with the nearby Dutch Lesser Antilles islands of Curacao and Bonaire. There are daily flights from Aruba to Curacao and Bonaire, as well as other Caribbean islands like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Sint Maarten. Many Caribbean cruise ships stop in Aruba as well, but they only give travelers, at most, a day to spend on the island. 
• Although the South American nation of Venezuela is only about 30 km (18 miles) south of Aruba, there is no ferry service between the two. There are seasonal flights to Las Piedras in Venezuela, but most governments advise against all non-essential travel to Venezuela due to the security situation in the country. There are flights to nearby Barranquilla in Colombia which is a lot more safe as a travel destination.

City facts

• Aruba has a hot semi-arid climate with very hot and steady temperature throughout the year. The average high temperature is 33°C  (91°F) in September, the warmest month, and 30°C  (86°F) in January, the coldest. The rainy season lasts from mid-September until December; the months of March and April are the driest.
• Like the nearby Curacao and Bonaire, Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba has considerable autonomy from the Dutch government in Amsterdam - it uses its own currency, the Aruban Florin (AWG), and is not part of the European Union (EU). Aruba offers visa-free entry to the citizens of the member states of the EU; some other European states like Switzerland, Norway, and Serbia; most North American, South American, and Caribbean nations; and select other nations like Japan, Australia, and Malaysia. 
• Aruba has two official languages - Dutch and Papiamento. While Dutch is the main language of legal and political matters, Papiamento remains the main language spoken in the streets and among local families. Papiamento is a Portuguese Creole language influenced by other European languages like Spanish and Dutch, native Caribbean tongues, as well as West African languages like Mandinka and Papel. Knowledge of English is high among people working in the service industries; quite a lot of people also speak Spanish.

Top sights and activities

• Fort Zoutman. The oldest surviving building in Aruba, the first stone of Fort Zoutman was laid in the late 18th century. A military fortification built by the Dutch, the fort’s purpose was to protect Oranjestad from pirate attacks which were quite frequent at the time. In the 1860s, the Willem III Tower was added to the building - nowadays it is the best-known feature of the fort.
• Historical Museum of Aruba. Located inside of Fort Zoutman, but deserving special mention, the historical museum is one of the most visited places in Oranjestad. Offering tours in different languages, it tells the story of the original Taino and Arawak inhabitants of the island, the arrival of European colonists and the African slaves they brought with them, the conflicts between the Dutch and the English, the beginning of extractive industries on Aruba, and the modern period. There are also exhibitions on Aruban art and culture.
• Oranjestad Market. Also known locally as the Wharfside Market (thanks to its waterfront location) or the Flea Market, this is one of the most interesting places to visit in the capital of Aruba. Some of the items on sale are mass-produced, but it’s also possible to find unique crafts and souvenirs made by locals. The wharfside area is also the best place in Oranjestad to look for fresh seafood brough to the shore by the local fishermen.
• Beaches. According to many travelers, Aruba is one of the most idyllic beach destinations not only in the Caribbean but the whole world. With a coast totaling 68 km (42 miles) in length, the island has many great spots to choose from. A lot of great beaches like Surfside Beach, Manchebo Beach, and Druif Beach are located just a short ride from Oranjestad.

Traffic and parking

• Aruba drives on the right-hand side of the road. 
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits in Aruba are 80 km/h (50 mph) on a few specifically designated motorways, 60 km/h (37 mph) on all other intercity roads and 30 km/h (18 mph) in urban areas.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05%. Exceeding the threshold can lead to high penalties and even imprisonment. 
• A large percentage of the streets in Oranjestad are one-way, so even places that seem to be nearby can take additional time to get to. Get a rental car with an up-to-date GPS system to navigate the city. 
• There are quite a few free parking spaces in Oranjestad, especially a bit away from the city center. However, do keep in mind that it is prohibited to park where there are yellow stripes on the streets and roads. 
• Unlike in the United States and some other countries, right turns are prohibited in Aruba when the light is red. 
• Most road signs are written in English; however, a few are only in Dutch and/or Papiamento. 
• Some of Aruba’s more remote areas, especially in the northern part of the island, can only be accessed via dirt roads. While a smaller car is perfect to get around Oranjestad and reach the more popular beaches and resorts, it’s a good idea to get a 4x4 vehicle if you plan to drive in rural areas. It's especially required if you want to drive to the Natural Pool.
• Aruba experiences a pronounced rainy season every year. The rain has a serious effect on some rural and nature roads that can become inaccessible, while even the main highways can get very slippery, so drive carefully. 
• If an intersection has no street signs, cars coming from the right have priority. 
• Many gas stations in Aruba do not permit self-service - instead, you have to look for an employee of the station. 
• Proof of insurance and the car’s registration needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The emergency number for fire service and the police department is 911. The emergency number for an ambulance is 912.

