Travel - International

AIR: Aruba’s national airline, Air Aruba (FQ), has cancelled all flights until further notice. For more information contact the airline directly (tel: (297) 830 005 or (800) 882 7822). Other airlines serving Aruba include Air ALM, Avensa (from Venezuela), Avianca (from Colombia), American Airlines, Continental Airlines, KLM, Martinair (from Miami) and VARIG (from Brazil).

Approximate flight times: From Oranjestad to London is 11 hours 40 minutes (including a connection, normally in Amsterdam), to Los Angeles is 10 hours and to New York is 4 hours.

International airports: Queen Beatrix (AUA) is 3.5km (2.5 miles) southeast of Oranjestad. Airport facilities include a duty-free shop, banks, restaurants and tourist information (0700-2315). A taxi service is available between the airport and the town. Bus services run to the town centre.

Departure tax: US$30 per person for all travellers over two years of age. This is normally included in the ticket price.

SEA: Aruba has extensive duty-free shopping and many cruise ships call in on their Caribbean itineraries. Holland America Lines, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess and Silversea Cruises all sail to Oranjestad.

Travel - Internal

ROAD: The road system throughout the island is very good. Driving is on the right and international signs are used. Bus: Public bus service runs regularly between the towns and hotels on Eagle Beach and Palm Beach and the main bus station in Oranjestad. Check with the tourist office or hotels for schedule. Taxi: The main taxi office is at Pos Abao 41. Taxis are not metered. Rates are fixed and should be checked before getting into the cab. There is no need to tip drivers except for help with unusually heavy luggage. Car hire: There are plenty of cars available for hire and touring by car is one of the most pleasant ways to explore the island. Most major companies have offices in Aruba (Hertz, National, Budget and Avis); there are also many well-established local car hire firms. It is possible to hire scooters, motorcycles and cycles. Minimum age for hiring a car is 21 to 25 depending on the firm. Hotels can assist with bookings. Documentation: A valid foreign licence or an International Driving Permit, held for at least two years, are both acceptable.

SEA: Ferries depart daily to De Palm Island from the mainland. Crossings run every half an hour between 1000-1800.