HOW DO I TRAVEL WITHIN CURAÇAO?

The easiest way to get around in Curaçao is by car. The island isn't very big but beaches and attractions are spread out across the island and walking or biking in the day's heat is very taxing.

CAN I HIKE OR CYCLE ON THE ISLAND?

Cycling and hiking are certainly possible (and mostly done in the early morning and evening to avoid the heat) but are not recommended as a main means of transportation due to the heat and lack of a bicycle-friendly infrastructure in Curaçao.

IS THE ISLAND EASY TO NAVIGATE AROUND?

Finding your way around Curaçao is easily learned, as the island is not too big and traffic concentrates around a few main routes. A free island map, featuring main roads and locations, is available at your car rental company, your hotel or the Curaçao Tourist Board Office and at many other tourist locations. For real exploring we recommend using a more detailed map, which is available in many stores.

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION ON THE ISLAND?

You can use public transport, which you'll find in the form of buses. There are large buses (Konvoi) and small vans (Bus) serving different routes, mainly operating from terminals in front of the post offices located at the Waaigat in Punda or in Otrabanda. Some hotels offer their own scheduled transportation services, to and from downtown. Please check at your hotel's front desk for more information. Taxis are widely available and government-regulated with mostly standard fares (not metered). Always inquire about fares for your destination in advance.

DO I NEED A DRIVER'S LICENSE TO DRIVE IN CURAÇAO?

Yes, you need a valid driver's license to drive a car on the island. Most car rental companies also require a certain amount of years of driving experience and/or a minimum age. It's best to check for these conditions with your preferred rental company before reserving a car.

WHAT IS THE PARKING AND GAS SITUATION IN CURAÇAO?

Parking your car is not a problem and is usually free. Paid parking is only found in certain streets in downtown Willemstad during the day. You will recognize a paid parking spot by the number painted on the road next to the spot. When you use a paid parking spot you'll find a solar-powered blue pillar nearby where you can pay the parking fee upfront. They require coins of either 25 cents, 1 guilder or 5 guilders and the standard rate is 1 guilder per hour.

HOW CAN I TRAVEL FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL?

The easiest way to travel between Hato International Airport and your hotel is by using your hotel's transfer service, if they have one. Be sure to check for this before arriving at the island.

ARE THE NEIGHBORING ISLANDS SAFE?

Curaçao's neighboring islands are Aruba and Bonaire (together we form the ABC islands) which are, like Curaçao, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Their culture and safety are comparable to Curaçao's.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC TRAFFIC RULES TO KNOW ABOUT?

On the island people drive on the right side and all traffic from the right on crossings and roundabouts has the right of way, unless otherwise stated on road signs. At a T-crossing, thru traffic always has the right of way regardless of the direction.

DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR FOR MY VISIT?

While sometimes your hotel / resort or its neighbors may offer sufficient options for your vacation (see your hotel detail page on this site for facilities and distances), if you plan to really get around and explore the Island, renting a car at one of the many car rental agencies is the best option. This allows you to travel freely and on your own schedule so you won't miss out on anything Curaçao has to offer. Most of Curaçao is accessible within a 30-45 minute drive, regardless of where you start. This may vary in peak traffic hours.