By bus
Aruba has an inexpensive and reliable daily bus service linking Oranjestad with all the major areas. The main bus terminal is located in town across from the Port of Call Shopping Centre, and buses depart frequently for the hotels;
route #10 services downtown Oranjestad and the hotel strip between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver (US$1.15 one-way; US$2 round-trip).
On Curaçao, buses run to all the major towns and districts, but the system is very slow and may require several transfers before you reach your destination. Bus terminals are located outside the post office in Punda and near the highway overpass in Otrobanda.
Bonaire has no public bus system
By car
By far the easiest way to get around all three islands is with a rented vehicle , and all of the major rental agencies operate booths at the airports as well as at most hotel chains. While many of the major roads in Aruba are in excellent condition, you'd be wise to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle (US$450/week) if you're planning to explore the interior or Arikok National Park, as the winding roads on this part of the island become rugged. Bear in mind that many of the main highways are labelled according to the direction you are travelling (you may be driving east on 7A, but as soon as you turn back the same road is referred to as 7B).
Most visitors to Bonaire rent pick-up trucks (US$40-60/day) to haul their bulky scuba equipment and tanks between their hotels and the dive sites. Rentals are handled at the airport and they will usually deliver the car to your hotel. For Washington-Slagbaai National Park you'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle if you're not visiting on a tour.
By taxi
Taxis on the ABC islands are very safe and reliable, and can be hired from hotels, hailed from the street or requested by calling the central dispatch. Rates are fixed according to zones (there are no meters). Sightseeing tours around around each island average US$30/hour on Aruba and Curaçao, and US$30 for a half-day on Bonaire; in all cases prices cover up to four passengers.
On Aruba, a ride from the capital to Eagle Beach costs US$5 and US$8 to Palm Beach for up to four people. Add an extra US$1 if you're travelling after midnight and US$3 on Sundays and holidays. For pick-up call the central dispatch (tel 297/822116 or 821604).
On Bonaire, expect to pay anywhere from US$5 to US$12 to travel from downtown to most area hotels; US$16 to Lac Bay. A surcharge applies for more than four passengers and fares increase by 25 percent after 6pm and by another 50 percent after midnight. Call the central dispatch (tel 599/717-8100) to arrange for pick-up from anywhere on the island.
On Curaçao a ride from most hotels to downtown costs US$8-12 and close to US$20 to the beaches south of Willemstad; fares increase by 25 percent after 11pm. Call the central dispatch (tel 5999/869-0752) to arrange a pick-up.
By bike or scooter
Renting a mountain bike or scooter is a good option on islands like Bonaire, whose more than 300km of unpaved roads make this a pleasant way to see some of the island's unspoiled beauty. Bike and scooter rental agencies are found in Kralendijk. Plan on spending US$10-20 per day for a bike or US$18-25 per day for a scooter.
