Tips for driving on Curaçao

Tips for Driving on Curaçao: The Ultimate Guide A rental car is without a doubt the best way to discover the beautiful island of Curaçao. Public transport does not go everywhere and does not run on fixed schedules. With your own transportation, you can explore the island at your leisure; from the beautiful beaches and dining spots to the historic city center and charming plantation houses. Driving on Curaçao also brings some challenges, and we will tell you more about that in this blog post.

Traffic Rules and Habits Driving Direction and Basic Rules On Curaçao, people drive on the right side of the road, just like in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The speed limit in urban areas is usually 40-50 km/h.

Outside built-up areas, a speed limit of 60-80 km/h applies.

The alcohol limit is 0.5 promille, similar to most European countries.

Local Driving Habits What you need to know about the local driving style:

Informal rules prevail, sometimes even over traffic signs.

Honking is a normal way of communicating and is not seen as aggressive. It can be used to say thank you or to give someone the right of way.

Giving the right of way is often done through gestures and eye contact.

Trucks and buses sometimes take wider turns; give them extra space.

Tip: If you notice a local driver flashing their headlights, this usually means they are giving you the right of way.

Renting the Car Which Type of Car to Choose? The choice of your rental car can make a big difference for your comfort and safety:

Compact cars are ideal for parking in Willemstad and are fuel-efficient.

SUVs or 4x4s are recommended if you want to explore the beaches. The roads leading to them are not always paved.

Air conditioning is an absolute must given the warm climate, especially in the hot summer months.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto can be used for navigation if the rental car has this feature.

Tip: Blue Lobster provides you with videos of the rental car upon pickup (including any existing damage) as proof for later.

Navigating the Island Road Signs and Quality Road markings and traffic signs are not always present or visible.

Street name signs are frequently missing.

Traffic signs are, however, often present and leading. At roundabouts/intersections, other traffic signs may also be visible. The Zegu intersection and Janweh Roundabout are two traffic points where you must pay close attention to the traffic and the signs.

Navigation Tools Offline GPS apps like Google Maps (download the map of Curaçao in advance) or Maps.me are essential.

A physical map of the island is a good backup.

Pay attention to landmarks such as roundabouts, plantation houses, and beaches as points of reference.

Tip: Check the car's features to see if it supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Then you only need to download an offline map and connect your phone to have navigation.

Special Challenges Unpaved Roads Many of the most beautiful spots on Curaçao can only be reached via unpaved roads:

Drive slowly and avoid large rocks or potholes.

Watch out for loose gravel which can reduce your grip, especially in corners.

Parking In Willemstad, you often have to pay for parking. There are several paid parking lots, with rates of about 1-2 XCG per hour.

At beaches, parking is usually free, but there are a few exceptions. Think of Mambo Beach, Zanzibar, or Cas Abou. Here you pay between 5 and 12.50 XCG (+- 2 to 8 euros) for a full day.

Never leave items visible in the car, not even for a short time. This includes towels, plastic bags, and similar items.

Gas Stations Opening hours vary; some stations close early in the evening.

Most stations are attended, and you pay before you pump.

Fuel prices are regulated by the government and are the same everywhere.

Gasoline is available as regular (95 octane) and super (98 octane).

Tip: Fill up your car before driving to remote areas, such as Westpunt or Oostpunt.

Safety on the Road Traffic Safety Be alert for unexpected obstacles such as stray animals (especially goats or dogs), potholes, and speed bumps.

Rain showers can temporarily turn roads into very slippery surfaces or mud pools; reduce your speed.

Avoid driving in the dark outside urban areas if possible, mainly because of the poorly lit roads.

Personal Safety Keep doors locked and windows mostly closed, especially in urban areas.

In case of a breakdown, stay in the car and call the emergency number or your car rental company.

Preferably park in well-lit, paid, and busy places.

Handy Essentials A filled water bottle – the heat should not be underestimated.

Sunscreen

Cash – not all gas stations or attractions accept credit cards.

Towels and swimwear – you never know when you might want to take a dip.

A power bank for your phone – navigation consumes a lot of battery.

Pit Stops and Resting Points Recommended places to take a break during your road trip:

Hofi Cas Cora – a hidden garden to relax for a while

Playa Forti – coffee stop with a spectacular view

Playa Lagun – wonderful view over a beautiful bay

Shete Boka National Park – natural beauty, a nice walk with parking areas

What to Do in Case of a Breakdown Important Phone Numbers Emergency number: 911

Police: 911

Roadside Assistance: Most car rental companies have a 24/7 helpline

Procedure in Case of an Accident NEVER move your car, no matter how inconvenient the location is.

Stay calm and check if anyone is injured.

Contact the police, regardless of the severity of the accident.

Exchange contact information and insurance details.

Take pictures of the damage and the situation yourself.

Contact your car rental company.

Request a copy of the police report.

Costs and Fuel Information Average Costs Car rental: 35-80 USD per day, depending on the type and season

Fuel: About 2.00-2.50 XCG per liter (2025 price level)

Parking fees: Usually 1-2 XCG per hour in Willemstad

Fuel Consumption Distances on Curaçao are relatively short – the island is about 60 km long.

A full tank is usually enough for 3-5 days of normal use.

Driving with the air conditioning on increases fuel consumption.

A rental car on Curaçao offers you the freedom to discover the island at your own pace. Although driving on the island has its challenges – from unpaved roads to local driving habits – it is a wonderful way to experience Curaçao with a little preparation.

Take your time, stay patient in traffic, and enjoy the journey.

Bon biá, as they say on Curaçao – have a good trip!