Aruba is a warm and relaxing country known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. To help plan your trip within your budget, our travel cost guide has everything you need for your journey. With tips and prices for hotels, food, activities, and transit, you can enjoy every moment without worrying about your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Aruba?
You should plan to spend around $369 (À665) per day on your vacation in Aruba. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $111 (À201) on meals
- $32 (À58) on local transportation
- $418 (À753) on hotels
A one week trip to Aruba for two people costs, on average, $5,165 (À9,310). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,583
À4,655
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$5,165
À9,310
-
One Month
Per person
$11,068
À19,950
-
One Week
For a couple
$5,165
À9,310
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$10,330
À18,620
-
One Month
For a couple
$22,136
À39,900
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Aruba cost?
A one week trip to Aruba usually costs around $2,583 (À4,655) for one person and $5,165 (À9,310) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Aruba on average costs around $5,165 (À9,310) for one person and $10,330 (À18,620) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Aruba will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Aruba on average costs around $11,068 (À19,950) for one person and $22,136 (À39,900) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Aruba expensive to visit?
Aruba is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Aruba is somewhat more expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its travel costs. While a few countries in the region are more expensive, Aruba is more expensive than most.
Aruba boasts a wide variety of attractions and accommodations, catering to visitors with different budgets and travel styles. Affordable hotels are available for budget travelers, but there are also luxury hotels for those with deeper pockets, and plenty of mid-range hotels for couples and families.
Sure, Aruba can cost a lot, but with smart choices like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities, you can stretch your budget further.
On average, budget travelers spend $157 (À282) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $369 (À665) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $782 (À1,407) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Aruba.
For more details, see Is Aruba Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Aruba?
The average Aruba trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Aruba travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Aruba cost?
Aruba on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$89
(À160)
|
$209
(À376)
|
$440
(À793)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$14
(À25)
|
$32
(À58)
|
$62
(À111)
|
|
Food 2
|
$46
(À84)
|
$111
(À201)
|
$247
(À445)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$42
(À76)
|
$95
(À172)
|
$179
(À322)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$6-17
(À10-30)
|
$14-41
(À25-74)
|
$32-96
(À58-173)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to have a grounded and realistic perspective on your budget. While many believe they can travel as "budget" travelers on a mere $157 a day like a backpacker, the reality is that most people struggle to enjoy that style of travel. Consider what makes you happy and how you've traveled before. Do you prefer the comfort of resorts, the convenience of vacation rentals, or the simple camaraderie of hostels? Is dining out a top priority for you? Do you plan to visit the major attractions? Your answers to these questions will certainly impact your overall travel budget.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Many people might hear that you can explore Aruba for just $157 a day, but if you're not ready to sacrifice some comforts, be prepared to spend quite a bit more.
Backpackers often manage to stick to this tight budget, but it usually means sleeping in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest eateries or grabbing fast food, relying on public transport or walking everywhere, and limiting themselves to free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling as a couple or family, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular restaurants, and visit major museums and attractions that require entry fees. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do come with a price tag. With that in mind, you should realistically plan for a daily budget of about $369 per person.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip filled with top-notch service and every possible comfort, expect your budget to reach around $782 per day, per person. Staying in high-end accommodations, enjoying gourmet meals, going on lavish adventures, and hiring personal drivers comes with a luxury price tag. You'll be in the company of the wealthy in locations like Eagle Beach.
Accommodation Budget in Aruba
Aruba has a wide range of accommodation prices, and it can be surprising how much prices fluctuate. Budget hotels can often be much cheaper than higher-end places, and during peak season, everything costs much more. For a better deal, try visiting in the low season, and book early to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Aruba for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $418 (À753). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $209 (À376) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Aruba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Aruba
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $32 (À58) per person, per day, on local transportation in Aruba. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Aruba is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$32
À58
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If you're in a larger city with a car, it's best to verify the parking situation with your hotel beforehand. You might have to pay for parking at the hotel or in a public garage nearby. It might be more affordable to find a parking spot outside the city limits.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Aruba, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
-
Round-trip Bus Ticket
À4.00
-
Round-trip Bus Ticket
À4.00
-
Round-trip Bus Ticket
À4.00
-
One Day Scooter Rental
À71
-
One Day Scooter Rental
À71
Food Budget in Aruba
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Aruba can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Aruba is $111 (À201) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$111
À201
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Aruba is about $112 (À201) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $46 to $247 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Aruba are as follows:
- Breakfast: $20 to $33
- Lunch: $17 to $56
- Dinner: $39 to $89
- Coffee: $10
- Fast Food or Street Food: $18
It can be challenging to find local restaurants in Aruba, but if you head outside of the more touristy areas you may stumble upon some good ones. Near the resorts and hotels you'll find a number of high end restaurants of variable quality. Most offer seafood and international cuisine at higher prices. Local food can be delicious but you really have to step away from the crowds to find it. You'll also find many American chain restaurants in Aruba including fast food and mid level options.
Keshi Yena: This is a traditional Aruban main dish that is made from the shell of Edam. The rind of the cheese is filled with a spiced meat such as chicken and then baked in the oven or steamed until well done.
Satee: This dish has become quite popular throughout Aruba, although it was originally developed in Indonesia and brought to Aruba by the Dutch. The dish includes skewers of marinated meat such as chicken that are served with a peanut based sauce.
Arroz con Pollo: Although originally developed in Spain, this rice and chicken dish has been modified to have its own Aruban flare. It's a pilaf type rice dish that is available everywhere in one form or another.
If you're on a trip with children, keep an eye out for restaurants that have a childrens' menu. This can be a great money saver since those dishes are usually priced lower. Some restaurants may not include kids' options on their menus, so it's best to ask the waiter beforehand.
