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How long does it take to drive around Aruba?

While driving the entire island would take you less than an hour, consider taking your time and spend the day exploring. Begin your trek near one of the large chain hotels like the Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott.



Aruba is a relatively small island, measuring roughly 20 miles (32 km) long and 6 miles (10 km) wide, which makes it very easy to explore by car in a single day. If you were to drive the entire perimeter without stopping, it would take approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic in the Oranjestad area. However, most visitors take a full 6 to 8 hours to do a "grand loop." A typical route starts in the high-rise hotel area, heads north to the California Lighthouse, and then follows the rugged, unpaved northeastern coast toward the Natural Bridge and Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. This rugged section requires a 4x4 vehicle and takes significantly longer to navigate than the paved roads on the western side. From there, you would head south through Santa Cruz and the Arikok National Park (which itself can take 2-3 hours to explore) toward San Nicolas and the famous Baby Beach at the southern tip. The drive back to the hotel area via the main highway is fast and takes about 30 minutes. Driving in Aruba is straightforward as the roads are well-signposted, but you must be wary of "donkey crossings" and the occasional wandering goat in the more rural areas of the island's interior.

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Yes, it is possible to drive around Aruba in a day. The island is not that big, so you can definitely get a rental car at the cruise port and explore.

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With a friendly road culture, well-designed roundabouts, and adherence to traffic laws, navigating Aruba's roads can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Remember to yield to traffic in roundabouts, follow speed limits, and prioritize safety.

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Top Attractions in Aruba
  • Eagle Beach. 10,413. Beaches. ...
  • Palm Beach. 8,509. Beaches. ...
  • The Butterfly Farm. 3,211. Nature & Wildlife Areas ? Farms. ...
  • Baby Beach. 5,269. Reefs ? Beaches. ...
  • De Palm Island. 3,555. Islands. ...
  • Aruba Aloe Factory, Museum and Store. 1,710. Factory Outlets. ...
  • Arashi Beach. 2,929. Beaches. ...
  • Natural Pool. 2,903. Geologic Formations.


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Aruba's beautiful weather and mostly flat terrain, makes walking and hiking a pleasure for everyone. If you're looking to experience Aruba's monuments up close, a walking tour is the best way to do it.

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On average, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $100 to $150 per day in Aruba, including accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. It's important to research activities and their costs in advance to create a budget that works for you.

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White Sand Beaches Dazzling white sands, sun-kissed rocky bays, natural pools carved by Caribbean waves, and seemingly never-ending stretches of jade and turquoise ocean are undoubtedly the main highlights Aruba is known for.

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The best way to get around Aruba is by bus. Although, many visitors stay close to their resorts and respective beaches along the northwest coast. Fixed-rate Aruban cabs are another hassle-free way of getting around.

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There is violent crime in association with drugs, but this rarely affects tourists. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions: avoid remote areas at night. don't take valuables to the beach or leave any valuables in your vehicle.

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Shipping costs, along with import duties and residual costs such as labor, result in prices somewhat higher than what you might find back home. So next time you're in Aruba and the cost of food strikes you, remember that the higher prices are a fundamental part of helping you have a worry-free and enjoyable holiday.

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The northwest coast of the island, particularly the region near Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, is the most visited area of Aruba. This region is renowned for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and opulent resorts. Additionally, it is where the majority of the island's eateries, stores, and nightlife are located.

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There is no Uber in Aruba, so the next closest option is to take a taxi. Luckily, taxis are plentiful, making it an easy way to get around the island during your trip to Aruba.

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Not If You Opt For Low-Cost Activities (And There Are Plenty!). Aruba is brimming with free and low-cost things to do that will make your tropical vacation fun, memorable, and affordable. First of all, skip the tourist traps.

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You will want to spend at least 4-7 days in Aruba. I found seven days, including travel time, to be the right amount of time to explore Aruba. If you are visiting by cruise, you will not have enough time to explore the whole island.

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