Reina Beatrix International Airport

Welcome to Reina Beatrix International Airport — the main aerial gateway to sunny Aruba! Named after the former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, this modern and bustling airport is not just a transit point, but the true beginning of your Caribbean adventure. Located in the city of Oranjestad, it receives flights from the USA, Canada, Europe, and Latin American countries, serving as a bridge between continents and this tropical paradise. Every year, millions of travellers pass through its terminals to enjoy the island's pristine white beaches and unique culture.

One of the key features of the airport is the presence of U.S. Preclearance facilities. This means that passengers flying to the United States undergo all necessary customs and immigration formalities right here in Aruba. Upon arrival in the US, their flight is treated as a domestic one, saving time and avoiding long queues at the border. The airport also boasts modern infrastructure, including a separate terminal for private aviation, shops, restaurants, and comfortable lounges.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Reina Beatrix International Airport (AUA).

• Official Website: www.airportaruba.com. Here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +297 524 2424.
• Address: Wayaca z/n, Oranjestad, Aruba.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address info@airportaruba.com.
• Social Media: The airport maintains official pages on popular social networks, sharing news and important updates.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost luggage, please contact the Lost & Found service. Contact details and a form to fill out can be found in the corresponding section on the airport's official website.
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions related to your journey through the airport, you may contact the main information desk number.

Getting to Reina Beatrix Airport (AUA) from the capital of Aruba, the city of Oranjestad, or from popular tourist zones is quite simple thanks to the island's well-developed transport infrastructure. The airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center, so the journey will not take much time. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical method. The island is served by the Arubus bus network. Buses run regularly along main routes, connecting the airport with Oranjestad and major hotel districts such as Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. A trip from the city center to the airport by bus takes about 15-20 minutes. The ticket price is low, making this an ideal option for budget travellers with light luggage. Please note that there is no metro or railway service on the island.

Taxis and Private Transfers are a convenient and fast option. Taxis can be found at designated stands near hotels or called by phone. Fares in Aruba are generally fixed and set by the government, but it is always useful to confirm the cost of the trip with the driver before departure. A trip from the center of Oranjestad to the airport takes just 5-10 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but the comfort and speed compensate for this. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which is especially convenient for large groups or families with children.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to actively explore the island. Offices of many international and local rental companies are located directly in the Reina Beatrix Airport building. You can return the rented car immediately before departure. This eliminates the need to find other transport to the airport. If you are travelling by rental car, allow extra time for the vehicle return procedure and paperwork.

Airport Parking is also available for those arriving in their own or rented vehicles. Zones for short-term and long-term parking are provided. Parking is paid, and rates depend on the duration of the stay. This is a convenient, though not the cheapest option, if you need to leave a car for the duration of your absence.

Reina Beatrix Airport (AUA) in Aruba has one main passenger terminal that handles all international and regional flights. Despite being a single building, its internal structure is clearly divided into two main departure zones, which is a key feature of this airport. Navigation through the terminal is simple and intuitive thanks to clear signage in multiple languages.

The main division of the terminal is based on flight direction:

• Zone for US Departures: This is a unique part of the airport where passengers undergo full U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance. This means that after passing control in Oranjestad, your flight arrives in the US as a domestic flight, significantly saving time upon arrival. The process here is two-stage: first, you pass Aruba security control, and then US border control.
• Zone for other International Departures: This part of the terminal serves flights to all other countries, including Europe, Canada, Latin America, and other Caribbean islands. Procedures here are standard and include check-in, passport control, and security screening.

The arrival zone at the airport is common for all flights. After disembarking, passengers proceed to a single hall for immigration control, then to the baggage claim area, and finally to customs inspection. Everything is located in one building, so transfers between different parts of the terminal are done on foot and do not take much time.

When planning your departure, consider the time needed to complete all procedures. For flights to the US, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure due to the two-step control system. For all other international destinations, 2 hours is usually sufficient. In peak seasons, it is better to increase this time. Follow the signs for your destination (U.S. Departures or Non-U.S. Departures) to immediately get to the correct section of the terminal and avoid confusion.

The history of Reina Beatrix International Airport reflects the journey Aruba has taken from a quiet island to one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the Caribbean. The airport began operations on December 19, 1934, and was originally known as "Dakota" airfield. In the early years, it played an important role in serving the needs of the oil industry, specifically the Lago Oil and Transport Company.

During World War II, the airfield was used by the US Air Force to patrol the southern Caribbean. This period highlighted the strategic importance of the island's location. After the war, with the dawn of the tourism era in Aruba, a new chapter in the airport's history began. It was reoriented to serve the growing flow of passengers, and its infrastructure was gradually modernized.