Most hotels include breakfast in their rates, though some add it as an additional cost. The price and quality can differ widely depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or café is more suitable.
Take a water bottle with you rather than buying drinks everywhere you go. It's also great for the planet.
If you're planning to join a tour, check in advance about which meals are included. You may have to cover some food expenses on your own, which can stretch your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Aruba, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Tropical Sailing Experience with BBQ Lunch or BBQ Dinner in Aruba for $116 details
- 4-Course Dinner Cruise for $155 details
- Oranjesta: Sunset Cruise to Boca Catalina with BBQ Dinner for $119 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Aruba
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Aruba typically cost an average of $95 (À172) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$95
À172
A nice way to explore destinations in Aruba is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Art, Beach and Culture Island Tour with Kini Kini for $75 details
- Aruba Nightlife Bar Hopping Tour on Carnival Party Bus for $85 details
- UTV and Jeep Island Adventure Mix Up for $251 details
- Highlights of Aruba Island Tour for $60 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Aruba, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
-
4 Hr Snorkel Trip
À134
-
4 Hr Snorkel Trip
À134
-
Full Day Bike Rental
À45
-
Full Day Bike Rental
À45
-
Full Day Bike Rental
À45
-
Horseback Riding Tour
À125
-
Horseback Riding Tour
À125
-
Horseback Riding Tour
À125
Nightlife Budget in Aruba
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $27 (À49) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Aruba per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$27
À49
While partying at night is exciting, cutting down on alcohol can really reduce your travel expenses.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Dec 12, 2023
Traveling in Aruba
Tropical Beach
The Caribbean Island of Aruba is almost twenty miles long and six miles across. It's the closest Caribbean Island to Venezuela and is an autonomous dependency of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a flat island with no rivers but it is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches. It has a moderate climate and receives very little rainfall, making it the perfect vacation destination. It's also conveniently located outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt.
The geography of the country can roughly be divided into two regions. The northeast coast is along the Atlantic Ocean and has a rocky coastline with only a few beaches and desert like vegetation. It's also known for its rough seas and treacherous currents. Alternatively, the southwest side of the island has the famous, beautiful, white sand beaches. The seas are calm and the water is a striking turquoise blue color. The water is also comfortably warm, making it the perfect place to enjoy some swimming.
Aruba is actually quite easy to travel around. There's a great bus system known as Arubus which travels all over the island. It's easily your cheapest option for transportation, but also allows for the least flexibility. Taxis are another option. They're more expensive, but are very convenient and generally quite reliable. Some people choose to rent their own car. This is easily done at the airport or most hotels. It's relatively easy to drive in Aruba, but often times it is not necessary. It's better to wait until you arrive and decide for yourself if you really need your own car. It's also easy to visit nearby islands, so don't be afraid to go island hopping through Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao if you want to broaden your trip a bit.
There are many activities you can enjoy during your time in Aruba. Whether you're the type of person to lounge on the beach, head to the shopping districts, or try your hand at a new sport, there are countless opportunities throughout the island. Check out this list of things to do in Aruba with kids and you'll get plenty of ideas. Most hotels are more than willing to organize any number of activities for you. The snorkeling and diving in the area is excellent. Another popular option is to take a Jeep Safari tour of the island. These guided tours not only let you see diverse parts of the country, but they are often adrenaline filled and a great rush.
At A Glance
- Because this island is located outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt, it's a great option for a vacation if you're looking to go somewhere during the fall months. It does not have the threat of most Caribbean Islands that your trip will be cancelled or ruined by an unexpected storm.
- There are some rules of etiquette that should be followed while you're vacationing here. In particular, beach clothes on generally only worn when you're on the beach. If you're dining in a nice restaurant, they typically do not allow you to wear jeans. Greetings are important here as well so make sure you appropriately greet somewhere upon meeting them, and always ask before you take a picture of someone.
- Aruba does not have a national airline. Some of the more popular airlines that connect this island to the United States include American Airlines, AirTran, United, and US Airways.
- This is a relatively small island and public transportation is decent. It is often not necessary to rent a car during your time here. If you do decide you'd like to rent a car, make sure you go with a reputable agency. Many car rental companies, even the larger chains, often rent out older vehicles that have a high number of miles on them and are not in the best condition. Do check the condition of the vehicle before you take it off of the rental agency's parking lot.
- If you're hoping to do some shopping there are plenty of opportunities around. Many of the shops do close during the lunch time hour, however. It is not uncommon for them to close on Sundays as well, so do plan your shopping schedule in advance so that you have the highest number of options available to you.
- You'll find a good number of American restaurant chains around the island, particularly near some of the more touristy resort areas. They are also somewhat common in the downtown parts of the island. There are some good, high end restaurants near some of the resorts but others vary dramatically in quality. Read some reviews ahead of time to make sure you're going to one of the more reputable restaurants. Local restaurants are also a great option where you can enjoy some cheaper, local fare and have a more unique and authentic experience.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Conchi Natural Pool: This is a unique destination on the northern side of Aruba. It's only accessible by ATV or a Trail Rated 4x4 but it is well worth the effort. It's a small hidden pool that sits amongst a beautiful rock formation. It's a perfect day trip but make sure your vehicle can handle the trip.
Aruba Ostrich Farm: This is an interesting working farm. It serves more as an educational opportunity for tourists, but it is still a fascinating place to visit. Most of the ostrich meat available in Aruba today actually comes from the neighboring island of Curacao.
Arikok National Park: This is an impressive national park that has dramatic lava formations, quartz diorite formations, and limestone formations. It's also a historically influential area in Aruba.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.