QUEEN BEATRIX AIRPORT (AUA) INFORMATION

Queen Beatrix International Airport (Dutch: Internationale luchthaven Koningin Beatrix; Papiamento: Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix), commonly known as Aruba Airport (IATA: AUA, ICAO: TNCA), is located in Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital city.

The facility took its name from Beatrix, the Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 to 2013.

The airport has flight services to the United States, several countries in the Caribbean, the northern coastal countries of South America, Canada, as well as some parts of Europe, especially the Netherlands.

Transfer Services at Aruba Airport

Queen Beatrix International Airport provides several modes of transportation for its customers.

Services to/from AUA, including rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and buses are available in front of the terminal.

Rideshares and railway services are not available in Aruba, but ferry stations are available in the city.

The distance from AUA to Aruba Cruise Port and De Palm Island Ferry Terminal is approximately 5 kilometers.

The taxi cost will be less than the US $30.00 one way to those locations.

Rental Car Services at Aruba Airport

Passengers and tourists who are looking for comfort and convenience while in Aruba can choose from several Car Rental companies from the airport itself upon arrival.

They can meet these Car Rental offices opposite the Airport Arrivals Hall.

Offices are generally open 24/7, but operation hours may vary. Please inquire at your service provider for specific service hours and return procedures.

To speed up the process when picking up your vehicle, please be sure to have your valid driving license, passport, and credit card ready to present at the counter. You will need them when signing the rental documents.

Plan and book your rental car as soon as possible ahead of your trip. Also, check with your rental car company to confirm your reservation ahead of your trip.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you’re not sure where to go, give the rental company a call.

When renting a vehicle, customers must abide by the Terms and Conditions of the rental company at all times. See and compare all rental car companies at Aruba Airport.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

For item(s) left on a rental car center, report to the Airport Lost and Found Section at +297 524 24 24.

Ideally, found items will be kept in the Lost Property Office for 30 days.

Ride Shares at Aruba Airport

As of this update, ridesharing services are not yet available on this island.

Taxis at Aruba Airport

For taxis, please proceed to the Ground Transportation Center outside the Baggage Claim area.

A typical taxi fare from the airport to the downtown area would be around US$ 30.00

If you need to travel outside of the downtown area, please consult your driver for rates. It is not customary to give the driver a tip in Aruba, but it is appreciated for good service.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and driver's name in case you leave something behind. See more information about taxis at Aruba Airport.

Ferries at Aruba Airport

There are two ferry stations within the city, about 5 kilometers from the airport, namely Aruba Cruise Port and De Palm Island Ferry Terminal.

You can grab a taxi from the airport transportation center to those locations for less than $30.00, each way. More information about ferry services to and from Aruba Cruise Port and De Palm Island Ferry Terminal.

Buses at Aruba Airport

From the airport, you can get to the city or anywhere on the island for $3.00.

The local bus service "Arubus Aruba" provides this service directly from the airport terminal grounds.

You can walk outside the airport terminal gates for about 10 minutes, and get the local buses going to different places in the city. More information about buses to and from Aruba Airport.

Follow signs to ground transportation in the direction of the bus stop at the airport.

Hotel Shuttle at Aruba Airport

Some hotels in Oranjestad, Aruba may provide your party with a shuttle service.

For convenience, please confirm with your local hotel if this service is available in your accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers in front of the terminal.

Parking at Aruba Airport

Parking is available at the uncovered facility on the airport grounds.

Passengers who want to park their car at the airport must ensure that they arrive earlier to have plenty of time to look for parking to avoid being late for their flight.

See more information about short and long term parking at Aruba Airport.

Other Services at Aruba Airport

Wi-Fi at Aruba Airport

Aruba Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building.

ATMs at Aruba Airport

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are in the following locations:

• Main Concession Area
• Greeter area.

The ATMs take Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Fees may apply.

Check the fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if traveling internationally.

You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans.