Toll roads

As of June 2023, there are no toll roads in Aruba. 

Ideas for day trips

• The Pool of Conchi (the Natural Pool). One of the best-kept secrets in Aruba, Conchi is a natural rock pool connected to the Caribbean Sea. The picturesque place is located on the eastern part of the island and it is possible to reach it by driving there yourself, although only with a 4x4 vehicle (although it is always possible to hire a local guide). The Conchi Pool is about 10 km (6 miles) from Oranjestad.
• Palm Beach. Located on the northwest coast of Aruba, Palm Beach is one of the liveliest places on the island. Travelers come here not only for the beautiful coastline, but also wooden piers, beach bars, great restaurants, and parties. Located about 9 km (5 miles) north of Oranjestad, Palm Beach can be reached in 20 minutes.
• Antilla Shipwreck. SS Antilla was large German cargo ship that was built in 1939 in Hamburg and deliberately scuttled during World War II just off the coast of Aruba. One of the largest shipwrecks in the region, it has become a popular diving site. Divers can not only explore the remains of the ship but also see different marine species of flora and fauna that have found home inside the wreck. Diving to explore Antilla is generally advised for divers with at least some previous experience. Located near Malmok Beach and Santa Catarina Beach, the diving site is 13 km (8 miles) north of Oranjestad and can be reached in about 30 minutes.
• California Lighthouse. Located near the northern tip of the island and sitting on the Hudishiban Hill, California Lighthouse provides panoramic views of the surrounding island and the sea. A popular tourist attraction, the lighthouse is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and charges an entry fee of $5; it is also equipped with a restaurant. The drive from Oranjestad takes about 25 minutes, and you can visit several popular beach spots such as Boca Catalina on the way.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Oranjestad is the Kia Rio, although many travelers also go for the Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Aveo. The most popular rental car types are compact, economy, and mini.

Further destinations

• Bubali Bird Sanctuary. Home to nearly 100 different species of migratory birds and located near the aptly named Eagle Beach, Bubali is one of the nicest nature preserves in the Caribbean. Visitors can take a tour to learn about the different birds of the sanctuary, climb the observation tower for amazing views, or go on a short hike through the jungle. Located 11 km (7 miles) north of Oranjestad, the bird sanctuary can be reached in 20 minutes.
• Arikok National Park. Although the fact is not widely known, Aruba is actually a volcanic island and has been the site of some very impressive (albeit very ancient) eruptions. Arikok is the best place to observe the natural lava and limestone structures, visit the volcanic caves, take a tour to abandoned gold mines, or learn about the flora and fauna inhabiting the micro-climate of the national park. There are also many hiking trails, and visitors can even climb Hooiberg, the dormant volcano at the center of the island. Literally meaning “haystack” in English, it is said to offer views of nearby Venezuela and the South American mainland on a clear day. Located just 8 km (5 miles) southeast of Oranjestad, Arikok can be reached in about ten minutes.
• Curacao. The neighboring island, Curacao has its own set of delights and is a fun place to visit. Two and a half times larger than Aruba, it is home to three great national parks, plenty of diving and snorkeling sites, the colorful capital of Willemstad, and the impressive Hato Caves. As of December 2019, there are no ferries traveling between Aruba and Curacao, but there are daily flights that take about 35 minutes and you can pick up a new rental car after landing in Willemstad.

Car rental prices in Oranjestad

• Small cars - from $47 per day
• Medium cars - from $41 per day
• Large cars - from $85 per day
• SUVs - from $112 per day
• Vans - from $154 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Following these tips will help you to lend a great rental car in Aruba:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Oranjestad is the cheapest in November when renting a car is about 53% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 76% cheaper than renting a vehicle in May.