Many visitors to Curaçao International Airport (CUR) are not heading for the city at all, but for the resort and beach areas — Jan Thiel, Mambo Beach, Piscadera and the quieter bays further west. Most sit a 15–30 minute drive from the terminal, a little beyond Willemstad.
Where the resort areas are
| Area | Drive from CUR | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Piscadera | ~15 min | Big resorts close to Willemstad |
| Mambo Beach | ~20–25 min | Beach clubs, dining and nightlife |
| Jan Thiel | ~25–30 min | Beach resorts, restaurants, a relaxed base |
| Western bays | 30+ min | Quieter beaches and dive spots |
Getting to your resort
- Private transfer: fixed price and a driver waiting at arrivals — easiest with luggage and the surest way to a specific resort; see private transfers.
- Taxi: on demand at the rank, with fixed government zone fares — confirm the price for your resort before you set off.
- Rental car: ideal if you plan to explore the island's beaches and dive sites at your own pace; desks are in the terminal.
- Hotel shuttle: some resorts include or arrange a pick-up — check when you book.
Resort areas vs Willemstad
The beach resorts put you by the sea and the dive sites; Willemstad keeps you among the restaurants and the UNESCO-listed old town. See our hotels guide to weigh them up. Confirm transfer prices and resort pick-ups close to your travel date, as rates can change.
