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Island visitors often use Aruba taxi services. Extremely reliable, Aruba's taxis are also less expensive than they are on some other islands. Fares are set by the government, and drivers should each carry a rate card. To find a taxi, your best bet is to call ahead, these aren't the hail-on-a-street-corner kind of ride.
Finding a Taxi
The most widespread Aruba taxi services come from Pos Abou z/n. Its office is in Oranjestad on Sasaki Road, behind the Eagle Bowling Palace. Travelers can reach Pos Abou z/n locally at 582-2116 or 582-1604. Information can be faxed to 583-6988.
Taxis are most often available at hotels and popular tourist spots, as well as at the port and airport for incoming visitors. If you're at a hotel or other tourist destination, you may never need to call a taxi, however, if you're planning an off-the-beaten-track excursion, you may want to arrange to have the same driver return at a set time. This will help you avoid the difficulty of finding or calling another driver. When you're out to dinner, the restaurant can call you a cab.
Traveler's Tip: If you're out on the street, recognizing a taxi may not be easy to the untrained eye. Look for"TX" marking the license plates of Aruba taxis, and you're sure to pick it up easily.
Fair Fares
The Aruba Department of Public Traffic has regulated the price of taxi fares. Because of this, travelers can expect to pay a set rate to particular locations. Remember that a maximum of five passengers is allowed at the set rate, so traveling with other passengers heading to the same location can save money.
The following chart contains information available on Aruba taxi fares, however, you will want to make sure that you check for updates before you travel:
| Trip (From - To) |
Fare (USD) |
| Airport - Downtown; Caribbean Town Beach Resort |
$9.00 |
| Airport - Low-rise hotel |
$14.00 |
| Airport - Eagle Beach |
$15.00 |
| Airport - High-rise hotels |
$16.00 |
| Airport - Marriott |
$18.00 |
| Airport - Tierra del Sol |
$21.00 |
| High-rise hotels - Low-rise hotels |
$4.00 to $8.00 |
| High-rise hotels - Noord restaurants; Oranjestad |
$6.00 to $8.00 |
| Low-rise hotels - Noord restaurants; Oranjestad |
$14.00 to $16.00 |
| Oranjestad - Eagle Beach |
$5.00 |
| Oranjestad - Palm Beach |
$8.00 |
Also remember that after midnight, and on official holidays, rates are higher. After midnight, add $2; on Sundays, add $1 and on holidays, add $3 to the fare. The minimum fare for a ride is $4. The cost for a taxi to wait for you is $8 for every 15 minutes. Island tours lasting one hour cost about $30 to $35 for four people.
Traveler's tip: Despite set fares, it is best to agree on the price and currency of the fare before getting into the vehicle.
Other Concerns
Passengers should keep small U.S. bills or Aruban Florins on them when taking a taxi ride. The largest U.S. currency accepted is a $20 bill.
Passengers should also keep in mind that shirtless, wet or damp passengers are not allowed. Aruba taxi companies will charge $50 for seat damage due to wet clothing or sharp objects.
Tipping is done at the discretion of the passenger. Approximately 10 percent to 15 percent is the usual tip but is not mandatory.
Taxis are one of Aruba's most popular means of transportation. Nearly all of the drivers speak English and have also participated in the government's Tourism Awareness Program, so you can expect a smooth ride when you travel in an Aruba taxi.
Bicycles and scooters offer exciting transportation alternatives in Aruba.
Aruba's bus service allows vacationers to travel like locals.
Follow local rules when leaving tips and gratuities in Aruba.