Aruba Taxi Rates 2026: Official Fares, Surcharges and When a Private Transfer Makes More Sense
By Guljar Hosen · Fares checked 19 September 2026
Aruba taxi rates are set by the government, not by the driver. Every fare is published at taxi.aw, and it is in US dollars for one to four passengers per taxi. From the airport, the official fare is $41 to Palm Beach, $38 to Eagle Beach and $26 to Oranjestad.
Extra passengers, luggage, night rides and Sundays add to that, and this guide shows exactly how. All figures come from the official taxi.aw price list dated 27 May 2026, checked on 19 September 2026. The calculator at taxi.aw is always the valid, current source, so check your own route there before you travel.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Taxi fares are fixed by the government and published at taxi.aw. The driver cannot charge more.
- The price covers one to four passengers. Each extra passenger adds $3, up to a legal maximum of seven.
- A $5 surcharge applies on Sundays, holidays, 11 PM to 7 AM, and December 24 to January 1.
- Eight or more people need two taxis or one larger vehicle such as a Sprinter.
- Send us your flight and group size and we quote one fixed price to compare with the taxi fare.
Official taxi fares from Aruba airport (AUA)
Every fare from the airport is fixed by the government, so the price to your hotel is the same whichever taxi you take.
These are the fares for one to four passengers, one taxi, one way, before any surcharge. Individual hotels are priced too: the Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Regency and Marriott Stellaris are $41, RIU Palace and the Hilton are $40, La Cabana is $38, and Bucuti & Tara and Divi Aruba All Inclusive are $37. Find your own hotel by zone on our hotel transfers page.
| AIRPORT TO | OFFICIAL FARE (US$) |
|---|---|
| Oranjestad | $26 |
| Noord | $34 |
| Savaneta | $36 |
| Low-Rise hotels | $37 |
| Eagle Beach | $38 |
| Palm Beach | $41 |
| High-Rise South (hotel zone) | $40 |
| High-Rise North (hotel zone) | $41 |
| San Nicolas | $45 |
| Arashi Beach and Boca Catalina | $49 |
| Baby Beach | $60 |
| Cruise ship terminal | $27 |
Taxi fares from the cruise ship terminal
The cruise terminal is priced the same way, and the run to the airport is $27.
From the terminal, Oranjestad is $20, Low-Rise hotels are $26, Eagle Beach is $28, High-Rise South is $32, High-Rise North is $34, Palm Beach is $33 and Noord is $33.
Ships on a tight schedule should plan the return leg too. Waiting time is charged at $1 per minute, and a taxi hired by the hour is $60 per hour with a two-hour minimum.
What adds to an Aruba taxi fare
The listed price is the base. Five things can move it.
Passengers
The price covers one to four people. Each extra passenger adds $3, and a taxi may not carry more than seven.
Surcharge: $5, once per trip
Charged on Sundays, on official holidays, every day from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and from December 24 through January 1.
Luggage
Each passenger traveling to or from the airport, or between hotels, may bring one piece of luggage and one backpack or handbag. Each additional piece is $3. Laptop bags, carry-ons and mobility aids cannot be charged for.
Minimum fare and payment
The minimum fare is $10, even for a very short hop. Pay in US dollars or Aruban florins, at US$1 = Afl. 1.80. On trips that are not to or from the airport or between hotels, using the trunk adds $3 in total.
Cleaning fee
If wet clothing or sharp objects damage the interior, the driver may recover the cost of cleaning or repair. Towel off after the beach.
Worked examples: what you will actually pay
Using the official airport fare to Palm Beach, $41, here is how the total moves.
- $41
- Family of four, weekday afternoon, one bag each
- $46
- The same family landing at 11:30 PM ($41 + $5 night surcharge)
- $47
- Four people with six suitcases ($41 + two extra pieces at $3)
- $52
- Six people on a Sunday ($41 + two extra passengers at $3 + $5)
- $50
- Seven people on a weekday ($41 + three extra passengers at $3)
Fares from the official taxi.aw price list dated 27 May 2026, checked 19 September 2026.
Eight or more people: the taxi limit
Seven passengers is the legal maximum for one taxi, so a group of eight has to split into two cars.
1: Two taxis
The fare doubles: two taxis to Palm Beach is $82 before luggage and surcharges, and the group arrives in two separate vehicles.
2: One Sprinter
Our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter carries up to 14 passengers with luggage room and climate control, so the whole group rides together. Send the group size and flight details and you get one fixed, all-in quote to compare against the taxi figures. See our private airport transfer in Aruba.
When a taxi is the better choice, and when a private transfer is
A taxi wins on simplicity for one or two people. A private transfer wins as the group, the luggage or the hour grows.
A taxi usually suits you when you travel alone or as a couple, you are making a short hop such as hotel to restaurant, or you have not planned ahead. The fare is published, so you know the price before you get in.
A private transfer usually suits you when any of these is true:
You are five or more people.
You have a lot of luggage.
You land late at night.
You travel with children who need car seats.
You want a driver who has tracked your flight and is waiting with a name sign.
With Dushi Transfers you agree one fixed price before you fly, with no meter and no surge pricing, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup. Wondering about ride apps? Read why there is no Uber in Aruba.
The fare is published, so you know the price before you get in.
How to check your fare and report an overcharge
You never have to take a driver's word for the price.
Scan the QR code
Every licensed taxi must display a QR code inside the vehicle that links to taxi.aw.
Use the calculator
Choose your pickup and destination, then set the number of passengers, date and time. The calculator shows the total including surcharges.
Report an overcharge
A driver may not charge more than the government-approved fare. Report it to the Department of Public Transportation (DTP) through taxi.aw, on +297 594 8660 or +297 564 4050, or at complaints@dtp.gov.aw.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Aruba airport to Palm Beach?
Under the official 2026 price list, the fare for one to four passengers is $41 to Palm Beach. The hotel zones are listed separately: $40 to High-Rise South and $41 to High-Rise North, which include the Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Regency and Marriott Stellaris. Extra passengers, luggage and surcharges are added on top.
Do Aruba taxis use a meter?
The government sets and publishes the fares, and the taxi.aw calculator gives the total for your route, including any surcharge. A driver may not charge more than the approved fare.
Is there a night or Sunday surcharge on Aruba taxis?
Yes. A $5 surcharge applies on Sundays, official holidays, every day from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and from December 24 through January 1. It is charged once per trip.
How many people fit in an Aruba taxi?
The legal maximum is seven passengers. The listed price covers up to four, and each extra passenger adds $3. A group of eight or more needs two taxis or one larger vehicle such as a Sprinter.
Can I pay for an Aruba taxi in US dollars?
Yes. Taxis accept US dollars or Aruban florins at a fixed rate of US$1 = Afl. 1.80. The official conditions do not list card payment, so ask the driver before you set off.
Is a private transfer more expensive than a taxi?
It depends on your group and your route. For one or two travelers on a short trip, the published taxi fare is often lower. For groups of five or more, or trips with a lot of luggage, one fixed-price vehicle can cost less than two taxis. Ask us for a quote and compare it with the taxi.aw fare for your route.
WRITTEN BY
UI/UX designer and software engineer. He runs NeoDimensional, the software studio behind this website.
