Queen Beatrix International Airport (airport code AUA) is your gateway to Aruba, and understanding how it works can save you time, stress, and money. This guide covers everything from arrival to departure so you can breeze through the airport like a seasoned visitor.
## Airport Overview
Queen Beatrix International Airport is located in Oranjestad, about 2.5 miles from downtown and 7 miles from the Palm Beach hotel strip. It is a modern, well-maintained facility that handles around 2.5 million passengers per year. Despite its relatively small size, it is one of the busiest airports in the southern Caribbean.
The airport has a single terminal with two main areas: the general departure hall and the US pre-clearance facility. It has been significantly renovated in recent years with improved air conditioning, more seating, and better dining options.
## Arriving in Aruba
### Before You Fly: The ED Card
This is the most important thing to do before your trip. Every person entering Aruba must complete the online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card at **edcardaruba.aw**. The cost is $20 per person.
Complete this form 1-7 days before your arrival. You will receive a QR code via email that immigration will scan. **Critical warning:** Use only the official edcardaruba.aw website. There are scam websites that charge $50-100 for the same form. The official fee is $20, period.
You will need: passport information, flight details, hotel/accommodation address, and a credit or debit card. The form takes about 5 minutes to fill out.
### Immigration and Customs
After landing, you will walk through a covered corridor to the immigration hall. The process is typically smooth:
1. **Immigration line:** Have your passport and ED Card QR code ready. Officers are friendly but thorough. Expect 10-30 minutes depending on how many flights landed simultaneously. US, Canadian, and EU citizens do not need a visa for stays under 30 days.
2. **Baggage claim:** A standard carousel system. Bags usually appear within 15-20 minutes.
3. **Customs:** Aruba customs is generally relaxed. You may be waved through or have your bags briefly inspected. Prohibited items include illegal drugs (obviously), fresh fruits and vegetables, and more than 1 liter of alcohol duty-free. If you are bringing prescription medication, keep it in original packaging with your name on it.
Total time from touchdown to exiting the airport: typically 30-60 minutes. Peak arrival times (when multiple US flights land between 1-4 PM) can push this to 45-75 minutes.
### Currency Exchange
There are exchange counters in the arrivals hall, but you do not need to use them. US dollars are accepted literally everywhere in Aruba at a standard rate of 1.80 AWG per $1 USD. Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs in the arrivals hall dispense Aruban Florins — useful for small purchases at local spots but not essential.
## Ground Transportation from the Airport
### Taxis
Taxis are available directly outside the arrivals exit. Aruba taxis operate on **fixed government-regulated rates** — there are no meters. The rates are posted on a board at the taxi stand.
**Common taxi fares from the airport:** - To Eagle Beach hotels: $22-25 - To Palm Beach hotels: $25-28 - To downtown Oranjestad: $10-12 - To Manchebo Beach: $20-22 - To San Nicolas: $35-40
Fares are per taxi, not per person (up to 4 passengers). After 11 PM, a $3 surcharge applies. There is also a $3 per bag charge for luggage beyond the first two pieces.
**Important:** Always confirm the fare before getting in. The rates are fixed, so there should be no surprises, but confirming avoids any misunderstanding.
### Rental Cars
All major rental car companies have desks in the airport arrivals hall or nearby shuttle service: - Budget, Avis, Hertz, National — in the terminal - Local companies like Top Drive and Tropic Car Rental — shuttle pickup
Rates range from $35-65/day for a standard car to $65-100/day for a Jeep or SUV. A Jeep is highly recommended if you plan to visit Arikok National Park or the Natural Pool. Book in advance during peak season (December-April) as popular vehicles sell out.
You will need: valid driver's license (international license not required for US/Canadian/EU citizens), credit card, and minimum age of 21 (25 at some companies).
### Hotel Shuttles
Some resorts offer complimentary airport transfers when you book directly. Check with your hotel before arranging other transportation. This is most common at the larger Palm Beach resorts.
### Bus
The Arubus public bus system connects the airport to Oranjestad and the hotel strip. Route 10 goes to Oranjestad, and from there you can connect to Palm Beach. The fare is $2.50. However, with luggage, a taxi is much more practical.
## The Airport Terminal: Layout and Facilities
### Check-In Area
The check-in hall is on the upper level (departures). Airlines are arranged alphabetically along the counter. During peak season, check-in lines for major US carriers can be long — arrive at least 2.5-3 hours before your flight.
Most airlines now offer online check-in 24 hours before departure. Do this and you can proceed directly to security with your boarding pass.
### Dining Options
**Before Security (Landside):** - Dunkin' Donuts — coffee, donuts, sandwiches. Open early morning. - Subway — standard menu, decent for a quick bite. - Various snack shops with local pastechis and drinks.
**After Security (Airside):** - **Aruba Cafe** — The best option airside. Local dishes, sandwiches, and full bar. Try a last pastechi before you leave. - **Starbucks** — Standard menu, always packed. - **Burger King** — Fast food option. - **The Islander Terrace** — Sit-down dining with Caribbean dishes. Budget $15-25 per person.
