Curaçao is roughly 60 km from tip to tip, with Willemstad in the middle, the resort areas to the east and the quiet beaches of Banda Abou to the west. Driving from Jan Thiel to Westpunt takes about an hour. Public transport exists but is limited, so how you get around will shape your whole trip.
Hire car: the most flexible option
Most visitors rent a car, and for good reason. The famous west-coast beaches such as Playa Kenepa and Playa Piskado are a long way from any bus stop, and a car lets you get there before the crowds. Traffic drives on the right, roads are generally fine and distances are short. Even three or four days of rental can be worth it if you are staying in the east and want to explore. Our car hire guide covers rules, insurance and tips, and you can compare prices on DiscoverCars.
Taxis
Licensed taxis carry number plates starting with TX. They have no meters: fares are set by zone, and drivers should carry the official rate card. Always agree the price (and whether it is per car) before you get in. Expect a surcharge of 25% late at night (roughly 23:00 to 06:00) and for a fifth passenger. You will find taxi ranks at the airport, in Punda and Otrobanda and outside the larger hotels; otherwise ask your hotel or restaurant to call one. Taxis work well for an evening out in Pietermaai or a single airport run, but costs add up fast if you use them every day.
Buses
Curaçao has two types of public bus: the larger "konvooi" buses run by the public operator on fixed routes from the bus stations in Otrobanda and Punda, and smaller privately run minibuses marked "BUS" that follow set routes but stop on request. Fares are low and you pay the driver. The catch is frequency: buses run roughly hourly on many routes, timetables are not posted at every stop, and services thin out in the evenings and on Sundays. Buses are fine for a trip into town from a central hotel; they are hard work for a beach-hopping holiday.
Walking, scooters and tours
Willemstad's historic centre is compact: you can walk from Punda across the floating Queen Emma Bridge to Otrobanda in a few minutes, and Pietermaai is a short stroll east of Punda. Scooters and e-bikes are available to rent, but the heat, sun and fast roads outside town make them better for short hops than for crossing the island.
If you would rather not drive at all, a day tour covers the highlights in one go: west-coast beach tours, island sightseeing trips and boat trips to Klein Curaçao often include hotel pick-up. Browse options on GetYourGuide or compare on Viator.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Curaçao?
Not strictly, but it makes a big difference. The best beaches are in the west and buses are infrequent, so most visitors rent a car for at least part of their stay.
Do taxis in Curaçao have meters?
No. Licensed taxis (TX plates) charge fixed zone fares. Agree the price before you set off.
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