Transportation

Transportation in Curacao: Getting Around the Island

There’s no better feeling than being well prepared with transportation during your vacation. Curacao offers safe, reliable, and easy options to help you move comfortably across the island. Since distances can be long and the sun can be strong, having transportation arranged in advance takes one more thing off your travel to-do list.

How Do I Travel Within Curacao?

The easiest and most comfortable way to get around Curacao is by car. While the island is not large, its beaches, natural parks, and attractions are spread out, making a rental car the most flexible option.
Public transportation is available as well:

Buses

Konvoi buses (large city buses) connect main routes and run from terminals in Punda and Otrobanda. The operator is Autobusbedrijf Curacao (ABC). Schedules can be checked on the ABC Bus website or app.
Minibuses (Bus) operate on flexible routes and often stop when flagged down.

Hotel Shuttles

Some major hotels offer shuttle services to and from downtown Willemstad. Check availability with your hotel reception.

Taxi Services

Taxis in Curacao are widely available and government regulated. Fares are mostly standard rather than metered, so it is recommended to ask for the price before starting your trip. You can check out our recommended Taxi Companies.

Car Rentals

Renting a car is the easiest way to get around in Curacao. While the island is not very big, many beaches, sights, and attractions are spread out. Walking or biking in the heat can be challenging, so most visitors choose a rental car for convenience and flexibility.
See our website for Car rental partners in Curacao.

Traffic Rules in Curacao

Driving in Curacao is straightforward, but keep these rules in mind:

Drive on the right side of the road.
Traffic coming from the right has priority unless signs say otherwise.
Roundabouts differ per location - always check the signs for right-of-way instructions.
At T-junctions, cars on the dead-end road must yield to traffic from both directions.
A valid driver’s license is required; check your rental company’s age rules.

In Case of an Accident

Do NOT move your car! Call ForenSys at 9233.
A ForenSys team will:

photograph the scene
record details
exchange information between parties
submit the file to the insurance company

Gas Stations in Curacao

Gas stations are widely available troughout the island. For a drive to Westpunt the last available gas station is located in Barber, so best to fill up before heading West. Here some tips for the gas stations:

You pay at the counter before filling up, you can also ask for a full tank, in that case you need to leave your debit or credit card at the counter.
Some stations have attendants who can help and may expect a small, optional tip.
Fuel prices are the same across the island.

Parking in Curacao

Parking is generally simple and often free outside the downtown area.

Paid Parking (Punda & Otrobanda)

Monday–Saturday
8 AM – 6 PM
1 XCG per hour

Parking meters accept coins and prepaid parking cards. Debit or credit card payments are not supported, but you can use the Flowbird app to pay digitally and extend your time.

How to pay for parking:

1. Enter your license plate number.
2. Choose your payment method and duration.
3. Pay and collect the ticket.
4. Place the ticket visibly on your dashboard.

If paying via the app, you can extend your time directly in the app.

Can I Hike or Cycle on the Island?

Hiking and cycling are certainly possible, especially in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. However, they are not recommended as your main way of getting around due to limited bike paths and strong sun.

Is Curacao Easy to Navigate?

Yes, Curacao is easy to navigate thanks to a few main roads that connect the island from east to west. Most visitors get around effortlessly using a mix of maps, apps, and local guidance.

To make your exploration even easier, you can use the My Curacao Guide Travel Magazine, published annually as the island’s premier lifestyle and travel guide. It includes detailed island maps, insider tips, articles, videos of Curacao, and scannable QR codes to book tours instantly. The magazine is free of charge and available at more than 600 locations across the island, including the airport, hotels, resorts, B&Bs, restaurants, supermarkets, car rentals, tourist offices, and retail outlets. More information where to find them.

You can also pick up a free folding island map at the Curacao Tourist Board offices in Punda and Otrobanda or at the Cruise Port when arriving by Cruise. Most travelers also use the maps.me app for reliable offline navigation.
Read the Magazine.

Are There Ferries to Aruba or Bonaire?

There are no ferries between the islands. Travel between Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire is done by airplane. It’s possible to charter a private boat with a captain to go to Bonaire, but finding a captain willing to sail to Aruba is more difficult.

Ready to Explore the Island?

Curacao has so much to explore and My Curacao Guide makes it easy. With 100+ tours and activities across the island, there’s always something that fits your travel style. Whether you prefer to explore independently or don’t have your own transportation, we handpick only the best the island has to offer:

With more than four decades in Curacao’s tourism industry, we know exactly what visitors shouldn’t miss. Our team works closely with the most reliable and experienced tour operators to curate unforgettable experiences - whether you want to relax, explore, or add a little adventure to your vacation.