Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
From Curaçao International Airport (Hato) to local buses, taxis, and rental cars, here's everything you need to navigate the island with confidence.
Curaçao has a single airport, and almost every visitor arrives at Curaçao International Airport (Hato):
Hato, north of Willemstad
The island's only commercial airport, about 12 km north of Willemstad. Almost all visitors arrive here
Departures from Caracasbaai & Spanish Water
The uninhabited islet of Klein Curaçao has no airport; reach it by day-trip catamaran or speedboat, not by air
Licensed taxis carry a “TX” on the licence plate and line up at the airport, hotels, and Willemstad. Fares follow government-set rates and are not metered, so confirm the price with the driver before you set off. Airport to Willemstad is roughly US$30-35, with a surcharge after midnight.
Curaçao does not have Uber or similar ride-hailing apps. Use licensed TX taxis, ask your hotel to arrange a trusted driver, or pre-book a private transfer for fixed pricing.
Many visitors hire a taxi driver for a half or full day to tour the island. Agree the route and total fare up front. Drivers double as informal guides to beaches and viewpoints.
Many resorts arrange airport transfers, sometimes included in the rate. Book in advance through your hotel, especially for late-evening arrivals when taxis can be scarcer.
Large public “konvoi” buses and smaller privately run minivans (“bus chiki”) radiate from Willemstad to towns across the island. Fares are paid in guilders or US dollars and are very cheap. They run mostly in daytime hours, so plan returns before evening.
Service thins out in the evenings and is sparse on Sundays and public holidays. There is no reliable public bus to the airport or the western dive beaches, so use a taxi or rental car for those trips.
Routes are organised around the two main bus stations in Willemstad, one in Punda and one in Otrobanda on either side of the harbour. Ask locals which station and bus to take for your destination.
Renting a car gives you maximum freedom to explore the island at your own pace, and it is the easiest way to reach the western shore-diving beaches. Rates are typically around US$30-60/day, and most visitors can drive on their valid home licence.
Curaçao is a single island, so there are no inter-island ferries, but boats reach the islet and coves you cannot get to by road:
| Transport | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Public bus (konvoi / bus chiki) | Around US$2 | Budget travel between towns |
| Taxi (fixed fare) | US$25-40 | Airport transfers, convenience |
| Taxi for the day | US$150-200 | Island tours with a local driver |
| Car rental | US$30-60/day | Exploring and reaching dive beaches |
| Otrobanda-Punda ferry | Free | Crossing the harbour in Willemstad |
| Klein Curaçao day trip | Per person | A full day at the islet |
Check out our local insider tips to make the most of your Curaçao visit.