Curaçao (CW)
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island of approximately 160,000 people situated 65km north of Venezuela, outside the Atlantic hurricane belt.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Curaçao.
Public Transport Overview
Public transport in Curaçao is limited. ABC (Autobusbedrijf Curaçao) operates the Konvoi bus network serving Willemstad city centre and connecting some suburbs with infrequent service (30–60 min headways). Route coverage is very limited — outer areas have no bus service. Minibus taxis (bushis) supplement the formal network on some routes. Since April 2026, all Konvoi routes have a flat fare of XCG 1.50, cash only. Service stops by 9–10pm. Not practical for most expat commutes outside Willemstad. A car is essential for daily life on the island.
🎫 Transit Passes
Konvoi bus routes within Willemstad and select suburbs
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis are metered or use fixed zone fares. Airport to Willemstad centre: approximately XCG 35–50 (USD 20–28). Short city trip: XCG 15–25. Book via WhatsApp or TaxiApp Curaçao (local app). Taxis at Curaçao International Airport use fixed airport zone tariffs — confirm fare before boarding. Taxis are expensive for daily commuting but practical for airport transfers and occasional trips.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Uber, Bolt, and similar rideshare platforms do not operate in Curaçao. Local taxi apps and WhatsApp-based booking with named taxi companies fill the gap. TaxiApp Curaçao is the main local alternative.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure is minimal. No segregated bike lanes on main roads. The heat (30°C+) and lack of dedicated infrastructure make cycling impractical for commuting. Some expats cycle recreationally in early morning hours. Bike rental available from tourist operators: XCG 25–50/day. Theft risk — secure bicycles properly.
Intercity Trains
No rail network exists in Curaçao. The island is approximately 444 km² — all inter-area travel is by private car, taxi, or bus. Shared taxis (bushis) serve some routes between Willemstad and outer areas on informal schedules. A private car is the only reliable means of reaching all parts of the island.
Driving
Driving is on the right. A car is essential for daily life outside Willemstad — distances between shopping, beaches, and workplaces require a vehicle. Road conditions are generally good on main roads; western and northern roads have potholes. Speed limits: 40–60 km/h in residential areas, 80 km/h outside built-up areas. Foreign licences valid 30 days from arrival. Fuel (government-regulated): approximately XCG 2.00–2.30/litre. Mandatory third-party insurance (WA) required before driving. Google Maps and Waze work well across the island.
Airports
Curaçao International Airport (CUR), also known as Hato International Airport, is located 10 km northwest of Willemstad city centre. Connections to Amsterdam (KLM, ~10h), Miami, Bogotá, Lima, São Paulo, and other Caribbean islands. Taxi to Willemstad centre: XCG 35–50 (fixed zone rate). Car rental available at the airport. No direct bus service from terminal to city. Terminal was modernised in 2021. Passport control applies for all arrivals including from other Kingdom of the Netherlands territories.