Food prices are airport-standard — expect to pay 30-50% more than in town. A meal with a drink runs $15-25.
### Duty-Free Shopping
Aruba's duty-free shops are located after security in the departure area.
**What is worth buying:** - **Liquor:** Rum (especially local Palmera), Dutch genever, and spirits are genuinely cheaper than US prices. Savings of 20-40%. - **Cigarettes and tobacco:** Significant savings if you partake. - **Perfume and cosmetics:** Modest savings over US retail. - **Local products:** Aruba Aloe products, hot sauces, Coecoei liqueur, and local crafts make great souvenirs.
**What is NOT worth buying:** - Electronics (no real savings) - Designer goods (minimal discounts) - Candy and snacks (same or higher than US prices)
The main duty-free stores include Maggy's, Little Switzerland, and the Aruba Airport Authority shops. The shopping area is compact but well-stocked.
### The VIP Lounge
The **VIP Lounge Aruba** is located on the upper level of the departures area. It offers air-conditioned seating, complimentary drinks and snacks, WiFi, and a quieter atmosphere than the main terminal.
**Access options:** - Walk-in rate: approximately $40-50 per person - Priority Pass membership: accepted - Certain premium credit cards (AmEx Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve) provide complimentary access through Priority Pass
The lounge is modest compared to major international airport lounges but is a welcome retreat from the often-crowded departure gates.
### WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. The network is "AUA Free WiFi." Speed is adequate for browsing and messaging but do not expect to stream video reliably.
## US Pre-Clearance: Aruba's Best-Kept Advantage
This is one of the biggest perks of flying to/from Aruba that many travelers do not know about until they experience it.
### What Is Pre-Clearance?
Aruba is one of only a handful of Caribbean airports with a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility. This means you go through full US immigration and customs **before you board your return flight to the US.**
When you land in the US, you arrive as a domestic passenger. You walk off the plane, grab your bags from a domestic carousel, and leave. No immigration line. No customs inspection. No waiting.
### How It Works
1. After checking in for your US-bound flight, you proceed through Aruban security screening. 2. Next, you enter the US pre-clearance area where you go through US immigration (passport scan, officer interview) and customs (baggage X-ray). 3. After clearing, you are in the secure US pre-cleared departure area with gates, shops, and food.
### Time to Allow
Pre-clearance adds time to your departure process. Allow **3 hours before your flight** for the entire check-in, security, and pre-clearance process. During peak travel days (Saturdays in high season), consider 3.5 hours.
The pre-clearance line itself typically takes 20-45 minutes. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck **do** apply here and can significantly speed things up. If you do not have Global Entry, seriously consider applying before your trip — the time savings at Aruba's pre-clearance alone justify the $100 fee.
### Duty-Free After Pre-Clearance
There is a small duty-free shopping area after pre-clearance. Selection is more limited than the main duty-free but still has liquor, tobacco, and basic souvenirs.
## Departure Tips
### What to Do With Leftover Florins
Spend them at the airport shops or exchange them at the currency counter before security. Some US bank branches will exchange Aruban Florins but most will not — use them up before you leave.
### Last-Minute Souvenirs
The airport gift shops have decent (if slightly overpriced) options: Aruba Aloe products, hot sauces, Coecoei liqueur, t-shirts, and magnets. For better prices and selection, shop in downtown Oranjestad or the hotel strip before your departure day.
### Departure Tax
A departure tax of approximately $36.75 is included in your airline ticket price. You do not need to pay anything separately at the airport.
## Practical Airport Tips
1. **Screenshot your ED Card QR code.** Airport WiFi can be unreliable. Have your QR code saved to your phone's photo gallery or printed on paper.
2. **Arrive early for departures.** Between check-in, security, and US pre-clearance, the process takes longer than a typical domestic airport experience. Three hours is the safe minimum.
3. **Bring an empty water bottle.** You can fill it after security. Bottled water at the gates costs $3-4.
4. **Wear easy-to-remove shoes.** You will go through security screening twice (Aruban security and US pre-clearance).
5. **Pack a carry-on snack.** If your flight is delayed, food options are limited after pre-clearance.
6. **Check your airline's baggage policy.** Some carriers flying to Aruba have different bag allowances for international vs domestic routes.
7. **Keep receipts for duty-free purchases.** US customs allows $800 in duty-free goods per person returning from Aruba. Duty-free liquor allowance is 1 liter per person.
8. **Charge your devices.** Power outlets are available throughout the terminal but can be in high demand during peak times. Bring a portable charger.
## Getting Back to the Airport
Allow 30-45 minutes of travel time from the Palm Beach hotel area to the airport. During peak hours, Oranjestad traffic can slow things down. Most hotels can arrange taxi pickup, or ask the front desk to call one.
If you are returning a rental car, the rental companies are all near the airport. Allow an extra 15-20 minutes for the return process and shuttle back to the terminal.
For everything else you need to plan your Aruba trip, browse our complete travel guide, where to stay guide, and budget planning tips. And if you want the essential information in one quick reference, our Aruba Arrival Survival Kit has you covered.
