Type of car

[melo]

Renting a car for 10 days. Is it necessary to have a jeep or will a compact car be sufficient

[coldsteel337]

Hi Melo. I always rent a vehicle while on Aruba. The type depends on how many people we will be driving with. A compact will work for 2 people but you will probably have a problem with luggage if you are renting at the airport. I rent an intermediate if we have 4 people or less and a van for the times we have up to 7 people. I used to rent jeeps in our earlier days on the island but as we got older I wasn't as adventurous off road and the Jeeps got more expensive. We never get tired of driving all around Aruba. Enjoy your trip.

[Andrea J.]

a compact is sufficient for 2 people with normal amount of luggage.
and re: luggage. bring less clothing and more $$

Renting a car for 10 days. Is it necessary to have a jeep or will a compact car be sufficient

[robin]

If you want to just drive around the island on the roads, it will be fine. If you want to go on the northside or Natural Pool, you will need a jeep or do a tour.

[55greenchevy]

As people mentioned, it depends on how many people there are, and of course, the amount of luggage . A compact car is prefect for two and will get you around the island just fine unless you want to explore the northeast-eastern side of the island....all the roads here are dirt, rock and sand which will require more ground clearance and perhaps 4x4. When vacationing in Aruba, we always rent a vehicle....depending on the size of our vacation group, I've rented compacts, SUV's, Jeeps and mini vans. Most of the rental vehicles are gas friendly, meaning they don't burn up a bunch of fuel. We average about one tank of gas per weeks stay, but mind you, we are on the go each day driving to sites, beaches and dinner locations.

If you want some direction on rental places in Aruba, I have had nothing but perfect experiences and service from Yess Car Rental (Ricardo, owner), Wheels2Go (Ankey, owner) and Tropic Car Rental. They are private locally owned businesses with great people. Plus their rental fees are usually fair and best on the island.

If you drive around the island, be aware of a few things.....first being, most roads are not marked well, meaning there are little to no street signs. First time on the island, I would recommend you look ahead of time at a map app to where your destination is and study intersections, turns, landmarks, distance, etc. Then make sure you have a good phone map app to assist you when driving. Not sure where your home base is, but Aruba traffic signs are different as well and would recommend that you study up on them beforehand. It will really help at intersection knowing who has to yield. Aruba also does have a some one way roads downtown and in San Nicholas....you just need to pay attention to the weird signs so you're not headed in the wrong traffic direction. Secondly, the island does experience some very high levels of traffic during weekday morning "rush hour" and after work "rush hour". Some intersections get backed up significantly at these times, but is very normal. Thirdly, there are many "roundabouts" on the island. Some people are petrified driving through these traffic controls at major intersections., but I like them. Just be sure to watch the traffic flow directional signs before the intersections so you know your in the correct lane. Once you approach the roundabout, just wait for your space to merge and then gun it I find them very easy to maneuver, but know there are others out there that just hate them. Fourthly, many roads have speed bumps installed to prevent fast driving (which is a good thing).....these speed bumps are marked with special signage. If you're not paying attention, one of them might take you by surprise....especially if your driving in the dark. Lastly, drive defensively.

Alot said, but don't let the circumstances deter you from exploring the island. If you rent a car, USE it....it's a great way to see neat areas that others don't by staying put at a hotel or condo. After some driving repetition, you will become more comfortable and familiar with the road ways and locations.

I should also mention, just as a heads up, the island doesn't have many gas stations like we do here in America (one on each busy corner) but they can be found. Most, if not all stations do not have pay at the pump option, so you'll have to go inside and either prepay or provide them with a CC beforehand. I stumbled through this embarrassment on our first Aruban vacation trip.

Enjoy your trip.....I can assure you it will be memorable and you'll want to come back. Aruba is infectious!

[NH Mark]

Here is a sign guide. We always bring a copy and I am always the navigator. By the time I find the meaning of a "new" sign, Mary has sailed right past. So, the guide can be of limited value...
readBlob.do (visitaruba.com)

[robin]

Here is a sign guide. We always bring a copy and I am always the navigator. By the time I find the meaning of a "new" sign, Mary has sailed right past. So, the guide can be of limited value...
readBlob.do (visitaruba.com)

I haven't looked at this in a while. I forgot that the sign denoting bars and nightclubs was funny.

[schexc]

I haven't looked at this in a while. I forgot that the sign denoting bars and nightclubs was funny.

Seriously, a sign for bars and nightclubs. I've got to start paying attention for those

I've got to get a bumper sticker that states "this car stops for bars and nightclubs"

[Andrea J.]

Check out the rotary sign, it says to yield to cars coming from the right

[melo]

Thanks for all the info. This sight has been so helpful as are the people who take their time to respond. I really appreciate it.