The development of the airport in Oranjestad kept pace with the island's growing popularity. Significant expansions of the terminal occurred in the 1970s, and the most massive reconstruction, known as the "Beatrix 2000" project, was completed at the beginning of the new millennium. Within this project, new departure and arrival halls were built, and modern jet bridges were added. Regarding the name, the royal family honored the airport with their attention back in 1955, when it was named after the then-Princess Beatrix. With her ascension to the throne in 1980, the airport officially received its current name — Reina Beatrix International Airport.

One of the key achievements and conveniences of the airport is the presence of the U.S. Preclearance center. This allows passengers flying to the United States to pass all necessary formalities right in Aruba, and be considered domestic passengers upon arrival in the US. Reina Beatrix Airport became one of the first in the world to offer such a service, which significantly simplifies travel for thousands of tourists.

Reina Beatrix International Airport (AUA) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Here you will find everything necessary — from various restaurants and shops to specialized services for business travellers and families with children.

For those feeling hungry, the airport features numerous restaurants, cafes, and lounges to suit every taste: from fast food outlets to à la carte restaurants where you can try local and international cuisine. In the departure zone, Duty Free shops are located, offering a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, and Aruban souvenirs.

To relax in a quiet environment, passengers can use the services of VIP lounges, which offer complimentary snacks and beverages, comfortable seating, and press materials. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous sockets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices.

Financial matters can be easily resolved right at the airport: banking branches, currency exchange points, and 24-hour ATMs are at your service. A medical station operates within the terminal to provide urgent assistance.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms are available. Assistance services can also be requested in advance. Families with small children will appreciate the availability of mother and child rooms, where they can care for their little ones in peace and comfort.

Although there are no hotels or large conference halls within the airport building itself, several hotels offering comfortable rooms and services for business travellers are located in the immediate vicinity. Some VIP lounges also provide basic business services, such as workspaces and access to office equipment.

At Reina Beatrix International Airport (AUA), travellers will find diverse dining options to spend their time comfortably while waiting for a flight. The main concentration of cafes and restaurants is in the departure zone, after passing passport control and security screening.

Airside (After Security):

Here lies the main food court, offering a wide selection for every taste and budget. You will find globally recognized fast-food chains where you can grab a familiar burger or pizza, as well as establishments with local flair. For a full lunch or dinner, you can choose one of the à la carte restaurants serving international and Caribbean cuisine. Many lounges offer refreshing tropical beverages and light snacks — a great way to prolong the holiday feeling in Aruba. Opening hours for most establishments align with flight schedules, starting from early morning until late evening.

Landside (Before Security):

In the public zone of the airport, the selection is more modest. Typically, there are a few cafes here where you can enjoy coffee with fresh pastries or a sandwich. These spots are ideal for those meeting or seeing off passengers, as well as for those who arrived at the airport well in advance.

Recommendations and Dietary Requirements:

For a quick snack, coffee shops and sandwich kiosks are perfect. If you have time for a full meal, check out the restaurants in the departure zone. To try something local, look for fresh fish dishes or traditional Aruban snacks like pastechi on the menu. Regarding dietary restrictions, vegetarian dishes (salads, vegetable sandwiches) are quite easy to find. Information regarding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options is best verified directly with the staff of the chosen establishment. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city, so it is worth factoring this into your budget.

To ensure your journey through the main airport of Aruba goes smoothly and without unnecessary hassle, take advantage of these tips. Reina Beatrix Airport in Oranjestad has its own specific features, and knowing them can save you time and stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport: For international flights, especially those heading to the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. This is because, in addition to standard procedures, you must undergo U.S. Preclearance customs and passport control, which requires extra time. During peak hours, queues can be longer.

Check-in and Security: The main feature of the airport is the presence of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance zone. This means that you complete all immigration and customs formalities for entry into the United States right here in Aruba. After passing this control, your flight will be considered domestic upon arrival in the US, allowing you to avoid long queues at the border.

Seat Selection: Want to take beautiful photos of the island from a bird's eye view? Choose a window seat. Most often, the best views of the turquoise sea and coastline open up from the left side of the aircraft upon departure (seats with the letter A).

Hand Luggage: Rules are standard: liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Do not put sharp objects in your hand luggage. Also, remember that the export of certain natural souvenirs, such as corals and shells, may be restricted. Always keep documents, money, medication, and chargers with you.

Transfer Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, verify with your airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Reina Beatrix Airport is quite compact, and navigating it will not cause difficulties. Cafes and shops are at your service to pass the waiting time.

Saving Time and Money: To save time, complete your flight check-in online. To avoid unnecessary expenses, bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control. Prices for food and beverages at the airport are generally higher than in the city.

In Case of Flight Delay: First, contact your airline representative for the latest information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be offered meal vouchers. The airport has free Wi-Fi, shops, and restaurants to help you wait for your departure in comfort.