Aruba transport

[jaym Member Find all posts View Profile Close jaym]

Upon initial arrival at Beatrix Arpt., we are thinking of using a taxi to get to MSU. Approaching date of our first trip to Aruba, family of four, wife, me, and two teens.

Can anyone let me know if average taxi trunk there is large enough to fit four carry-ons, a couple of misc. pieces, such as duffel, laptop bag, backpack?

We may get a rental midweek for a few days. Thinking I could return rental on check-out day for transport back to airport, departure flight.
Are taxis clean, well maintained? Is there a preferred taxi company or are they all about the same quality?

I would appreciate any suggestion/comments from others with experience. thanks.

J-

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Taxis vary in size, including vans and SUV's...there is usually a person helping in the taxi cue, just tell them what you need.

Taxis are independently owned and government regulated...most taxi drivers keep their vehicles up to high standards, but some are older models....an occasional "vintage" vehicle can be seen in the taxi fleet....we always enjoy taking a taxi from the airport because most of the drivers are personable, love to tell you about Aruba and give advice about sights and restaurants.

[jaym Member Find all posts View Profile Close jaym]

Taxis vary in size, including vans and SUV's...there is usually a person helping in the taxi cue, just tell them what you need.

Taxis are independently owned and government regulated...most taxi drivers keep their vehicles up to high standards, but some are older models....an occasional "vintage" vehicle can be seen in the taxi fleet....we always enjoy taking a taxi from the airport because most of the drivers are personable, love to tell you about Aruba and give advice about sights and restaurants.

katiemack-
thanks for your input. We will check on fees, as I heard costs can be very different for same route, and see if an SUV is needed instead of sedan.

J-

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Here is a link to help, jaym.... TAXI SERVICES IN ARUBA , TAXI BOOKINGS IN ARUBA , ARUBA TAXI Index at bottom links to fares page.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Also, forgot to add, Taxis have a license number that you should pay attention to, it should start with TX and then the number, it is on the front and back of cab, as well on sticker inside car...there are no meters... make note of the number when getting in, so if you do have problem, you can report them to taxi authority in Aruba. But in all the years we have traveled with taxis in Aruba, we have only had one problem, and it was just a minor one, and it wasn't worth reporting....the drivers are usually terrific.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Here is a link to help, jaym.... TAXI SERVICES IN ARUBA , TAXI BOOKINGS IN ARUBA , ARUBA TAXI Index at bottom links to fares page.

Great link.....
And I love the pictures of the drivers!

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Expect to pay $22-25 plus tip from the airport to the Marriott resort.
I always rent a car - but 4 people with luggage would require a BIG car so the taxi is probably your best bet.

I just rented a Yaris for 2 weeks in winter for $429 - this car has a roomy interior and is fine for 4 adults for touring around.

Several rental agencies have satellite offices near the Marriott - so you can walk over and pick up your car.

We always enjoy our 1/2 day trip down to Baby Beach Aruba Beaches Photos & Descriptions to snorkel and relax....figure a 40 minute drive each way and 2-3 hours there. They seem to be 'fixing' up this area - there is now a bathroom and a few food vendors.

Just north of the Marriott is Malmok Beach Aruba Beaches Photos & Descriptions - another great snorkeling site 5 minutes from the resort.....

Please check out this thread http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...-must-dos.html for more activity and dinning suggestion...with a couple of teens, I would definitely do the Jolly Pirate Afternoon Snorkel Trip right from MooMba Beach

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

We always enjoy our 1/2 day trip down to Baby Beach Aruba Beaches Photos & Descriptions to snorkel and relax....figure a 40 minute drive each way and 2-3 hours there. They seem to be 'fixing' up this area - there is now a bathroom and a few food vendors.

Just north of the Marriott is Malmok Beach Aruba Beaches Photos & Descriptions - another great snorkeling site 5 minutes from the resort.....

Please check out this thread http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...-must-dos.html for more activity and dinning suggestion...with a couple of teens, I would definitely do the Jolly Pirate Afternoon Snorkel Trip right from MooMba Beach

Baby Beach, Malmok and Jolly Pirates! All great and definitely fun! If you do Jolly Pirate, be sure to wear a swim suit and plan to do a rope swing!

[jaym Member Find all posts View Profile Close jaym]

Thanks to all the great comments/suggestions/weblinks!
Will be very helpful in our planning over the next few weeks.

Reviewing posts about Aruba travel written by "seasoned" TSFM members has been informative. Info will enhance our ability to plan for first visit there.
I noticed yesterday that there is a Toyota rental agency in the Playa Linda Resort, down the road (walkable?) from MSU.
Anyone use them for a few day rental, rates look reasonable....?

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

I have used them, and found them to be no problem. Just a word of rental car advice (we do this even locally)...walk around the car, take photos inside and out, and make note of things that are wrong, bring to rental agent's attention....take a photo upon return as well. This way, if anything goes wrong, you have documentation.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Thanks to all the great comments/suggestions/weblinks!
Will be very helpful in our planning over the next few weeks.

Reviewing posts about Aruba travel written by "seasoned" TSFM members has been informative. Info will enhance our ability to plan for first visit there.
I noticed yesterday that there is a Toyota rental agency in the Playa Linda Resort, down the road (walkable?) from MSU.
Anyone use them for a few day rental, rates look reasonable....?

Yes, that is the one!

I have used them, and found them to be no problem. Just a word of rental car advice (we do this even locally)...walk around the car, take photos inside and out, and make note of things that are wrong, bring to rental agent's attention....take a photo upon return as well. This way, if anything goes wrong, you have documentation.

YES<YES>YES - be sure to do this - many people take the rentals 'off road' and there can be problems.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

We have three adults going the first of September. Should we rent a vehicle or use public transportation. First trip to Aruba. We would like to eat one or two meals in our condo - MAS Club.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

We have three adults going the first of September. Should we rent a vehicle or use public transportation. First trip to Aruba. We would like to eat one or two meals in our condo - MAS Club.

riverdees, we have rented a car for a day or two to see the high points of the island and used public bus the rest of the time.

Eating in your condo will be easy. MAS has a little convenience store, and there are several supermarkets where you can get everything, both by taxi/car or by bus.

There is a Champions restaurant which has usual stuff....and had a special of sirloing steak for $9.99 by 7 PM...pizzas and burgers, beer and soft drinks the typical menu.

A short walk from Marriott is the Tona Romas restaurant, and another short distance is the new Harencia Mall with quite a few eateries. Also, they have a little open amphitheater where you can see a little show, I think on Monday nights.

Don't forget Moomba's for local fun....right next to the MAS.

[Ekain Kalani Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ekain Kalani]

re

One big thing to mention is that taxis in Aruba are surprisingly strict when it comes to wearing wet bathing suits in cabs. Almost all of them will refuse you if you are wearing a wet bathing suit. Make sure to bring a change of clothes so you can get back.Depending upon your budget and how long you will be on the island, another option is to rent a car for a portion of your visit. You can do your running around and sightseeing while you have the vehicle and just use taxis during the rest of your vacation

[arubarob Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close arubarob]

If you plan to rent a car in Aruba, understand that there is a surcharge on rentals at the airport. We always rent there for convenience, but the surcharge is at least 10%, which cancels out the savings you would otherwise enjoy by avoiding a cab fare to and from the airport.