Picking up a rental car at Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is the easiest way to start an Aruba trip: you land, collect your keys and are at the beach within 20 minutes. Here is how pick-up works, what you need, what it costs, and how to avoid paying airport-counter prices.
How airport pick-up works at AUA
After immigration and customs you walk into the arrivals hall. The big international brands have counters there, a short walk from customs. Local companies, like our partner Triple D Car Rental, offer airport pick-up by arrangement: give them your flight number and they hand over the car when you land, so you skip the counter line.
- Book online and add your flight number so they can track delays.
- Clear immigration and customs, then head to arrivals.
- Show your license and credit card, and sign the contract.
- Walk around the car and photograph every scratch before you drive off.
🚗 Book your airport pick-up. Reserve with our local partner Triple D Car Rental: unlimited mileage, tax included, pick-up at the airport or their Oranjestad office. See cars and prices →
What you need
- A valid driver’s license from your home country. If it is not in Latin letters, bring an International Driving Permit or an official translation.
- A credit card in the main driver’s name. Most companies place a deposit hold of a few hundred dollars, and many do not accept debit cards.
- The minimum age is often 21 to 25 depending on the company; some majors require 23. Check before you book.
What airport car rental costs in Aruba
Local rates with Triple D start at $50 a day for an economy car, $110 for an SUV and $285 for a Jeep Gladiator, tax included with unlimited mileage. International brands at the airport are often higher once airport fees and extra insurance are added. Prices rise from mid-December to April, so book early for high season.
| Car | Good for | From |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Kia Picanto) | Couples, beaches, town | $50/day |
| Mid-size (Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent) | Small families | $67/day |
| SUV (Kia Sportage, Ford Edge) | Families, more luggage | $110/day |
| 4×4 (Jeep Gladiator) | Arikok and the north coast | $285/day |
Driving from the airport to your hotel
- Eagle Beach: about 15 minutes.
- Palm Beach and the high-rise strip: about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Oranjestad: under 10 minutes.
- Savaneta and San Nicolas: 10 to 20 minutes south.
Aruba drives on the right, uses a lot of roundabouts and posts speed limits in km/h. Traffic is light outside rush hour in Oranjestad.
Do you need a car for your whole stay?
Not always. If you are staying on Palm Beach and mostly want the beach, buses and taxis cover the basics; see Aruba without a rental car. A car pays off if you want Baby Beach, local restaurants, sunrise at the lighthouse or Arikok. Read our full Aruba car rental guide before you decide.
🌴 Want the Natural Pool without the drive? ISLA’s private jeep tours take just your group to the Natural Pool, caves and hidden beaches, with hotel pick-up and a local guide behind the wheel. Private tours from $399 →
Airport car rental: quick answers
- Can I return the car right before my flight? Yes, but allow extra time: check-in for US flights opens early and lines can be long.
- Is a deposit required? Almost always, as a hold on a credit card.
- Do I need extra insurance? Check what your credit card and home policy cover; damage on unpaved roads is often excluded.
- Can I rent a jeep at the airport? Yes. See Jeep rental in Aruba for when a 4×4 is worth it.
🗺️ Got the keys? Here is your route
Our one-day self-drive loop around the island, with timings and stops.
Aruba road trip💵 What will it cost?
See real daily rates, weekly totals and the extras to budget for.
Aruba car rental prices
