If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful island of Curaçao, let me be your guide to navigating its public transportation system. As someone who doesn’t like to drive, I’ve come to appreciate the convenience and affordability of getting around using public transportation in Curaçao.
The public transportation system in Curaçao consists of buses and konvoi, offering travelers an affordable and efficient way to get around the island. From Willemstad to Westpunt, the public transportation system ensures easy access to several residential areas all over the island.
There are several bus terminals where you can hop on the bus to almost every village or neighborhood on the island. Explore Curaçao the local way and let the public transportation take you to places beyond the tourist areas.
The public transportation system of Curaçao is easy to understand. You just need to be familiar with the system and its routes. Let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know!
Types of Public Transportation
The only option of public transportation in Curaçao is busses. There are two types of busses, the larger busses (as we all know them) that are called Konvoi, and we have ‘bus’, which are small vans that can take up to 10-12 people.
Konvoi
The Konvoi system in Curaçao is a reliable and popular way to get around the island. With a network that covers most major areas, you can hop on a bus to reach most neighborhoods of the island. The large busses are operated by Autobusbedrijf Curaçao (ABC)
Bus
For a more unique experience, consider riding on a “Bus”. These shared vans operate on several routes, offering a flexible and convenient option for getting around. There are no fixed bus stops. The driver will take you to your desired stop along the route.
Public Transportation from Curaçao Airport
Upon arriving at Curaçao International Airport, you’ll find taxis and rental car services readily available.
However, if you prefer a budget-friendly option, look for the public buses that serve the airport. They are a cost-effective way to reach downtown Willemstad.
The bus stop at Hato airport is located at the Arrivals terminal. Several busses stop here that will take you to bus station Punda or the bus station in Otrobanda.
It’s important to know that public buses won’t stop at any accommodations. They drive through various residential neighborhoods before entering the bus station in downtown Willemstad.
If you need a transfer to your accommodation, I recommend taking a taxi. The taxi rank is located between the arrivals and departures terminal.
If your accommodation is situated in downtown Willemstad and you’re okay with a short walk carrying your luggage, then taking the bus is absolutely fine.
Public Transportation from the Curaçao Cruise Port
For cruise ship arrivals, it’s not advisable to rely on buses to reach popular beaches and sights. Buses often don’t stop at tourist spots, and relying on public transportation to return to the cruise port on time can be risky.
That being said, some popular stops close by that can be reached by public transportation:
Mambo Beach
Go to busstation Punda and take line 6 A Punda – Caracasbaai. Hop off at busstop Bapor Kibra or Mambo Beach Boulevard. You can also hop on one of the minivans to Mambo Beach/Seaquarium beach.
Pirate Bay Beach
Go to busstation Otrobanda and take Line 8B Otrobanda – Kas Chiki – Jan Doret. Hop off at busstop Piscaderabaai.
Jan Thiel Beach
Go to busstation Punda and take line 6 A Punda – Caracasbaai. Hop off at bus stop Papagayo Beach Resort or Jan Thiel Baai. You can also hop on one of the minivans to Jan Thiel beach.
Make always sure to have a taxi’s phone number by hand, just in case you can’t make it back to the cruise ship in time.
Bus Stations
Curaçao’s bus stations are located in the areas of Punda and Otrobanda in downtown Willemstad. These stations in the city center serve as hubs where you can catch buses heading to various destinations across the island.
The bus station in Otrobanda covers destinations on the west side of Willemstad up to the west side of the island.
The bus station in Punda covers destinations on the east side of Willemstad up to the east side of the island.
To travel between the two bus stations, catch bus 1B from Schottegat Punda to Otrobanda. Alternatively, you can walk across the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, which takes only 10-15 minutes.
If you have no mobility issues, I suggest taking the walking route between the two bus stations. This is often a quicker way to reach the bus station compared to waiting for the bus. Moreover, it allows you to soak in the beauty of the city center along the way.
Bus Schedule
It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the island bus schedule to plan your travels efficiently. Buses in Curaçao usually operate from early morning until early evening, with frequency varying depending on the route and time of day.
I always check the website of Autobusbedrijf Curaçao to check out the schedules to plan my trip.
When i used to live in Marie Pampoen, the small busses would pass by every 5 minutes. My friend who lived in Westpunt, could only take the bus every 2-3 hours.
Some routes requiere strict planning. The last situation you want to find yourself in is stranded in the tropical heat without any means of transportation.
Bus Map
To make navigating the bus system even easier, you can find a map and all bus stops at Autobusbedrijf Curaçao. This handy online resource outlines the different routes and stops, helping you to navigate your course and travel Curaçao efficiently.
Costs of Public Transportation
One of the best things about public transportation in Curaçao is its affordability. Bus and konvoi fares are reasonable, making them accessible options for everyone.
The costs of public transportation vary depending on the route and destination. For example, a trip to Mambo Beach typically costs just a few guilders. Since prices may fluctuate, it’s advisable to inquire about the cost of your journey from the driver. It’s also a good idea to carry small amounts of cash when using the bus.
Conclusion
Visiting Curaçaos’ residential areas is made easy and affordable through its public transportation system.
With options like the konvoi buses and the flexible “Bus” vans, you can get from bus stations Punda and Otrobanda to almost every village or neighborhood on the island.
Besides that, public transportation provides a budget-friendly alternative, for journeys from the airport to downtown Willemstad, but it’s important to know that they don’t stop at major resorts and hotels.
For cruisers, public transportation is not advisable as it doesn’t cover popular tourist sights and beaches. I would like to advice you to check our blog on How to Get Around in Curaçao for more accurate information.
With proper planning and awareness of routes and schedules, you can make the most of your Curaçao experience while embracing the local way of getting around.
In conclusion: Public transportation in Curaçao is designed to cover most residential areas. If you’re looking to get around the island on a sightseeing or beach-hopping trip, it’s best to book a tour or take a taxi.
For more information about beaches, sightseeing and Curaçao must try experiences, visit our Tours & Excursion Page