Currency Exchange at Aruba Airport

Currency exchange is available at the ground level of the terminal building during the following business hours:

• 08:00h to 16:00h (Monday to Thursday)
• 08:00h to 17:00h (Friday),
• 10:00h to 18:00h (Sunday).

Services at the center include selling travelers’ cheques and cash exchanges for local and foreign currencies.

Note: Currency exchange shops and kiosks in airports are not the best places to exchange money.

For the best rates, try a local bank or a bank ATM to make your currency exchanges.

Check if your bank offers foreign ATM fee refunds. Not all currency exchanges charge the same rate.

Additionally, consider withdrawing foreign currency from an ATM at your destination, preferably one that is affiliated with your bank to pay the lowest transaction fees.

Nursing Stations at Aruba Airport

There are no designated areas for nursing mothers or special quarters for families traveling with children at the airport.

Nursing mothers who need some privacy may approach the Information Desk at the airport for assistance.

Restrooms at Aruba Airport

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are throughout the airport.

Food and Beverages at Aruba Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at Aruba Airport

There are also plenty of restaurants, cafés, and snack bars while waiting for your flight.

Smoking at Aruba Airport

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminals. There are no smoking facilities inside the terminal.

When in the facility, please follow smoking regulations at all times

Lost and Found Section at Aruba Airport

For items lost on the aircraft or at the gate area, please contact the respective airlines lost and found.

If you lost an item in any other area at the airport, including the security checkpoints and shuttle buses, please contact the Lost and Found Office at +297 524 2424.

Or you can also complete the Lost and Found process at the Airport Information Desk.

When leaving your details for lost items(s), please include your full name, contact details, phone, email, and a description of the item(s).

The airport will keep all lost and found items for a considerable time of at least 30 days. After said period, the property will be deemed abandoned.

Please talk to the airport representative at the counter.

Ticketing at Aruba Airport

Please look for overhead signs pointing in the direction of ticketing areas at the terminals in front of the security checkpoint.

Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Please contact airlines directly for fares, ticket purchases, and flight schedules.

Finally, consider the advantages of booking a flight ahead of time. All information and ticket purchases can be done directly by the passenger or its representative on the website of your airline.

Information Desk at Aruba Airport

There are two information desks at this airport. One is in the Departures Terminal and one in the Arrivals Terminal.

Please follow the overhead signs to locate the Information Desk in the lobby.

Information desk officers can help you obtain valuable guidelines on traveling around Aruba.

Pet Relief at Aruba Airport

Before deciding to fly with your pet to Aruba, please check with the airline about any restrictions or special rules regarding carrying pets on board a flight.

You must also verify whether any health certificates, documents, and/or quarantine are required in the destination country.

Pets must be carried in containers (kennels) that are strong enough to withstand breaking and prevent escape.

Pet owners have to respect the community rules regarding the movements of pet animals in enclosed public spaces.

All information about the necessary documents needed for your pet may be obtained from your airline.

Baggage Claim at Aruba Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim on the Ground Level of the terminal. Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter.

Lost or damaged luggage can be reported at the Lost and Found Office at +297 524 2424 or by E-mail: https://www.airportaruba.com/lost-and-found

When leaving a message, include your name, email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at Aruba Airport

This airport in Aruba is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed to the gates and aircraft doors.

Travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the policies or procedures at security checkpoints, please call +297 524 2424.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

Book flights well in advance and call the airline directly to ensure that all disability-related needs will be met.

Politely ask for the name and position of each person you speak with and record this information in case you will need it for reference.

When possible, make arrangements for travel to and from airports, including transportation options to your final destination.

Make these arrangements well in advance to avoid frustration upon arrival and departure.

Arrive at the airport one hour earlier than advised. This will allow time for accommodations to be made and avoid delays through security.

History of Aruba Airport

Aruba's aviation history dates back to almost a century ago when the air service network has become a critical and vital element of Aruba’s national economy.

