KayaRoam

Driving in Curaçao: the practical guide

Curaçao is an easy island to drive: traffic keeps to the right, the main roads are good and Westpunt is about an hour from Willemstad. A few local habits are worth knowing before you set off. This guide collects them, with the sources we checked.

Our cars

The basics

Traffic drives on the right and cars are left-hand drive, as in the Netherlands, the United States and most of Europe.

Seat belts are compulsory for everyone in the car, in the front and in the back. Use your phone only hands-free.

Children under 12 who are shorter than 150 cm ride in a child seat. Check the extras on the car page when you book.

The alcohol limit is 0.5 promille (0.05% blood alcohol). The safe choice is not to drink at all before you drive.

Speed limits

The usual limits are 40 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h outside them and 80 km/h on stretches of the ring road where signs allow it. When a sign says otherwise, the sign applies.

Right of way and roundabouts

At junctions without signs, traffic from the right generally has priority. On a T-junction, traffic on the through road goes first. At roundabouts with signs, give way to traffic already on the roundabout.

Signs are sometimes missing or faded and not every driver follows the rules, so approach junctions slowly and be ready to stop. Turning right on a red light is not allowed.

Your driving licence

A valid Dutch or other European licence and a UK photocard licence are accepted in Curaçao; you do not need an international driving permit. Canada advises its travellers to carry an international driving permit alongside their licence.

If your licence is from another country, check with the rental company before you travel.

To rent a car on KayaRoam, every driver must be at least 21 years old.

Fuel

Most petrol stations are staffed: you pay at the counter first, then fill up. Fuel prices are the same at every station on the island.

Cash in guilders or US dollars and debit cards are widely accepted; not every station takes credit cards. Most stations close in the evening, so fill up during the day.

KayaRoam cars come with a full tank and go back full.

Parking in Willemstad and at the beaches

In Punda and most of Otrobanda, street parking is paid from Monday to Saturday between 08:00 and 18:00; Sundays and public holidays are free. The meters take coins, not bank cards, and you can also pay with the Flowbird app.

Many beaches have free parking; some beaches charge an entrance fee. Do not leave valuables visible in the car.

Roads, night driving and animals

The main road from Willemstad to Westpunt is in good condition. Side roads can have potholes, and some roads to quieter beaches are unpaved. In the countryside, goats and other animals cross the road.

Street lighting outside the city is limited, so take more time after dark. Roads are very slippery when it rains.

If something happens

In an emergency, call 911 for police and fire, or 912 for an ambulance.

For a breakdown or damage to your rental car, contact the rental company first, or message us on WhatsApp.

How long does it take?

Driving times without traffic, as a guide:

Hato airport to Willemstad (Punda): about 20 minutes.

Hato airport to Jan Thiel: about 25 minutes.

Willemstad to Westpunt: about 55 minutes.

Willemstad to Shete Boka: about 50 minutes.

Jan Thiel to Mambo Beach: about 15 minutes.

Questions and answers

Do I need an international driving permit in Curaçao?
Not with a Dutch, other European or UK licence. Canada advises its travellers to carry one. If your licence is from elsewhere, check with the rental company before you travel.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Curaçao?
On the right, in left-hand-drive cars.
What is the speed limit in Curaçao?
Usually 40 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h outside them and 80 km/h on the ring road where signs allow it.
Is it easy to drive in Curaçao?
Yes, for most visitors. The main roads are good and distances are short. Watch for missing signs, animals in the countryside and drivers who do not always give way.

Sources

Last checked: 5 November 2026