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.
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.
Drive times, fares and timetables can change, so confirm the details locally close to your travel date.
