How to Get to Aruba: Flights, Cruises & Island Tips

Aruba Travel Guide: How to Get There Easily

With its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful Dutch-Caribbean charm, Aruba is one of the easiest and most convenient islands to reach in the southern Caribbean. Whether you’re flying from the U.S., cruising in on a luxury liner, or island-hopping from nearby shores, Aruba’s well-connected infrastructure makes arriving a breeze. Here's your complete 2025 guide to getting to Aruba—flights, ferries, and pro travel tips included.

✈️ Flying to Aruba: Direct, Easy, and Plentiful

Aruba’s main international gateway is Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), located just a few minutes from the capital city, Oranjestad. Despite being a relatively small airport, it’s impressively modern and serves as a hub for both major international carriers and regional airlines.

🛫 Non-Stop Flights from Major Cities

Getting to Aruba by air is incredibly easy, especially from North America and Europe. Direct flights are available from:

• United States: New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Philadelphia (PHL), and more
• Canada: Toronto, Montreal
• Europe: Amsterdam (daily service with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)
• Latin America: Bogotá, Panama City, Lima, and more

Flight duration from major U.S. cities ranges from 3 to 5 hours, making Aruba an ideal escape for a long weekend or tropical holiday.

✈️ Airlines Flying to Aruba Include:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• JetBlue
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Air Canada
• KLM
• Copa Airlines
• Avianca

🧳 Pro Tip: Many airlines offer seasonal deals and charter options, especially during the winter and spring break seasons, so plan ahead for the best rates.

🚢 Cruising to Aruba: A Caribbean Hotspot

Aruba is a favorite port of call for many major cruise lines, thanks to its calm waters, year-round sunshine, and wide range of activities right off the dock.

The Aruba Cruise Terminal is located in downtown Oranjestad, making it super convenient for travelers to explore the island on foot or with guided excursions. Popular cruise lines that stop in Aruba include:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises

🛳️ What to Expect as a Cruise Passenger:

• Cruise ships dock just minutes from beaches, shops, and restaurants
• You won’t need a visa for short visits from most countries
• Shore excursions range from snorkeling and Jeep safaris to cultural tours

🏝️ Regional Access: Aruba from the Caribbean & South America

If you're traveling from other Caribbean islands, ferries are not an option—Aruba does not currently operate scheduled passenger ferries from neighboring islands. Instead, short regional flights are your best bet.

Popular regional airlines include:

• Divi Divi Air (from Curaçao and Bonaire)
• EZ Air
• Winair
• Copa Airlines (from Panama)
• Avianca (from Colombia)

Flights from neighboring islands are often under 1 hour, making Aruba a perfect stop on a multi-island itinerary.

🚖 Arriving & Getting Around Once You Land

When you arrive in Aruba, you’ll find a very tourist-friendly setup.

• Taxis are available right outside the airport and charge fixed fares
• Car rentals are widely available—ideal if you want to explore beyond the hotel zones
• Public buses (Arubus) offer a budget-friendly way to get around

Airport to hotel zones takes:

• ~10 minutes to Oranjestad
• ~15 minutes to Eagle Beach
• ~20 minutes to Palm Beach

📋 Entry Requirements & Travel Tips

• No visa required for U.S., Canadian, and EU passport holders for stays up to 90 days
• ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation): All visitors must complete the online ED card prior to arrival at edcardaruba.aw
• Currency: Aruban Florin (AWG), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted
• Languages: Dutch and Papiamento, but English and Spanish are also spoken widely

🧠 Smart Travel Hack: Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, which means your trip is less likely to be affected by tropical storms—perfect for off-season travel.

🌺 Getting to Aruba: Simple, Sunny, and Straightforward

Unlike some more remote island destinations, Aruba is all about ease and accessibility. With direct flights from major cities, cruise ship convenience, and smooth airport transfers, your Aruba adventure begins the moment you step off the plane or ship. Whether you’re coming for the beaches, nightlife, diving, or just that laid-back vibe, getting here is the easy part.