Best Time to Visit

The weather in Aruba is always nice, with an average temperature of around 28°C (82°F) at all times of the year. Budget-wise, the best time to visit Aruba is from April to December, during the low season. During the rest of the year, prices increase significantly as more tourists come down from the north to escape winter. The perceived temperature is a bit hotter in September, when trade winds cease.

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the European Union member-states, the majority of countries in the Americas and Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and a handful of others do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors of other nationalities might need to apply for a visa in advance. The visa for Aruba is not an equivalent to a Schengen Visa, and does not allow holders to enter the European part of the Netherlands. Visitors will need to provide a passport that is valid for the duration of the stay and has some unused pages. They also need to have a valid Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-Card), a valid return ticket, and the necessary documents for returning to the country of origin. Finally, they can be requested to demonstrate that they have arranged for accommodation in Aruba, and that they have the financial means to support themselves while staying there.

• Web:

  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_Kingdom_of_the_Netherlands_in_the_Caribbean

Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)

The modern Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport is located in the western part of the island, 5 km from the downtown area and 7–10 kilometres from the resorts area. It is served by a number of daily or weekly flights from North and South America, the EU, United Kingdom, and many others. The airport tax ("PFC", Passenger Facility Charge) is usually included in the price of the flights, but it's worth checking. Check-in for flights to the US is 3 hours before departure; check-in for other flights can be 2-3 hours before departure according to your airline. If your flight is going to depart during a peak hour (Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm), arrive earlier. There are many different ways to get to and from the airport. Aruba's public bus service, Arubus, has several lines stopping at the airport. You can take any of these to Oranjestad, reach the town's bus station and change to another line to reach your hotel; many are served by line 10. You will find car rental offices in front of the arrival terminal; alternatively, take the shuttle bus outside the airport to reach other car rentals that are not located at the airport.

• Web:

  www.airportaruba.com

• Address:

  Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix, Sabana Berde 75, Oranjestad

• Phone:

  +297 524 2424

Public Transport

Public transport in Aruba is inexpensive and easy to use. The Arubus service covers Oranjestad and the resort areas, with stops at beaches and supermarkets; it also reaches the airport. Check their website for schedules and ticket prices. The bus line 10 to Malmok is probably the most convenient to reach hotels and points of interest near Eagle and Palm Beach. The central bus station is located in downtown Oranjestad, next to the Royal Plaza shopping mall, on Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard. The bus runs every 15 minutes from 5:45am to 6pm and every 40 minutes from 6pm to 11:30pm. Arubus also operates a streetcar route that runs from the Port of Call, through the downtown area, along Schelpstraat, Havenstraat and Caya Betico Croes. The tram loops at Plaza Nicky.

• Web:

  www.arubus.com

• E-mail:

  info@arubus.com

• Phone:

  +297 520 2300

Taxi

Taxi fares in Aruba are set according to the destinations; meters are not used. An additional charge is applied after 11 pm, on Sundays and official holidays. The cabs bear a "TX" sign to indicate that they are licensed. Taxis are often available at hotels and popular sights; otherwise, it is best to hail them by phone. If you're making an excursion to a less popular spot, you may want to arrange with the same taxi driver to pick you up and bring you back to the hotel when you're done.

• Web:

  arubataxicompany.com

• Address:

  Aruba Taxi Company

• Phone:

  +297 587 1300

Cruise Terminal

The Aruba Cruise Terminal is located on the Western coast of the island, a few minutes walk away from the centre of the capital city Oranjestad. Right at the terminal you will find information booths and ATMs. Shops are also available inside the terminal. The public bus service in Aruba, run by Arubus, is good and affordable, and the Oranjestad bus terminal is located a few steps away from the port, on Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard. You can also decide to hail a cab at the taxi rank on the left of the terminal exit. Alternatively, find car rentals in front of the terminal exit. If you're visiting Aruba during a cruise and only have one day to spend on the island, follow our suggested itinerary to experience the best of it. Aruba is mostly well-known for its beautiful touristic beaches. Eagle Beach, one of the best, is quite close to the ship terminal, and boasts flamingos, cute turtles, typical divi divi trees and plenty of facilities. For a morning of perfect beach life, take the Arubus line 10 from the Oranjestad bus terminal and get off at the Eagle Beach stop. If you're still in the mood for touristic beaches in the afternoon, visit the very popular Palm Beach (bus line 10 to Malmok, stop at Palm Beach Plaza). To take a break before getting there, spend an hour at the colourful Butterfly Farm (same bus, stop at Divi Resort). If you're looking for a more adventurous day, save the afternoon for a tour of the wilder Eastern part of the island. A convenient solution is booking a half-day guided tour. Swim in the breathtaking Natural Pool, just in front of the ocean, with colourful fish under the surface. Most tours depart directly from the cruise ship terminal and bring you back there at the end of the trip. However you decide to experience the island, take some time to explore the picturesque Oranjestad city centre. It only takes 15 minutes on foot from the terminal to Oranjestad's cute main street, Caya G.F. Beltico Croes. Here you can admire colourful Dutch revival architecture and typical palm trees; this is also where you'll find some of the best shops on the island. Another good shopping and entertainment hub is the whimsical Royal Plaza mall, just a 5-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal.

• Web:

  www.arubaports.com/main/cruiseship-schedules