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We used the so called Van BUS in Aruba this time on multiple occasions and were nothing but pleased. They are cheaper than Arubus ($2 each way, anywhere), more frequent and faster and most were air conditioned. Arubus buses are NOT air conditioned anymore, they leave the windows open, very uncomfortable ride.
We've used the vans a few times. It's always an interesting ride. People are friendly. We had one trip though that everyone must have been on the way to work and chatting away in Papiamento. We did hear 'Americano" mentioned a few times in the conversations followed by a ton of giggles. Everyone was smiling and while curious about what was said, we took it as friendly banter.
are those vanbus vehicles are operated by arubus?
Originally Posted by aruba2099
I think they are independent van operators, their vehicles just say "BUS", they will stop anywhere(safely) if you hail them.
I feel bad saying this but one of our first visits we were waiting for a bus at the normal bus stop when we were picked up by one of these vans. I was a little nervous. Of course now knowing how safe Aruba is I feel silly. They are more frequent and quicker to your destination, I don't mind no a/c seeing as it is usually a short trip to downtown.
I felt the same way the first time we used on of the vans. Heck, we were brought up that you don't get into a car with strangers!! We had the same experience as Peg, all locals chatting away. They were all smiling at us and by the end of the ride, we were waving goodbye to them and telling them to have a nice day. I really enjoyed it and look forward to doing it again this year.
Something new to try. Thank you for sharing. Always good info from this group.
Where do these van/bus vehicles pick up? We are staying at the Surf Club and would like to go downtown for shopping. There are 9 of us
the vans pretty much follow the same routes as the bus.
if you are at a bus stop, chances are a van will stop and offer a ride!
The vans that are operated by Arubus have that written on them. They are perfectly safe. I was told by a good friend who drives a taxi in Aruba that the ones that aren't operated by Arubus are independent drivers. The independent drivers do no have to follow the same safety regulations, and many of those vehicles are not maintained. We rode in one that sounded like the wheel was going to fall off. My friend warned us against riding in those. The govt. removed them from the resort area a year or two ago. They are only allowed to operate in other areas of the island, but I've seen them around the resort area a few times. Just be sure that you are getting in the ones operated by Arubus.
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