| Your stay | Car? | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel at Palm or Eagle Beach, beach and restaurants | Not essential | Fixed-fare taxi or bus line L10, see getting around Aruba |
| Natural Pool (Arikok park) | Ordinary cars cannot go; off-road vehicle only | Guided tour, see the Natural Pool |
| Exploring the island at your own pace | Yes, about €88 to €170 a day on the sample dates | A private taxi is $60 per hour with a 2-hour minimum, or guided jeep and UTV tours |
What to check
- Driving: traffic drives on the right. Discover Cars lists 30 km/h in town and 60 to 80 km/h out of town, and a 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Licence: British drivers need both their UK licence and an international driving permit, bought before travelling; rental companies can ask for more, such as 2 years of experience or a higher minimum age (gov.uk, read 6 November 2026). Check your own licence against the supplier's terms on the booking page.
- The park track: aruba.com says ordinary cars may not pass the park checkpoints toward Conchi, so a rental car will not get you to the Natural Pool.
- Arrival: compare a rental with a fixed-fare taxi from the airport, see airport transfers.
FAQ
Do I need a car in Aruba?
Not to stay at Palm or Eagle Beach. Yes if you want to explore the island freely for several days.
Do I need a jeep for the Natural Pool?
You cannot reach it in an ordinary car. A guided 4x4 tour is the easy answer, from €89.66 per person.
Why take a taxi?
Fares are fixed by the government, so there is no haggling. $60 per hour (2-hour minimum) buys a private sightseeing driver, and you do not park or drive after a drink.
Aruba Authority editorial team, 6 November 2026.
