Transportation

In order to explore the island of Curacao, there are various different modes of transport available. Each varies in the comfort level offered and the expense incurred.

1. Air

Air transport is the best way to get to the island. Previously, travelers had to visit Curacao via one of the airports on the neighboring islands. However, today, the island boasts of a state-of-the-art modern international airport. The Hato International Airport is located near the capital city of Willemstad, in Plaza Margareth Abraham. There are several airlines that have flights to Curacao from around the world. Some of the main airlines serving Curacao are:

- American Airlines and Dutch Caribbean Express from the United States

- Sunquest Skyservice from Canada

- Dutch Caribbean Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from Europe

Several smaller airlines such as DCE, Aeropostal and Avia Air provide air transport services within the Caribbean and from Latin America.

Travelers are advised to check with their travel agent or the airline service for flight availability and the prices. Security measures are another important aspect of air travel in Curacao. Random passenger checks maybe carried out, which may slow down the process of reaching the departure gate. Hence all are advised to arrive at the airport at least an hour or two before the flight time.

2. Bus

Buses are an effective way of getting around on the island. The bus service lets the visitors get a feel of how the locals commute everyday. Moreover, since buses are one of the cheapest modes of transport, they are preferred by many.

‘Konvoois' are the local blue and yellow buses that operate in most parts of urban Curacao. These buses are easily recognizable because of their license plates that have ‘BUS', written in large letters.

Buses start from the main terminals, one located near the overpass in Otrobanda and the other outside the post office in Punda. The bus service within the city runs on an hourly basis while those plying to the western points run every two hours. The bus service is less frequent on Sundays. Most buses have particular route and you can stop one along any of the designated bus stops. Most bus fares are below US $1, making this an extremely economical mode of transport.

3. Taxi

Taxis are effective only for traveling short distances, as the rates can be quite high. Visitors usually opt for taxis when they are traveling from a hotel to the airport or vice versa. Taxi license plates are marked with a ‘TX' sign. Taxis do not operate on the meter system, and hence fares have to be decided before starting the journey.

Fares are decided for 4 passengers. An additional 25% surcharge is charged for every additional passenger and also after 11 pm. Large amounts of luggage may also be charged an extra fee. Some taxi drivers might also double up as tour guides. Such trips will cost you approximately US $20 to $30 an hour. Cabs are easily found at the airport, outside most hotels and at various taxi stands spread across the island.

4. Cars

Rented cars are probably the best option for travelers who want to explore the entire island according to their own conveniences. Curacao has several beautiful sights that are worth visiting and renting a car is unarguably the best and most cost-effective way to see them all. Several of the major international car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis and Budget offer their services in Curacao. Local services may offer cheaper rates but many prefer to rely on the well-known brands.

Cars can be rented on daily, weekly or monthly basis. At a local car rental agency, a basic model will cost about US $30 excluding fuel charges. High-end car models can cost up to $80 a day. Weekly rates may range around the $200 mark.

To rent a car in Curacao, US citizens need to produce a valid driver's license. Many rental companies have set the minimum age to rent a car to 21,23 or 25 years. Make sure that the vehicle has been properly insured to avoid any problems later on.

Driving is done on the right side of the road and the use of seat belts is mandatory by law. When traveling with kids, it is imperative to have child safety seats in place.

Some of the popular car rental companies are mentioned below:

Avis

Tel: 599-9-868-1163

Website: http://www.avis.com

Hertz

Tel: 599-9-888-0188

Website: http://www.hertz.com

Michel Rent a Car

Tel: 599-9-888-8878

Website: http://www.michelrentacar.com/

Budget

Tel: 599-9-868-3420 (airport)

599-9-868-3466 (Rooseveltweg)

Website: http://www.budget.com

Thrifty

Tel: 599-9-461-3089

Website: http://www.thrifty.com/

5. Bikes and Mopeds

Since the island of Curacao abounds with natural beauty, exploring the depths of this scenic wonderland by cycle is probably the best way to enjoy the outdoors. Bike and moped rental agencies offer cheap services to those who want to explore the island at their pace. These options are far cheaper than renting out a car or a taxi. Traveling by a two-wheeler is one of the best ways to explore the island's enchanting countryside. Vacationers who do not want to dispense all their energy in cycling can also opt for motorcycles.

6. Ferry

Curacao runs a free ferry service between Punda and Otrobanda in the capital city of Willemstad. This is the main shopping destination on the island and the ferry service does not charge any fee for this short but scenic trip. Visitors can view the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, which has the distinction of being the largest pedestrian bridge in the world. The bridge connects the two shopping areas.

Several companies also offer boat rental services. You have the choice of taking the boat out on your own or be a part of the one-day guided tours. Trips to the neighboring Caribbean islands and Venezuela are also offered.

7. Ship

Curacao has several ports along its coastline, each designed to harbor cruise ships of various sizes and designs. The main ship harbors are found in west Willemstad. Because of its Caribbean heritage, Curacao is another destination worth exploring via a cruise liner. Many cruise lines have Curacao on their list of routine stops when exploring the Caribbean.

The two main ports in Curacao are the Curacao Mega Pier and the Curacao Cruise Terminal. While the former is designed to accommodate enormous cruise liners, the latter is more suitable for the smaller ships. Although a ship journey can be expensive and time consuming, it adds a totally different charm to exploring the beauty of the island and the surrounding areas.

There are several popular cruise lines operating in Curacao on a regular basis:

Crystal Cruises

Tel: 415-446- 5252

800-820-6663

Cunard Line

Tel: 800-728-6273

Seabourn Cruises

Tel: 800-929-9391

Silverseas Cruises

Tel: 800-722-9955

Royal Caribbean

Tel: 800-659-7225

Disney Cruises

Tel: 800-951-3532

G. Facts and Figures

- Official Name: Curacao Netherlands Antilles

- Passport/Visa Requirements: Valid passport and return ticket.

For U.S. and Canadian citizens, proof of citizenship and return ticket.

- Population: 145,000 (approx)

- Languages: Dutch and Papiamentu are the official languages.

- Predominant Religions: Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Jewish

- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time

- Voltage Requirements: 110 volts-AC, 50 cycles