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Transport Guide · Aruba
Car Rental in Aruba
A rental car unlocks Baby Beach, Arashi, the north coast, and Arikok National Park — everything worth seeing beyond the tourist strip.
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Drive on the Right
Same as US & Europe
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Home Licence OK
No international permit
25
Age 25+
Most companies
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Unlocks 4 Beaches
Baby, Arashi, Manchebo & more
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Book Ahead
Sells out Dec–Apr
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Aruba?
Not for the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach corridor — taxis and the public bus cover both. But Baby Beach at the southern tip, Arashi Beach snorkelling in the northwest, and the entire north coast all require your own transport. Rent for at least 2 to 3 days to see everything worth seeing.
Car Rental Rules in Aruba
Driving licence: Your home country licence is accepted — no international driving permit needed for US, EU, UK, or Canadian visitors.
Minimum age: Most companies require drivers to be at least 25. Some accept 21 to 24 with a surcharge.
Drive on the right: Same side as the US. Roads are well-maintained and clearly signed in Dutch and English.
Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver is strongly recommended. Check whether your credit card already provides rental car cover before purchasing separately.
2WD vs 4×4: A standard 2WD handles all paved roads including Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Oranjestad, and Baby Beach. The Arikok National Park interior and the Natural Pool track require a proper 4×4.
What a Rental Car Unlocks
Baby Beach — the calm southern lagoon, 30 minutes by car. No bus route. Best snorkelling for families. Arrive before 9am.
Arashi Beach — Aruba’s best shore snorkelling, 20 minutes north of Palm Beach. Sea turtles and healthy reef. Tiny parking area — arrive early.
The north coast — cacti, volcanic rock, the California Lighthouse, dramatic Atlantic views. No tour buses. Completely accessible in any rental car.
Arikok National Park — needs a 4×4 for the interior tracks. A 2WD gets you to the park entrance; a guided jeep safari handles the rough terrain.
Practical Tips
Book ahead in peak season (December to April) — rental cars sell out completely. Book before you arrive, ideally the same time you book your hotel.
Fuel: Petrol stations are found throughout the island. Fill up before heading to remote areas — there are no stations inside Arikok National Park.
GPS: Google Maps and Apple Maps both work well across Aruba. Most modern rental cars include GPS; it is usually worth accepting.
Parking: Free and plentiful at all beaches. Oranjestad has inexpensive paid parking lots. No parking issues anywhere.
When renting is NOT worth it: If your main goal is the Natural Pool and Baby Beach, a guided full-day jeep safari covers both with no navigation stress, lunch and drinks included, and a guide who knows every track.
Continue Exploring Aruba
Book Your Airport Transfer
Land, get picked up, head straight to your hotel. Private transfers remove all arrival stress.