Curaçao International Airport (CUR), also known as Hato International Airport, sits about 12 km north-west of Willemstad, roughly a 15–20 minute drive on a good run. There is no train or metro on the island, so every traveller reaches town the same way: by taxi, pre-booked transfer, rental car, hotel shuttle or the Konvooi bus. Which one suits you comes down to your budget, how much luggage you have, the time you land and whether you plan to explore beyond the capital.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Time to Willemstad | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | ~15–20 min | Fixed government zone fares; agree the price before you go |
| Private transfer | ~15–20 min | Booked ahead at a fixed rate; driver waits at arrivals |
| Rental car | ~15–20 min | Desks in the terminal; best for exploring the island and beaches |
| Hotel shuttle | varies | Offered by many resorts; check when you book |
| Local bus (Konvooi) | ~30–40 min | Cheapest, but a limited schedule |
By taxi
Licensed taxis wait at the rank just outside the arrivals hall, so you rarely queue for long. Fares are set by government zone rather than a meter, which means you should confirm the price with the driver before departing and check whether it is per car or per person. US dollars and the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) are both accepted, and one fare usually covers the whole vehicle and your bags. Use only the official cabs at the rank — see our airport taxis guide for how the zones work.
| Destination from CUR | Typical fixed fare* |
|---|---|
| Central Willemstad (Punda / Otrobanda) | ~$35 |
| Mambo Beach | ~$30 |
| Jan Thiel | ~$45 |
| Westpunt (far west coast) | ~$70 |
*Government-set zone fares for up to four passengers, one way. Confirm the exact figure with your driver before you leave; US dollars and guilders (ANG) are both accepted.
Private transfer
A pre-booked transfer locks in a fixed price and puts a driver in the arrivals hall waiting for you, often with a name board. It is the calmest choice after a long-haul flight, when you are travelling as a family or group, carrying dive gear, or landing late at night. You can also size the vehicle to your party. Full detail is on our private transfers page.
Rental car
Several rental companies keep desks in the arrivals terminal. A car is the easiest way to reach the quieter beaches and dive sites at your own pace; remember that traffic drives on the right, and an International Driving Permit is recommended. If you are heading straight for the coast, see our guide to the beaches and resorts.
Hotel shuttle and the public bus
- Hotel shuttle: many resorts run a complimentary or low-cost pick-up, so confirm the service and your flight details when you book the room.
- Local bus (Konvooi): the island's public bus is the budget choice for getting into town, but the schedule is limited and large suitcases are awkward, so it suits flexible, light packers.
Which should you choose?
- Simplest, any time of day: the airport taxi from the rank, at a fixed zone fare.
- Calmest after a long flight or with dive gear: a pre-booked private transfer waiting in arrivals.
- Exploring beaches and dive sites: a rental car, since the island has little public transport.
- On a tight budget and packing light: the Konvooi bus, if its limited schedule fits your plans.
- Staying at a resort: check first whether your hotel runs a shuttle.
Luggage, accessibility and a safety tip
Luggage: a taxi or transfer fare covers the whole car and your bags, so luggage adds nothing to the price. The Konvooi bus has little luggage space and is awkward with large suitcases.
Accessibility: Hato is a compact, single-level terminal that is easy to cross with a trolley or wheelchair. If you need an accessible vehicle, book a private transfer ahead and state your requirements, as not every taxi can carry a wheelchair.
Safety tip: use only the licensed taxis at the official rank outside arrivals, and agree the zone fare before you set off. Ignore anyone offering an informal ride inside the terminal.
Drive times, fares and timetables can change, so confirm the details locally close to your travel date.
Flying out soon? Before you pack, check what luggage your airline and fare include in our baggage allowance checker.
