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.

Driving a complete loop around the perimeter of Aruba takes approximately 3 to 4 hours if you drive continuously without stopping. The island is relatively small—only about 20 miles (32 km) long and 6 miles (10 km) wide. However, no one actually drives it this way! To truly "see" the island, most visitors dedicate a full day to the journey. You might start in the colorful capital of Oranjestad, head north to the California Lighthouse, and then traverse the rugged, desert-like east coast through Arikok National Park. Note that while the western side has smooth, paved roads, the eastern side often requires a 4WD vehicle to reach spots like the Natural Pool (Conchi). In 2026, travel experts suggest a "two-day" approach: one day for the developed western beaches and another for the wild, adventurous off-road trails of the island's interior and southern tip at Baby Beach.