Compare Aruba car hire

Aruba’s beaches sure are heavenly, but there’s also another, more authentic side to the island awaiting discovery.

Hire a car on Aruba and the island opens up with day-trip possibilities. Northern circuits to the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel and Casibari rock formations are popular, as are explorations to the south’s quieter shores and the wild Arikok National Park.

Language: Dutch | Currency: Bahamian dollar ($) | Avg. Flight time: 10.00hrs

Most major companies have car hire offices at Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), as do many reputable local firms.

Offices are also commonly located in downtown Oranjestad around Watty Vos Boulevard, or at many resorts. Hertz, for instance, has offices inside 11 separate hotels in Oranjestad and Palm Beach.

Aruba car rental can also be organised by your hotel concierge. Note, however, that they probably have an affiliation with one brand, so you won’t necessarily be getting competitive rates. The cheapest Aruba car hire comes in at around £23 per day.

There is just one highway that sweeps up almost the entire southern coast with occasionally changing names. From Cura Cabai to Oranjestad, it’s Route 1; after that, it becomes Lloyd G Smith Boulevard, then Sasakiweg, and then LG Smith Boulevard again until it ends beside Arashi Beach.

The speed limit is 80kph (50mph), and then 30kph (19mph) in urban areas. That includes Oranjestad, where many of the roads are one-way. Street signs there are famously elusive, so be prepared to ask for directions.

International road signs are used, and the minimum age for Aruba car hire is between 21 and 25 years, depending on the company. The maximum age limit is between 65 and 70 years.

All of Aruba’s main highways are paved, but dirt tracks are more common on the eastern side of the island. If you’re travelling to Arikok National Park, a 4WD vehicle is advisable to ensure a smoother ride over the rubble-strewn roads.

As Aruba is small, there will be times when you decidedly do not need a car. Many beaches are within walking direction of hotels, and some resorts have enough going on to occupy entire days. The tram makes navigating Oranjestad easy, too.

Consider carefully, then, whether you should only rent your vehicle for a few days of your trip rather than for the entire duration – it’s one way to get cheaper car hire on Aruba.

1. All car hire companies are fond of renting out older, higher-mileage cars, not just Aruba’s cheapest. Insist on as new a model as possible, and check your vehicle very carefully upon receiving it, ensuring all imperfections are pre-documented.
   
   
2. Be extra vigilant when driving in Oranjestad, as there are some poorly marked, bus-only roads featuring large, shallow pits designed to trap normal cars.
   
   
3. If you’re off looking for quieter sands, be aware that few beaches beyond the main hotel strips have refreshments. Shops can be sparse, too, so pack your own food and drink.

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.