Renting a car in Aruba

You’ve finally arrived on that dream vacation!  Aruba is there in its entire tropical island splendor.  The beaches and the other natural wonders await, ready for exploration.  In addition to the many natural attractions Aruba also boasts a number of other attractions not to be missed.   There are so many things you want to do and see.  The options seem almost endless between water sports, sightseeing and trying the local cuisine.  There are many questions that come to mind in dealing with transportation when you reach Aruba.  Some of the most common questions are answered here.

Question:  Do I need to rent a car while I am in Aruba?

Answer:  While many Caribbean islands seem small and accessible many resorts are located quite a distance from highly popular tourist attractions. Take into account Aruba is approximately 32 miles long.  The savvy traveler will do some homework before reaching Aruba.  The best thing to do is map out where you want to go and what you want to see while in Aruba.  Then after determining where you want to go see how far each destination is from where you are staying.  While taxis are highly accessible on the island they can be expensive for multiple trips.  After weighing out the costs of taxis versus renting a car then you can make a well-informed decision.

Question: How do I rent a car in Aruba?

Answer: Many of the more well known brands of car rentals are available in Aruba.  Some of these are Budget, Economy and Enterprise.  Be sure and check prices and availability of cars before reaching Aruba.  In addition there are many island based companies that rent cars as well.   The Tourism Board of Aruba can give you information about them and recommendations for the best companies to use.

Question: What sort of fees should I be aware of when renting a car in Aruba?

Answer: In addition to your regular rental fee many car rental companies will force you to accept one of their insurance plans.  If you do not they can put a hold on your credit card for up to $2500 dollars.  To avoid this be sure and check with various credit card companies to see if rental car insurance (outside the United States) is covered when using their card.  This is extremely important if you are traveling with a budget in mind.

Question: Where is the best place to rent a car?

Answer:  As indicated before there are several rental car companies located throughout the island.  Most experienced travelers find that renting a car at the airport can be both time and cost efficient.  This also solves the immediate problem of how to get to the car and how to get to the airport if the car must be returned somewhere else.

Question: Do I need a car the entire time I am in Aruba?

Answer:  There are some beaches and attractions that are easily accessible by taxi, bus or even walking.  Consider how long you are planning to stay and then decide if you need a car the entire time.  Many car companies give deals in packages for example it may be more cost efficient to rent a car for 3 or 7 days within a package rather than rent a car for 4-5 days.

Question: What should I be aware of while driving in Aruba?

Answer: The good news is that drivers in Aruba use the same side of the road (right for driving) as in the United States! The not so good news is that signage in Aruba is at a minimum.  Be prepared to stop and ask for directions!  The other good news is that the people of Aruba are known for their friendliness so this shouldn’t be a problem!