Several car-rental companies keep desks inside the arrivals hall at Curaçao International Airport (CUR), so you can collect a vehicle within minutes of clearing customs. A rental car is the easiest way to explore the island at your own pace — the quieter western beaches, the dive sites and the colourful streets of Willemstad are all far simpler to reach with your own wheels than by taxi.
Where to pick up your car
The rental desks sit in the arrivals terminal; depending on the company, the cars themselves are either right outside or in a nearby lot reached by a short walk or a quick staff shuttle. Booking online before you fly almost always secures a better rate and guarantees availability, which matters in the December–April high season when fleets sell out. Bring your confirmation, and arrive with a little patience — paperwork at the desk takes a few minutes.
What you need
- A valid driving licence, usually held for at least 1–2 years
- An International Driving Permit is recommended, especially if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet
- A credit card in the main driver's name to cover the deposit
- Your passport and rental confirmation
- Minimum age is usually 21–23; drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver surcharge
Insurance, excess and fuel
Read the cover carefully before you sign. Basic rates typically include collision damage waiver but leave a sizeable excess (the amount you pay in the event of damage), which you can reduce by buying extra cover or by using a separate excess policy. Check the fuel policy too — "full-to-full", where you return the car with a full tank, is usually the fairest. Photograph any existing scratches at handover so there is no dispute when you bring the car back.
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Excess | How much you are liable for, and whether you can reduce it |
| Fuel policy | Prefer full-to-full; note the nearest station to the airport |
| Mileage | Usually unlimited on the island, but confirm |
| Extras | Child seats, additional drivers, GPS — add at booking |
Driving on Curaçao
Traffic drives on the right. Roads to the main towns, resorts and popular beaches are generally well surfaced, but some tracks down to the remote western bays are unpaved and better suited to a higher-clearance vehicle. Distances are short and signposting is reasonable, though a navigation app helps. In Willemstad, use the marked car parks rather than improvising on narrow one-way streets, and never leave valuables on show. A car pairs well with a beach base — see our resort transfers guide and hotels near the airport. Rates, age limits and insurance terms vary by company and can change, so confirm the details when you book and close to your travel date.
