Aruba Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Oranjestad, on the northern side of downtown Oranjestad, Aruba's capital. Downtown shopping is five to ten minutes on foot, a free trolley runs to the main street, and taxis and buses wait just outside the terminal.
The next sailing of each ship, soonest first. Press one to see its days, ports and ship times.
Your cruise line gives you the time to be back on board, and getting back on time is up to you.
Where ships dock
Ships call at the Port of Oranjestad, the cruise port of Aruba, on the edge of downtown Oranjestad. The port administration building is at L.G. Smith Blvd. 23. Ships dock quite close to downtown, and the air-conditioned terminals have information booths that help with plans for the day. Most cruises arrive early in the morning.
Getting into town
Downtown shopping is five to ten minutes on foot from the cruise terminal. Mainstreet, also called Caya Betico Croes, is in the heart of Oranjestad. Downtown Oranjestad is basically linear and easy to navigate. A free trolley loops between the terminal area and the center of town. In downtown, avoid the tram tracks, since accidents happen when tourists expect the tram to stop for them.
Getting around
Taxis line up right outside the terminal, along with buses and tour companies. Aruba has no Uber or Lyft. Taxis do not use meters and run on government-set flat rates by zone, so agree the fare before riding. The public bus main terminal is a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Public transport reaches the major beaches, and a car helps with smaller coves. Many tour operators pick up at the cruise port in Oranjestad. Palm Beach is about 12 to 15 minutes by taxi from the cruise port. Oranjestad traffic is often jammed when tourists are on the island.
Near the pier
Luxury shopping, restaurants and pastel architecture are steps from the port. Mainstreet is about a ten-minute walk from the terminal. Botica del Pueblo pharmacy is on Caya Betico Croes. The terminals have information booths, and the downtown streets are easy to explore on foot.
Questions people ask
Where do cruise ships dock in Aruba?
Ships dock at the Port of Oranjestad, on the northern side of downtown Oranjestad, close enough to walk to many stores and services.
Can I walk from the Aruba cruise port into town?
Yes. Downtown shopping is five to ten minutes on foot from the cruise terminal, and Mainstreet (Caya Betico Croes) is about a ten-minute walk. A free trolley also runs between the terminal area and the center of town.
How far is the beach from the Aruba cruise port?
Palm Beach is about 12 to 15 minutes by taxi from the cruise port. Taxis line up right outside the terminal.