My husband and I are headed back to Aruba at the end of the month. This will be our second trip. Should we rent a car? We want to travel to the spots on the island that we missed last year on our honeymoon. Do we rent a car or a jeep? Rent at the airport or make a reservation ahead of time?

Thanks!

If you are going to use the car every day, then by all means rent one. Some folks just like the ablility to get in the car and go whenever and where ever they wish. It is really just a personal preference.

On our second trip to Aruba, Dh and I rented a car intending to keep it our entire stay. We returned it early on the third day. We had driven everywhere we wanted to on day #2 and planned to spend the rest of our vacation sitting on the beach. It was less expensive for us to just use taxis to go out to dinner each evening. If you are staying along Palm Beach, chances are some of your restaurant choices are within walking distance.

Our routine now is to rent a 4 x 4 one day during our visit to drive around the island and see what changes there have been since our last visit. That night we'll use the vehicle to drive to our most remote restaurant choice. Usually Marina Pirata or Flying Fishbone in Savaneta.

4 x 4 vs. car is again, just a personal choice. The only place you absolutely have to have a 4 x 4 to get to is the Natural Pool.

We have used mainly Royal Car Rental http://www.arubaroyal.com/ and seem to be happiest with their service and vehicles. Have also had good experiences with Avis and horrible experience with Hertz.

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2

For sightseeing you only need the car for 2 - 3 days at the most. I did one tour of the island and that was it for me. I'm a lay at the pool/beach person. But I do like the convenience of having a car - running the the supermarket, going downtown, out to dinner. I always rent online ahead of time from www.econoaruba.com They charge $165 a week for a Yaris. I heard of 1 person that goes from rental to rental car company comparing prices upon arrival. That's not worth it to me. Travelling all day, then trying to find a bargain. No way. When I get off the plane, I just want to get to my hotel.

3 1/2 weeks in Aruba Dec. 16, '08 - Jan. 9, '09
Aruba since 1985

Here is what me and my wife did, which I think was the best thing.

Do not Reserve rental ahead of time. Big Mistake.

When we arrived in Aruba, we crossed the road and stopped by at every car rental place. Asked for the price, asked if they accepted AmEx (my insurance was with AmEx), lowest price for the Jeep that we got for auto was $325 for a week w/liability insurance, however, since they didn't accept AmEx, we went to the next one, prices varied from $325 to $380. When rental reps saw us walking from one to another, they all were calling to come in because they had a deal for us, we ended up at Royal rental, they had Ford Sport Trak auto 4x4 for $350, bigger car with ac and a real gas guzzler, pricewise I thought it was pretty reasonable, so we went with them. Royal was our choice for the second time. They have reasonable prices and reasonable cars. So go out there and make them come to you and offer you a deal.

Life is funny in NYC, especially on Broad Street. Aruba is my cure!.

I rent a car for 2 weeks every year eventhough I seldom go site seeing any more. I like the convenience of not having to wait for cabs when I go to dinner or to the super market. I usually rent a Toyota Yaris with AC (big enough for 4 people) and typically pay $140 to $150 per week. However, this past July, I found a great deal from National and the rate was only $125 per week. I do not get the extra insurance because I make sure that the credit card I use covers accidents and theft. In fact, about 5 years ago I had a car stolen and the credit card insurance paid the entire $6000 they charged for the car. Contrary to an earlier post, I always arrange for a rental On-line before I arrive in Aruba. If you go to the sitemap on this site, you can compare rates for many rental companies. Most do not even ask for a credit card in order to make a reservation so if you find a better deal at the airport you can take it.

Dom
Next visit to Costa Linda in

American Car Rental has internet rate of $145/week for a Yaris.

We will be staying at the Marriott and will want to rent a car for a day or two. Does anyone know where the closest place would be to rent a car? Does the Marriott have one in the lobby?
thanks

I also use Econo and have been very happy with their cars and service - www.econoaruba.com I guess you could go door to door to all the rental car agencies at the airport and try to get the best deal but I would never do that. Takes too much time and too much of a hassle to save $10 or $20. Also, you do run the risk of not getting the type of vehicle you want. During the busy season, they do run out of cars, especially the more economical ones.
If you like having the convenience of a car at your disposal (which I like) then I say rent it for the week. If you are only going to use it for touring for a day or two, then get a 4X4 so you can go over the more rough terraine on the other side of the Island. The only place you absolutely have to have a 4X4 is the Natural Pools but driving on the rough terraine in a jeep is more fun than a regular car.
Whatever you decide, enjoy your vacation....Cheryl

Just returned from our first 10 day trip in Aruba. We rented from Hans at Tropic Rental Car. Extremely easy to work with. Car was in great condition with awesome air conditioning. They meet you when you after you pick up luggage upon arrival and near departure gates when leaving. We had a Toyota Yaris 4-Door which was great for 2 of us. It had a nice size trunk too.

You can check out Tropic at: www.tropiccarrent-aruba.com

Enjoy Aruba! We Loved it!

We are Aruba Bound

I also use Econo and have been very happy with their cars and service - www.econoaruba.com I guess you could go door to door to all the rental car agencies at the airport and try to get the best deal but I would never do that. Takes too much time and too much of a hassle to save $10 or $20. Also, you do run the risk of not getting the type of vehicle you want. During the busy season, they do run out of cars, especially the more economical ones.
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