Driving in Aruba
Drive on the right side of the road
Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
Handheld phone use while driving is illegal
Blood alcohol limit is 0.05% — we recommend not drinking at all before driving
Main roads are well-maintained; some off-road areas can be rough
Expect roundabouts, especially around Oranjestad
Watch for one-way street signs
Many streets have no names — locals navigate by landmarks
Free across most of the island — all major beaches, the hotel zone, and San Nicolas
Downtown Oranjestad has paid zones (Main Street, Wilhelminastraat, Havenstraat, and the marina district), managed by AruParking
Pay with coins at the meters or through the Pay.aw app — the app lets you extend time without walking back to your car
Skipping payment in a paid zone risks a fine or wheel clamp; evenings are usually free
Locals use hand signals and short honks to communicate — it's courtesy, not road rage.
Be ready for quick stops near buses and popular tourist spots.
Goats and donkeys cross roads unexpectedly, especially in the countryside — slow down when you spot them.
Ease off the gas as you get close. Traffic in Aruba drives on the right, and roundabouts flow counterclockwise. In this example we're going straight through.
Police · Fire · Ambulance
Island-wide road assistance
24/7 for any vehicle issue
Carry your valid driver's license and rental agreement at all times — and enjoy exploring our beautiful island! 🌴
Nexus Car Rental ®