Getting Around

Hato International Airport is 7 miles (12km) northwest of Willemstad. There are rental car agencies at the airport and taxis and buses waiting to take you into the city; several hotels provide their guests with free transport from the airport.

Most visitors to Curaçao rent a car or jeep to be able to get to the best beaches and dive spots. There are plenty of rental agencies at the airport and at several of the larger hotels. You'll need a valid driver's license from home. Drive on the right and keep an eye out for goats in the country side. Traffic can be chaotic and unrelaxing and it's easy to get lost - signage is patchy and make sure you get a new detailed drive map of the island.

For getting around Willemstad you're better off using Konvoois the reliable if ambling yellow or new colorful public buses. Buses and minibuses depart from near the waterfront in Punda right by the post office. Departures are also across the floating bridge in Otrabanda serving the airport and western side of the island. Public minibuses follow eclectic routes but may still get where you're going. You'll know them by the 'BUS' on their licence plate. Taxis are plentiful in the capital - look for TX licence plates. City fares are set though taxis can also be hired for longer trips and tours around the island at negotiated rates.

Taxi's are now equipped with new airconditioned mini-busses carrying up to 12 passengers. If you want to get updated information on the island of Curacao, visit the following websites: www.curacao-tourism.com www.curacaoinfo.nl www.curacao.de (for German visitors) www.dutch-caribbean.com www.karibik.de (German Language) will further update this site soon.