Driving on Curaçao

Driving in Curaçao is a bit different from driving in different parts of the world. That’s why we’d like to tell you more about driving in Curaçao. It’s wise to listen carefully to the tips your car rental company provides. Generally, the average driver is much more easygoing than most people in Europe and the Netherlands. People usually don’t drive very fast (exceptions exist everywhere), the maximum speed is lower than in the Netherlands, and due to the poor road conditions, driving fast simply isn’t pleasant. The maximum speed outside built-up areas is 80 km/h, and in most neighborhoods, you often don’t drive faster than 45 km/h. Check out more tips below!

Road Surface

The road surface is not as good as in the Netherlands. Potholes and poor road conditions don’t always make for a comfortable ride. Try to avoid (deep) potholes, as driving through them is very bad for your car, and you certainly don’t want to end up with a flat tire on the side of the road. Especially in the dark, you’ll often see potholes and speed bumps late, so it’s also advisable to reduce your speed in the evening.

Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-way rules are different from those in the Netherlands. On Curaçao, the right side generally does **not** have priority. At a T-junction, traffic going straight always has priority. At an intersection, our advice is to take it easy and assess the situation. Sometimes people can be unpredictable, and some tourists may not fully understand the rules. In some cases, it’s better to yield than to take priority. Especially during rush hour, there are sometimes unwritten rules—while the right side normally doesn’t have priority, it’s common to let people from the right merge during traffic jams. You’ll quickly get used to this; if you just go with the flow of traffic, driving is quite relaxed.

Overtaking

Overtaking here happens on double lanes on both sides. In the Netherlands, the left lane is always the fastest, but this doesn’t apply in Curaçao. It can easily happen that someone in the left lane is driving very slowly, in which case you can simply pass them on the right. So, also be aware that you can be overtaken on the right—something you’d (hopefully) never experience in the Netherlands.

Rain and Bad Weather

When it rains in Curaçao, it can **really** rain. Water doesn’t drain easily here, and during a heavy downpour, the streets can quickly fill with (deep) puddles. Additionally, the roads become slippery quickly in the rain, so driving fast in such weather is a definite no-go. If you can’t clearly see how deep a puddle is, remember that your braking distance increases and visibility worsens. In some parts of the island, you might not even be able to drive through certain streets because the puddles become too deep. If you see other cars driving through a puddle, you can usually assume it’s safe. If you enter a street and have no idea how deep the puddle is, turn around or really check carefully if it’s safe to proceed.

Darkness

When it gets dark, it’s advisable to take it easy. Street lighting isn’t equally good everywhere, and you might encounter someone with broken lights (or, conversely, extremely bright ones). Additionally, you’ll often notice speed bumps and potholes late. Although it’s not allowed to drive under the influence of alcohol, it still happens regularly, especially after a fun evening at Jan Thiel or Mambo Beach, where you might come across a drunk driver. Our advice: Just drive a bit slower in the evenings, and everything will be fine.

Accident?

Involved in a collision or accident? Then leave your car exactly where the accident happened! Immediately call your car rental company or Road Service (tel: 199) and tell them where you are. While we fill out our own damage forms in the Netherlands, things are done a bit differently in Curaçao—here, an external party prepares the damage report. Your rental company will undoubtedly explain this to you, but to avoid hassle with the insurance, it’s important that you know this.

Renting a Car in Curaçao: Tips!

Are you planning to explore the beautiful island of Curaçao soon? Then renting a car is ideal for comfortably discovering the tropical island. We’ve already gathered some handy tips so you can have an unforgettable experience:

• Curaçao has many beautiful spots, and some hidden gems require off-road driving. We can tell you that these places are worth visiting! Keep in mind that off-road driving in a smaller car isn’t comfortable. Therefore, choose a suitable car like the Jeep Wrangler Sahara.
• We can deliver your chosen rental car to the airport. This way, after a long flight, you won’t have to stand in line—you can immediately get into your reliable means of transport for the time ahead.
• This beautiful tropical island is full of amazing places. There’s plenty to do for young and old alike. That’s why we’ve put together a great selection of fun activities, restaurants, beaches, and much more!

Driving in Curaçao is generally very safe and relaxed. You really don’t need a 4×4 to get from A to B. However, renting a car is highly recommended when visiting Curaçao, as public transport only serves a limited number of places, and buses are often late. With a rental car, you can easily drive across the entire island and discover all the beautiful spots of Curaçao, from Westpunt to Christoffelberg. Enjoy being your own boss and doing everything at your own pace. Apart from a few traffic rules, the traffic is quite similar to that in the Netherlands. Keep in mind that it can get busier during rush hour, especially on the Caracasbaaiweg. Don’t be deterred by exaggerated stories—driving in Curaçao is safer than in many European countries!

Have questions about renting a car? Then contact us; we’d be happy to help you find a great rental car that meets your needs.