Getting Around Willemstad
Willemstad is the capital and largest city of Curaçao, and its historic centre is split into four quarters: Punda and Otrobanda, separated by the Sint Anna Bay, plus Scharloo and Pietermaai Smal, which face each other across the smaller Waaigat harbour. That geography shapes how you move around: the two halves of the centre sit on opposite sides of the water, and the city's layout, rather than any rail network, determines your options.
No Trains, Trams or Metro
Willemstad has no rail, metro or tram system. Getting around the city and the wider island is done by car, taxi, ride-hailing app, bus or on foot. Plan your trip around those modes rather than looking for a train.
Walking the Historic Centre
The compact, walkable heart of Willemstad is one of its great pleasures. Punda and Otrobanda are linked by the Queen Emma Bridge, a long pontoon bridge that is still in use. Most road traffic now crosses the bay on the Queen Juliana Bridge, which arches high over the water further inland. Nearby you will also find the now non-functioning Queen Wilhelmina drawbridge.
Because the historic centre and its former suburbs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, much of what a visitor wants to see is concentrated in a relatively small area. Note that the two main bus stations sit on opposite sides of the bay, so a walk of roughly ten to fifteen minutes between them may be needed for cross-island trips.
Buses and Other Public Transport
There are two types of bus on the island, and knowing the difference will save you both money and confusion.
- Konvoi buses are large, metro-style buses that run infrequently between major points in the city. Routes and prices are fixed at about 2 NAf, and you pay in cash only, since the bus card requires residency. Note that 50, 100 and 200 guilder bills are explicitly not accepted, so have smaller change ready.
- BUS. vans are nine- to twelve-passenger vans that look a lot like taxis. You can spot one by a cardboard cutout in the front windshield listing its stops, instead of the yellow taxi sign in the windshield or on the roof, and by the BUS. letters on the licence plate. Fares are not negotiable (roughly 1–3 guilders), but the route is: drivers commonly negotiate how close they can take you to your destination, so ask before boarding whether the van stops near where you are going. You can pay the driver while en route or before exiting.
The easiest way to ride is to start at one of the two bus stations in Willemstad: Otrobanda Station, across the street from the Rif Fort, and Punda Station, at the post office across from the Circle Market. For the most part, the Punda station serves stops along the eastern side of the ring and destinations to the east such as Salina, Zelandia and Mambo, while the Otrobanda station serves destinations west of the bay, including the airport, Piscadera and even Westpunt. The destinations do not typically overlap, so a cross-island trip may mean walking between the two stations.
You can also board anywhere on the island by waiting at one of the ubiquitous yellow "Bushalte" signs and waving at an approaching BUS. or Konvoi. Be careful here: taxi drivers will also try to lure you in, so check the sign in the window or the licence plate to avoid paying a taxi fare. Schedules vary, running from about 6AM to 8PM for most stops, and until 11PM or even midnight (sometimes later) for Salina and Mambo. If you are ever lost during daylight hours, find a yellow bushalte sign and the bus should take you to either Punda or Otrobanda.
The ABC Curaçao app (Android and iOS) has a basic route planner and timetables, which is helpful when travelling by public bus.
One caveat for the wider island: while almost all of Curaçao is accessible by bus, departures are often one to two hours apart, and reaching many spots, especially in the western part of the island, is very hard or impossible by bus.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are a popular and easy-to-find option. They are marked, and their plates read "TX." Some taxi drivers will even act as your tour guide for the day if you ask, but always agree on a fee before heading out.
Click Curaçao is the local ride-sharing app, equivalent to Uber or Lyft, with cheaper fares than regular taxis.
Renting a Car
A car is pretty much needed to get around the island as a whole. Cars can be rented for about US$45 per day from a variety of hirers at Hato Airport and across the island. Driving in Willemstad is similar to most Caribbean locations: aggressive drivers, loosely enforced traffic laws, and driving on the right side. Signs are in Dutch using a European style. If you are involved in an accident, local laws prohibit moving your car, and you can dial 199 for road service. Watch for road hazards such as donkeys, goats and iguanas. If you stay outside Willemstad, renting a car can be a good option, since taxi fares can be quite expensive and public transport is not very reliable.
Ferries
Ferries are a great way for shoppers to get to and from some of the island's main shopping areas. Note that there are no ferry services to other islands or to Venezuela.
Arriving by Air: Curaçao International Airport
Willemstad is served by Curaçao International Airport, also known as Hato International Airport, located north of the city and used by international and regional carriers. It is a short car ride from the city centre.
Before entering the island, a Digital Immigration Card must be filled out on the Curaçao Tourist Board's website, at least 48 hours prior to departure. Be prepared for immigration to take a very long time, potentially around two hours. Handicapped travellers can wait their turn in a seating area at the far end of the immigration hall, usually hidden by the lines of people queuing.
To get from the airport to Willemstad without a rental car, there are three options:
- Public bus (Konvoi): departs roughly once every one to two hours from the bus station on your right when exiting Arrivals, past the rental car desks. Cash only.
- Taxi: fares run between about US$20 and US$60 depending on time of day, your ability to haggle, and your destination. The Click app is also an option.
- BUS. vans: these drivers enter the airport to pick up passengers, though they are not taxis and might be chased away by airport staff. They are a cheap way into the city if you have cash, light luggage and enjoy an adventure, and they usually go to the large Otrobanda bus terminal just west of Pietermaai.
Arriving by Sea
Cruise ships arrive at the Curaçao Mega Pier or the Curaçao Cruise Terminal. From these ports it is a short walk to many of the island's popular tourist destinations, and travellers can enjoy nearby duty-free shopping. Larger ships arrive at the Mega Pier, while smaller ships dock at the Cruise Terminal. Sailors can enter at ports in Willemstad, which has various marinas where seafaring travellers can dock their ships.