Flights to Oranjestad Airport (AUA)

Discover Oranjestad

When traveling to the beautiful, tranquil island nation of Aruba, your journey will almost always start with a flight to Oranjestad Airport (AUA). Since the island is only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, the airport, also known as Queen Beatrix International Airport, is only a short trip away from all of Aruba's prime destinations.

Facilities at Oranjestad

It is usually not difficult for travelers to find cheap flights to Oranjestad Airport (AUA). A number of airline carriers fly to Aruba, including American, Jet Blue, Southwest, Spirit, and Delta. Direct flights from the United States fly out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Houston, and New York City, among others.

Getting from the airport to downtown Oranjestad or anywhere on Aruba is easy, clean and convenient. Taxi rides from the airport to most hotel destinations cost between $15 and $30 per cab, and up to five people are allowed in a cab. Also, just outside the airport property are bus stops serviced by the public transportation company Arubus. Rental cars options include Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget, and a number of others.

Things to Do Near Oranjestad Airport

Once travelers have purchased cheap flights to Oranjestad Airport (AUA), there are many attractions and activities to pursue. All of these attractions are very close to the airport, as the entire island can be crossed by car in less than an hour. Since Aruba receives more days of sunshine than any other Caribbean island, hitting the beach is always a top priority on any traveler's list. Eagle Beach is one of the top ranked beaches in the world and is frequently listed as a top wedding destination site as well. There is a number of other ways to enjoy the nature of Aruba, including Butterfly Farm, Philips Animal Garden, Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, and numerous boat and snorkeling tours.

There are a number of historical attractions and museums as well, including the Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory, Etnia Nativa Art Gallery, and Fort Zoutman Historical Museum. Downtown Oranjestad is excellent just for walking around and getting lost.

If shopping is your thing, head down to the shopping district at L.G. Smith Boulevard, where you can find jewelry, table linens, locally made handcrafts, Cuban cigars, and Dutch cheeses.

Hints and Tips

Aruba accepts the U.S. dollar, so there is no need to exchange your currency. You will need to bring your passport, but you won't need a visa if you're traveling from the United States. Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt, so don’t worry about avoiding hurricane season when booking your trip. Aruba Carnival is the biggest festival of the year, usually taking place in February. Aruban cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Spanish, French, Dutch, Indian, and Chinese fare. Restaurants range from fine dining to casual cuisine, and you can even enjoy excellent beachside meals. The wide variety of meal offerings can accommodate the budget of any traveler. In fact, some travelers book flights to Oranjestad Airport (AUA) just for the Aruban food alone.