Queen Beatrix International Airport Guide

Queen Beatrix International Airport of Aruba

Ernesto Tereñes / Getty Images

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Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)

Address
Sabana Berde 75, Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone +297 524 2424

Queen Beatrix International Airport is served by multiple major international airlines with daily service to and from destinations all over the world. This is the only airport on the island of Aruba and the main hub of Aruba Airlines. The airport terminal is modern, air-conditioned, and handicapped-accessible. Amenities include ample dining choices, duty-free and souvenir shopping, and facilities like family bathrooms, a medical center, a bank, a meditation room, and a chapel. All airport gates are located in a single terminal building.

Although this airport is notorious for its long waits, it makes up for it in shops, amenities, and premium services if you decide you want to skip the lines.

Airport Code, Location, and Contact Information

Formally known as Queen (Reina) Beatrix International Airport (AUA), Aruba's international airport is located on the southern outskirts of the island’s capital city, Oranjestad, and provides relatively easy access to the island’s main tourist and hotel districts.

Know Before You Go

The airport itself is not very large, but knowing a few things about entering and leaving Aruba will make travel at AUA easier. For one, Aruban officials take yellow fever very seriously and if you are arriving from an endemic area, such as Central or South America, you must show proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Aruba is also one of the few Caribbean airports where you pre-clear U.S. Customs before you depart. Lines can often be epic, so heed the advice from your hotel about departure time and how early you should be at the airport in order to get through security and customs. Three hours early sounds crazy for such a small airport, but at busy times you'll need every minute if you want to make your flight.

Aruba has some of the best airlifts in the Caribbean and is serviced by major and minor carriers including: Air Canada, Air Century, Albatros Airlines, American Airlines, Aruba Airlines, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Divi Divi Air, EZ Air, JetBlue, KLM, Laser Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sky High Aviation Services, Spirit, Sunwing, Sun Country Airline, Surinam Airways, Thomas Cook Scandinavia, TUI, United, WestJet, Wingo and Winair.

Airport Parking

When you enter the parking lot, you will receive a ticket that you need to pay before you leave. Parking at the airport is available hourly for up to 10 hours. After 10 hours, you will be paying at a daily parking rate.

Driving Directions

Aruba is a small island and it takes less than an hour to drive the whole length of the country from north to south. Aruba’s roads are generally safe and excellent, although there can be some traffic in Oranjestad that can slow your trip from the airport to hotels located in the north end of the island. From the north or south, you can follow Route 1 to Oranjestad and take the exit toward the airport at the roundabout.

Public Transportation and Taxis

Without traffic, a taxi can take you from the airport to some of the island's major hotel districts in less than 20 minutes. Many tour operators and hotels may also offer shuttle and pick-up services.

Arubus is the island's public service and a viable low-cost option if you are staying in downtown Oranjestad or in one of the major hotel districts. The Arubus stop is just outside the airport; the main bus terminal is in the center of Oranjestad and very easy to find for visitors.

Where to Eat and Drink

It's a small airport, but if you need to grab a meal while you wait for your flight, you'll have a variety of eateries to choose from, from local Binah eateries to fast-food outlets familiar to many travelers, including Sbarro, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, Cinnabon, and Carvel. There are also two bars with a hint of local flavor.

Airport Lounges

A VIP lounge is available to KLM and Avianca business-class passengers, as well as Priority Pass and Airport Angel pass holders, and others for a daily-use fee. This is the only lounge at the airport, but it has two locations, one near Gate 2 and the other near Gate 8.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Wi-Fi is available in the airport terminal and you can get up to an hour of internet access free of charge. There are no charging stations in the gate waiting areas, but you may be able to find a free outlet on the wall.

Airport Tips and Tidbits

  • In addition to the usual duty-free shops selling alcohol, perfume, watches, and other typical gifts, you’ll find Aruba souvenirs at Island Breeze as well as outlets of Aruba Aloe and Colombian Emeralds.
  • Skip those long airport lines by booking concierge services, which are available from First Class Aruba should you want to opt for a personalized experience, which includes transport services, specialized tours, shopping services, and more.
Article Sources
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  1. Airport Aruba. "Airline Information." Retrieved December 28, 2020.

  2. Airport Aruba. "Lounges." Retrieved December 28, 2020.

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Queen Beatrix International Airport Guide