On the Ground

On the Ground

It takes about 20 minutes to get to the hotels in Willemstad by taxi. Taxis have meters, but drivers still use set fares when picking passengers up at the airport. Verify which method your driver will use before setting off; fixed rates apply for up to four passengers in a single vehicle. Fares from the airport to Willemstad and the nearby beach hotels run about $20 to $22, and those to hotels at the island's western end about $38 to $42.

Renting a Car: Many of the larger hotels have free shuttles into Willemstad, where you can shop and eat, or you can take a quick, cheap taxi ride; hotels in Willemstad usually provide a free beach shuttle, so it's possible to get by without a car. However, it's still worthwhile to rent a car to explore the island, even if you don't take it for your entire stay. If you're planning to do country driving or rough it through Christoffel Park, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is best. All you need is a valid driver's license. You can rent a car from any of the major car agencies at the airport or have one delivered free to your hotel. Rates range from about $35 to $40 a day for a compact car to about $60-$75 for a four-door sedan or four-wheel-drive vehicle; add 5% tax and optional daily insurance.