In 1923, two US Navy Curtiss H-16 long-range maritime patrol flying boats landed for the first time in the Paarden Bay Harbor of Oranjestad.

The two aircraft operated out of the Coco Solo Naval Air Station (NAS) in the Panama Canal Zone. After a short stay on the island, both aircraft continued their flights to Curacao.

In 1933, the first locally based aircraft, a Curtiss-Robin, was brought to Aruba. Manuel Viana, James Hathaway, and James A. Massey flew it from a mud-flat runway near the sea at Savaneta.

In 1934, commercial aviation was introduced in Aruba by Manuel Viana of Viana Auto Supply. In early 1942, the German Navy began anti-shipping operations using U-Boats in the Caribbean.

The subs sank several tankers in the harbor at San Nicolas, and shelled the Lago oil refinery in an attempt to disrupt the supply of fuel to the war effort in Europe; prompting the Government of Aruba to build a 5,100-foot-long airstrip for the US Army Air Corps together with a small building that served as a terminal, which was inaugurated on June 4, 1942.

These facilities later became known as the “Dakota Airport.”

During the period the airport served as the base of operations for the U.S. Sixth Air Force defending Caribbean shipping and the Panama Canal against German submarines until the end of the war in October 1945.

In 1955, the "Dakota Airport” was dedicated to Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands during the visit of HRH Queen Juliana.

Nearly a decade after the Government of Aruba constructed the original paved runway, it was discovered while repairing 42 paving breaks.

In September 1953, the 4,500-foot combination runway and taxiway were completed, which served as a substitute for the main runway while it was being repaired and lengthened.

In 1962, plans started on the expansion of the airport to accommodate the new jet aircraft entering into service, and to plan for the passengers expected from new and larger airplanes.

In 1964, the first phase, the extension of the runway was completed and the start of the jet age commenced in Aruba.

A year later in 1965, the groundbreaking for the construction of the fourth terminal building took place, which was inaugurated in 1972.

In 1997, the last major expansion project for the airport, Beatrix 2000, began. It was completed in 1999.

The design included an expansion and renovation to the existing 1972 terminal, and included a new Arrival Immigration Hall, Baggage Claim area, 8 Contact Gates, a new Concession Area, and two separated Check-in Buildings for the U.S. and the non- U.S. bound flights.

Today, Aruba Airport has 3 floors filled with shopping, dining, and relaxing facilities.

The airport has one terminal divided into two parts, one part for flights to the United States (USA Departures) and one part for all other flights (Non-USA Departures).

The distinction between departure to the United States and departure to other countries is made because the airport of Aruba offers ‘border preclearance’ for passengers to the US.

This means that you pass US immigration and customs before departure, it saves you a lot of time on arrival.

This airport has a special relationship with the United States of America. The airport itself has a separate checking-in facility for US-bound flights. On 3 March 2021, American Airlines made its 50 years flying to and from Aruba.

Among the busiest US routes from Aruba include New York–JFK, New York, Miami, Florida, Newark, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, Boston, MA, Philadelphia, PA, Washington–Dulles, VA, Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois, and Houston–Intercontinental, TX.

Queen Beatrix International Airport sits 18 meters above sea level at 12°30′05″N and 70°00′55″W.

Aruba Airport Contacts

Address: Sabana Berde, Oranjestad, Aruba
General Phone: +297 524 2424
General Email: https://www.airportaruba.com/contact-us
Lost and Found Email: https://www.airportaruba.com/lost-and-found
Lost and Found Phone: +297 524 2424
Official Website: https://www.airportaruba.com/

Local Information for Aruba

Drive on: Left
Electricity: 110V / 60Hz.
Plug: A, B, F
Currency: Aruban Guilder (AWG), Aruban Florin (AFL)
Wi-Fi at Airport: Aruba Airport provides free Wi-Fi access to passengers. Just enable Wi-Fi on your device and follow the short steps.