Willemstad, the colorful capital of Curaçao, is a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its Dutch colonial Handelskade waterfront. Hato International Airport connects to the city center in about 15–20 minutes.

About Willemstad City Center

Willemstad\'s iconic Handelskade—a row of pastel-painted Dutch colonial merchant houses reflected in the waters of St. Anna Bay—is one of the Caribbean\'s most photographed scenes. The capital is divided by the bay into Punda (the older, more touristy side) and Otrobanda (\'the other side\'), connected by the Queen Emma pontoon bridge, a floating pedestrian bridge that swings open for passing ships.

Punda\'s narrow streets hold the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue (1732, the oldest in continuous use in the Americas), the Maritime Museum, and the floating market where Venezuelan vendors sell tropical fruits from their boats. Otrobanda has the Kura Hulanda museum of African diaspora history and a growing restaurant scene. Willemstad blends Dutch, African, and Latin American influences in its architecture, language (Papiamentu), cuisine (keshi yena, stobá), and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. The harbor-front Rif Fort has been converted into a shopping and dining complex.

Nearby Landmarks

Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge Handelskade Rif Fort Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue Floating Market

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. Take a taxi from Hato International Airport to Willemstad (15–20 min).
2. Fixed fare to Punda/Otrobanda: approximately USD 20–30 / ANG 35–55.
3. There is no public bus from the airport directly to Willemstad center.
4. Rental cars are available at the airport and recommended for exploring the island.
5. Some hotels offer airport shuttle—check in advance.

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 24/7. There is no official ride-hailing app widely used in Curaçao—taxis are the standard. Fares from the airport to Willemstad are fixed (approximately USD 20–30). After midnight, Willemstad is quiet aside from a few bars in Pietermaai district. Call a taxi through your hotel for late returns.

Luggage Tips

Taxis on Curaçao are typically sedans or minivans with adequate luggage space. Willemstad's Punda and Otrobanda streets are flat and paved, manageable with wheeled luggage. Many downtown accommodations are in converted colonial houses—check for stairs and narrow entrances if mobility is a concern.

Accessibility

Willemstad's main walking areas (Handelskade, Punda shopping district) are flat and paved. The Queen Emma pontoon bridge has a slight incline and can sway—mobility-impaired visitors may prefer the high Juliana Bridge via vehicle. Rif Fort and major hotels are accessible. Older colonial buildings vary significantly in accessibility.