Travel Guides – Page 2 – Sunshine Facts

If you are on vacation in Aruba or planning a vacation to Aruba you may be thinking about how you will get around on the island. Uber and Lyft have become mainstream rideshare companies in the United States and many other countries over the past couple years, and you might be wondering if that includes Aruba? Does Aruba have Uber or Lyft? 2021 UPDATE: Aruba does not have Uber or Lyft. Taxis in Aruba are government-regulated, therefore these two rideshare companies have not been able to establish an active footprint in the country. If you need transportation options from the airport, you can find plenty of options available at Viator.com, which is a TripAdvisor company. Click here to view Aruba airport transportation options available at Viator.com (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com). If you are looking for a way to get around the island during your stay, of course taxi and car rental are both options. But there are other options, including paid tours and shuttles. Click here to browse through all of your tour and transportation options available for Aruba at Viator.com (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com). Since Uber and Lyft will not be an option for you, in this article we will discuss your alternatives to give you a better idea what to expect. Aruba Uber and Lyft As detailed above, government regulations prohibit ride-sharing services in Aruba. All taxi licenses are issued through the government, and drivers must follow specific insurance and pricing policies. Since taxis in Aruba are strictly regulated by law, rideshare companies Uber and Lyft do not operate in the country. Alternatives to Uber and Lyft in Aruba There are still many ways for travelers to get around in Aruba without relying on Uber or Lyft. Taxis remain one of the most popular options thanks to their abundance and convenience, and there are also many shuttle services that can take you to and from the airport. If you need transportation options from the airport, you can find plenty of options available at Viator.com, which is a TripAdvisor company. Click here to view Aruba airport transportation options available at Viator.com (affiliate link takes you to Viator.com). Car rentals are also easily accessible and a great choice for travelers who plan to move frequently around the island during their stay. For an authentic and budget-friendly experience, public buses or traveling by foot can make for good transportation alternatives depending on your itinerary. Below, we discuss each option in further detail. Taxis Taxis in Aruba do not use meters. Instead, all rates are fixed in U.S. dollars and are regulated by the government. Rates are issued per taxi for a maximum of five passengers. Drivers are not allowed to change the fare and must inform passengers of the journey cost before departing. Keep in mind that surcharges apply after midnight as well as on holidays and Sundays. While finding a taxi in a tourist area should not be a problem, in lesser-frequented areas it may be necessary to call ahead to arrange for a driver. The vehicles are generally comfortable and well-maintained as taxis are required to undergo yearly inspections. Shirtless, wet, or damp passengers may be refused service to maintain the taxi's good condition. High-denomination bills are usually not accepted, so make sure to have the appropriate payment means before hailing a driver. Car Rental If you plan to make frequent excursions, then renting a car in Aruba could be cheaper than relying on taxis. Finding a rental car is easy thanks to several rental car agencies who offer airport car rental or hotel pickup. Most visitors have no problem driving in Aruba, though drivers should be familiar with local traffic rules. For example, the island has light traffic but many roundabouts, and the road signs are in kilometers. Rental cars are typically small, but specialty vehicles like SUVs and convertibles can be reserved in advance. While it's possible to book a car at the last minute, reserving ahead of time guarantees availability, especially when it comes to certain features (like air conditioning). Bus Service An inexpensive bus line connects the island's resort area to downtown Oranjestad, making public transportation an increasingly popular choice for tourists. These clean, air-conditioned buses run every 15 minutes from 5:45 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and every 40 minutes from 6:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. There are many other routes from the main bus terminal in Oranjestad to other destinations around Aruba with round-trip fares and $10 day passes available. Travelers can purchase a rechargeable pass at the airport or pay the bus driver (exact change only). Arashi Beach, Hadacurari Beach, Eagle Beach, and San Nicolas are all reachable by bus, though schedules may vary. If you are looking for more information on Aruba's bus service, you can visit their official site by clicking here. Walking It's also possible to travel between some destinations by foot, but be sure to check the distances ahead of time and bring plenty of water. It takes between 45-60 minutes to walk to town from the resort area, so this option is better for those who aren't in a hurry and don't mind walking in the sun. However, it only takes around 20 minutes to walk the length of Palm Beach, and once in Oranjestad it's easy to explore the town by foot. Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, so while it's always important to be careful when traveling, pedestrian safety is not generally a concern in Aruba.