Queen Beatrix International Airport is located about 20 minutes from Oranjestad, the colorful capital of Aruba. The short route passes through the island's low-rise landscape before reaching the cheerful Dutch Caribbean town center.

About Oranjestad City Center

Oranjestad is one of the Caribbean\'s most photogenic capitals, with a waterfront lined by brightly painted Dutch colonial buildings in shades of turquoise, coral, yellow, and pink. The city center is compact and walkable, stretching along Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard from the cruise terminal to the Renaissance Marina, with the main shopping street (Caya G.F. Betico Croes) running parallel one block inland.

The Renaissance Marketplace and Royal Plaza Mall offer duty-free shopping for jewelry, electronics, and Dutch goods (Gouda cheese, Delft pottery). Fort Zoutman, the island\'s oldest structure (1798), now houses the Aruba Historical Museum. The linear park along the waterfront, recently beautified with palm trees and public art, makes for a pleasant tropical stroll.

Oranjestad serves as the launching point for Aruba\'s famous beaches — Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are just 10-15 minutes north. The city itself comes alive at night with waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, Caribbean-Dutch fusion cuisine, and the island\'s signature cocktails made with local Balashi beer and Coecoei liqueur. Most visitors base themselves at the beach resorts but visit Oranjestad for shopping, dining, and a taste of the island\'s Dutch Caribbean heritage.

Nearby Landmarks

Fort Zoutman Renaissance Marina Royal Plaza Willem III Tower Main Street

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit Queen Beatrix Airport arrivals and head to the taxi stand.
2. Take a taxi to Oranjestad (fixed rate USD 22-25, 10-15 min ride).
3. Arubus public buses run from near the airport to Oranjestad but are infrequent.
4. The taxi route follows Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard directly into the city center.
5. For the main shopping street, ask for 'downtown' or 'Caya Betico Croes.'
6. For the Renaissance Marina area, ask the driver for 'Renaissance' — it\'s well known.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis are available at the airport around the clock. The fare to Oranjestad is a fixed USD 22-25 (Aruba taxis use fixed rates, no meters). There is no ride-hailing app widely used in Aruba. After midnight, call a taxi from your hotel or use the airport taxi stand. Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean for nighttime travel.

Luggage Tips

Aruba taxis are typically sedans or minivans that handle resort luggage easily. The short distance means comfort is not a concern. If heading to a cruise ship at the Oranjestad terminal, taxis drop you at the port entrance. Keep luggage with you — Aruba is safe but it's a tourist area.

Accessibility

Queen Beatrix Airport is modern and wheelchair accessible. Oranjestad's main streets and waterfront promenade are flat and accessible. The cruise terminal area is wheelchair friendly. Some older side streets have uneven surfaces. Most hotels and resort properties meet international accessibility standards. Accessible taxi vehicles can be requested in advance.