There are many great transportation options in Aruba, but for those looking for the most budget-friendly option, the bus is for you!

As Aruba is a popular and safe island destination, you’ll find the bus is actually quite an efficient way to get around the island, especially if you’re staying in Oranjestad or the Hotel Zone, as the bus runs directly through these zones. See this map of the hotel zones in Aruba.

Let’s check out all you need to know about taking the buses that run around Aruba.

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The Basics about the Bus in Aruba: Arubus

Aruba has one primary bus service around the island, Arubus. This major public transportation company is actually owned by the Government of Aruba and is a great way for visitors to travel around the island.

Bus Schedule in Aruba

Arubus offers regular daily bus services throughout the island, including along the hotel strip. From 5:45 am to 6:00 pm busses in Aruba run every 15 minutes. From 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm, bus service in Aruba runs every 40 minutes.

To find the time the bus will be at a particular stop, you can check the Arubus website. It offers the complete Aruba bus schedule breaking down each route and the timing of them.

Aruba Bus Route

The main bus station in Aruba is located in downtown Oranjestad adjacent to the cruise terminal and next to Royal Plaza Mall. This Oranjestad Bus Terminal serves as the hub for all of the bus routes in Aruba making it easy to get to all different parts of the island.

Meanwhile, Aruba bus stops are spread throughout the hotel strip and many of the popular sights around the island. To find your way, you can preplan your route and then look for the sign on the side of the bus. It will display the route of the bus including the hotels and towns it stops at.

Cost of the Bus in Aruba

Aruba busses are quite affordable, which is part of what makes them a popular method of transportation for budget travelers in Aruba.

To buy a ticket for the bus in Aruba, you can just board the bus and pay onboard. Choose from retour cards, cards for specific beaches, and all-day, unlimited bus passes in Aruba.

• Single Trip Tickets: Buy a single ride at a time for $2.60 U.S. or 4.50 AWG (Aruba Florin), the local currency in Aruba.

• Retour Cards: Buy a retour card for two trips on the island, such as from your hotel to downtown and back for $5 U.S. or 8.75 AWG.

• Bus Day Pass: Ride the bus around Aruba all day for $10 U.S. or 17.50 AWG.

Popular Bus Destinations in Aruba

Buses in Aruba not only run frequently, but they also visit some of the most popular places on the island. Because of this, some visitors rely solely on taking the bus in Aruba. If you’re looking to go out to eat regularly or spend time sightseeing around the island, renting a car or taking a taxi may be a better option.

Here are the routes that will take you to visit some of the most popular destinations in Aruba.

Eagle Beach Bus Routes

Eagle Beach is renowned for its low-rise resorts and expansive public shoreline. With its soft, white sands, this area boasts a reputation as one of the world’s top-rated beaches.

• From the Hotel Area to Eagle Beach: Use bus L10.

• From San Nicolas to Eagle Beach: Use L1, L2, or L3 from San Nicolas to the Oranjestad bus station. From Busstation Oranjestad, take L10 to Eagle Beach.

• From Eagle Beach to the Hotel Area: Use the L10 bus.

• From Eagle Beach to San Nicolas: Use bus L10 from Eagle Beach to Busstation Oranjestad. Then take the L1, L2, or L3 bus from Oranjestad to San Nicolas.

Palm Beach Bus Routes

Palm Beach is known as the high-rise hotel area and is home to many of the most impressive hotels and all-inclusive resorts in Aruba. It’s also one of the most popular places for first time visitors to Aruba to stay.

• From the Hotel Area to Palm Beach: Use bus L10.

• From San Nicolas to Palm Beach: Use L1, L2, or L3 from San Nicolas to the bus station in Oranjestad. Then use L10 from Busstation Oranjestad to Palm Beach.

• From Palm Beach to Hotel Area: Use the L10 bus.

• From Palm Beach to San Nicolas: Use L10 to get to the Busstation in Oranjestad. Then from the Oranjestad Busstation, use bus L1, L2, or L3 to get to San Nicolas.

Arashi Beach Bus Routes

Arashi Beach in Aruba is known for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s a popular spot for relaxing on the beach and water activities.

• From the Hotel Area to Arashi Beach: Use the L10 bus.

• From San Nicolas to Arashi Beach: Use L1, L2, or L3 to get to the bus station in Oranjestad. Then use L10 from Oranjestad to Arashi Beach.

• From Arashi Beach to the Hotel Area: Use the L10 bus.

• From Arashi Beach to San Nicolas: Use L10 to get to the Oranjestad bus station. Then use bus L1, L2, or L3 to get to San Nicolas from Oranjestad.

Baby Beach Bus Routes

There is generally bus service to Baby Beach in Aruba, but it is currently suspended.

The best way to get to Baby Beach while this route is suspended is via rental car. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, but it will be a pricey ride from the hotel area, and you’ll have to get back as well. Due to the high cost, rent a car for Baby Beach, even if it’s just a one day car rental!

Catching the Bus at the Aruba Airport

You might have noticed that the airport was not listed as one of the most popular bus routes in Aruba. The reason? Well, while you can take the bus to your hotel from the Aruba airport, you are not allowed to take your luggage on the bus. This of course presents a problem for most travelers looking to take the bus from the airport in Aruba.

If you wish to try it anyway, or if you are traveling very light, you’ll just have to head to one of the bus stops along the main road outside of the airport. The bus does not turn into the airport itself. This will be on the L2 bus route running from San Nicolas to Oranjestad. You can see the Reina Beatrix Airport Bus Stop listed on Google Maps.

If you’re staying in the hotel zones, you’ll then have to transfer at the Bus Terminal in Oranjestad to bus L10 to head toward Eagle and Palm Beach. It is definitely your most cost effective way to get to your accommodations, but bear in mind that you may be turned away by the driver if you have a lot of luggage with you.

Alternatives to the Bus in Aruba

While buses can be a very affordable way to get around Aruba, there are some other choices that offer more convenience at a slightly higher cost.

• Rental Cars: Renting a car in Aruba is a popular option for those who want to explore the island at their own pace. It will cost more than taking the Arubus, but it makes exploring the island simple!

• Taxis: If you want maximum convenience and budget is not a huge factor, you can get around Aruba by taxi. They are available all over the island and have fixed rates from the government.

• Streetcar in Oranjestad: If you’re in Oranjestad, you can hop on the free Aruba tram to explore the downtown area.

• Private Shuttle Services from the Airport: Another popular way to get from the airport to your hotel in Aruba is through a private shuttle service. Check rates here.