Netherlands Antilles Transportation

By | November 2, 2021

Curacao and Bonaire

The only way to travel between the islands is by air. On the islands, many travelers choose to rent a car, an international driver’s license is required for this. Public means of transport outside of the larger towns are limited, but taxis drive often.

Airplane: Since the routes between the islands are not particularly profitable, there are always changes of the airlines who offer flights within the Netherlands Antilles. Check the current situation before making a possible reservation.
Dutch Antilles Express (DAE) is the largest airline serving between Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba, the flight time is about 30 minutes each).
Insel Air flies from Curaçao to Bonaire and Aruba.

Bus: Curacao has a limited network of local buses, all places are connected. There are two types of buses on the island. The big blue or yellow buses are called convoy, and there are also minibuses. Many hotels have their own minibus service to Willemstad.

Car: International car rental companies can be found at the islands’ airports. In addition, there are numerous reliable local companies, especially in Willemstad and Kralendijk, who charge reasonable prices.
The main roads are usually in fairly good condition, but roads into the national parks can be in poorer condition.
If you want to leave the main roads, you should rent an off-road vehicle with high ground clearance. In the Netherlands Antilles there is right-hand traffic and seat belts are compulsory, and the fuel supply is good.

Taxis are available on both Curacao and Bonaire, mainly at the airport and in front of hotels. They can be recognized by the TX on the license plate. Agree on the price with the driver before driving.

Bike: While there are no bike lanes on the islands, the surface is relatively flat, so cycling can be a relaxing affair. You can rent bikes at many resorts and bike shops.

Sint Maarten

Auto: Car rental companies can be found on the island mainly at the airport and in Philipsburg. Motorcycles are more likely to be stolen and not that much cheaper than a car. In the low season you do not need to reserve in advance, in the high season, however, and the rental prices are then higher. The roads are in fair condition.
The following companies have offices at Juliana Airport: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Paradise Island, Dollar and Sunshine buses and minibuses are by far the cheapest means of transport on Sint Maarten, but not particularly fast either. If you’re in a hurry, take a taxi or rent a car. Buses have no set schedules, they usually run until 10.30pm. The main routes run mainly through Philipsburg, Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, Marigot and Grand Case.

There are bus stops in the Philipsburg (“bus stop”). In the rural areas, you can stop buses anywhere along the route with hand signals. The destinations are indicated on a sign on the windshield, mostly Philipsburg or Marigot.

TaxisThere are no taximeters on Sint Maarten, but you are required to keep a list of the state tariffs with you. In the evening the prices are higher than during the day. The phone number to call a taxi in Sint Maarten is 147.

St Eustatius

According to TOPSCHOOLSOFLAW.COM, there are no buses on St Eustatius, so a rental car is recommended if you want to explore remote areas of the island. If you are mainly staying in Oranjestad, no rental car is necessary. However, since the city is quite extensive, one should be prepared for longer hikes.

Automobile:The road conditions outside of Oranjestad are not the best. A dirt road runs along the coast, a path leads to the edge of The Quill in the southern part of the island. The route to the Botanical Garden can be impassable after rain. While driving (also in the cities) watch out for goats, cows and chickens that can suddenly run onto the street.

There are surprisingly many rental car agencies on St Eustatius, including ARC Car & Jeep Rental, Brown’s Car Rental, Rainbow Car Rental and Reddy Car Rental

Taxi: Most taxis can be found at the airport after a flight arrives. Taxis on St Eustatius do not have a meter, but fares are fixed. Often enough, however, you can also find a ride with locals.

Saba

There are no buses on Saba. Most visitors hitchhike, walk, or use taxis.

Car: You can rent a car on Saba, but the only two streets are narrow, steep and winding. The only gas station is in Fort Bay.
Caja’s Car Rental in Windwardside rents cars

Taxi: Your hotel or restaurant can arrange a taxi. The prices on the individual routes are more or less fixed, find out more from the locals before you set off.

Netherlands Antilles Transportation