Travel alerts & warnings
Aruba driving guide.
Aruba’s compact size and generally paved main roads make it easy to explore by rental car, though traffic builds around Oranjestad and the hotel districts. Roads along the rugged north coast can be unpaved and rocky, so check your route and rental restrictions before leaving the pavement.
- Advisory
- Normal precautions
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- February to June…
- Permit honored
- Yes
USIDA member value-add
Build a driving trip in Aruba
Tell us how long you have and what you like. We'll lay out a realistic day-by-day drive with stops, drive times and local road notes.
Takes a few seconds — free for members.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Aruba is generally a safe destination for travelers.
- Exercise normal precautionin Aruba
- Petty crime is most likely to occur in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, such as theft of unsecured property or vehicle break-ins.
- Crime rates are low. However, armed robberies occur at businesses storing large amounts of cash or involved in drug or gang activity.
- It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, and even spent shells or casings into Aruba without prior written authorization. You may face arrest and detention for long periods of time.
- Review our Travel Guidance for Aruba to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Driving there
Your permit in Aruba
- Aruba honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Aruba
Road rules and speed limits
Wear seat belts and follow posted limits, generally 30 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h outside them and 80 km/h on designated faster roads. At unsigned intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority; follow yield signs at roundabouts.
No road tolls
Aruba has no toll roads. Parking charges or restrictions may apply in central Oranjestad, so check signs before leaving your car.
Fuel stops
Stations are concentrated around Oranjestad, Noord, Santa Cruz and San Nicolas; fill up before exploring Arikok or the remote north coast. Many stations have attendants or require prepayment. Fuel is sold by the liter, and U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but confirm card acceptance.
Rental requirements and terrain
Bring your valid home-country license and International Driving Permit; the permit does not replace your license. Minimum age and young-driver conditions vary by company. Standard cars suit paved sightseeing routes, but rocky tracks toward Conchi require a suitable 4WD and explicit rental permission.
Police checks
Keep your original driving license, International Driving Permit, rental agreement and vehicle insurance documentation available. Ask the rental company where the vehicle papers are stored. Obey police instructions at checkpoints, and never drive after drinking.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Aruba
Eagle Beach
Western coast · About 10–15 minutes from Oranjestad.
A broad white-sand beach with clear water and Aruba’s distinctive fofoti trees; use designated beach parking.
California Lighthouse
Hudishibana, northwestern tip · About 15–20 minutes from Noord.
A paved approach leads to sweeping views over the island’s northern coastline, especially attractive near sunset.
Alto Vista Chapel
Northern coast · About 10–15 minutes from Noord.
A small yellow chapel in a quiet cactus landscape, reached by a winding paved road.
Arikok National Park
Eastern interior · About 10–15 minutes from Santa Cruz to the San Fuego entrance; allow extra time inside the park.
Explore desert landscapes, caves and dramatic coastal scenery; check current road conditions and vehicle requirements at the visitor center.
Baby Beach
Seroe Colorado, southeastern tip · About 10–15 minutes from San Nicolas.
A sheltered, shallow lagoon with a sandy beach; stay within the protected swimming area because currents outside it can be strong.
Ayo Rock Formations
Ayo, central Aruba · About 10 minutes from Santa Cruz.
Huge rounded boulders, walking paths and Indigenous rock drawings offer a short inland sightseeing stop.
Heading to Aruba?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.