ARUBA - CARIBBEAN & WINTER SUN

Holidays to Aruba from Amsterdam

Aruba is a sunny Caribbean island and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with white beaches, constant trade winds and virtually no rain. KLM and TUI fly direct from Amsterdam Schiphol in approximately 10 hours. Week including flight from around €1,800 per person.

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Quick answer: Aruba is reachable from Amsterdam Schiphol with KLM direct in about 10 hours 45 minutes. The island lies outside the hurricane belt, meaning reliable sunshine year-round. Hotels cost $200 to 350 per night; budget around €1,800 to 2,500 per person for a week including flights.

Updated on 13 October 2026

Aruba at a glance
Flight from SchipholKLM direct, approx. 10h45; return from 800 euros
Best time to visitDecember to April (driest season, 28-30 degrees)
Quiet seasonMay, June and November (cheaper, almost as sunny)
Arikok National Park$15 per person entry
Local bus (Arubus)$2.60 per trip; day pass $10
Ideal duration10 to 14 days

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Aruba package holidays from Amsterdam: KLM and TUI

Two airlines fly direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA): KLM year-round and TUI in the winter programme (Oct to Apr) and summer holidays. Both sell package holidays that include the direct flight and hotel, which often works out cheaper than booking separately.

  • KLM Holidays KLM flies to Aruba multiple times per week year-round, with an outbound flight time of around 10h45. KLM packages combine the direct flight with hotels ranging from mid-range resorts to five-star properties on Palm Beach. Prices for a week in a double room start from around €2,000 per person in the May to June low season and rise to €3,000 and above for the Christmas and New Year period. Book via klm.com/holidays or compare at the planner above.
  • TUI Holidays TUI currently flies to Aruba twice a week in the winter programme (Monday and Friday from Schiphol) and is expanding to three weekly departures (Mon, Wed, Fri) from April 2027. TUI focuses on all-inclusive packages: a week all-inclusive on Palm Beach typically starts from around €2,300 per person in autumn and rises to €3,200 to 3,800 over the Christmas school holidays. The advantage of TUI all-inclusive: drinks, meals and most activities are included, which makes total costs easier to predict on this relatively expensive island.
  • From Eindhoven There is no direct service from Eindhoven to Aruba. The practical route is train to Amsterdam Centraal (about 70 min from Eindhoven) and then the KLM or TUI flight from Schiphol. The Intercity Direct from Eindhoven to Amsterdam Centraal runs every 30 minutes; add a 20-minute Sprinter or shuttle to Schiphol.
  • Booking tip For Christmas and Carnival (late January to early February), the cheapest packages sell out 4 to 5 months in advance. May to June gives near-peak weather at low-season prices and is the best time to get a good deal. All-inclusive resorts on Palm Beach (Barcelo, Riu, Holiday Inn) frequently offer early-booking discounts of 15 to 20 per cent when booked more than 90 days ahead.

Best time to visit Aruba: month by month

Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt and has sunshine virtually year-round, which makes it one of the most weather-reliable Caribbean islands. The trade winds blow almost constantly, keeping temperatures between 27 and 30 degrees and mosquitoes away. That said, there is a wetter period from roughly October to January that is worth knowing about before you book.

  • December to April (dry high season) The most popular time: very little rain, consistent sun and pleasant 28-30 degrees. Carnival runs from January to February with colourful parades. Hotels and packages are at their most expensive, especially over Christmas, New Year and Carnival weekends. Book 3 to 4 months in advance.
  • May to June (sweet spot) Still dry and sunny, but the crowds and prices thin out significantly after Easter. May and June are widely considered the best value months: near-peak weather at low-season prices. Recommended if budget matters.
  • July to August (Dutch school holidays) Slightly wetter than spring but still mostly sunny. Prices rise a little due to Dutch and European school holidays. A good family option with reliable weather.
  • September to October (wettest months) September and October see the most rainfall, mainly as short evening showers rather than all-day rain. September is also the hottest month with the lightest trade winds. Hotels are cheapest. Not recommended if you want the most reliable beach weather.
  • November to January (rainy tails into high season) November is statistically the wettest month but still averages only around 25 mm over about 2 days. From December the rains ease and prices jump sharply. October and November offer the lowest prices; December marks the start of peak season. Note: a mandatory sustainability fee of $20 per person applies from 2026 (paid on arrival form).

When is the best time to go?

Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt and has sunshine and little rain virtually year-round: average 28 to 30 degrees with constant trade winds that keep things pleasantly cool and keep mosquitoes away. December to April is the driest high season with higher hotel prices.

June and August are quieter with lower rates and almost as much sun. The rainy months September and October see a maximum of 8 rainy days per month, with rain mainly falling at night. Note: from 2026 a mandatory sustainability fee of $20 per person applies (paid on the digital entry form).

The best areas in Aruba

  • Palm Beach The tourist centre of Aruba: high-rise all-inclusive hotels on the beach, watersports, restaurants and bars. Lively and fully equipped but busier than Eagle Beach.
  • Eagle Beach Aruba's finest beach (TripAdvisor top-3 Caribbean Beaches 2026): long, wide white sand with the iconic fofoti trees. Quieter and more spacious than Palm Beach. Recommended for couples and families.
  • Oranjestad (capital) Colourful Dutch Colonial architecture along the waterfront, museums, shops and restaurants. Historic facades along Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard.
  • San Nicolas Aruba's second city, known as the art capital: colourful murals and street art. Authentic and non-touristy.
  • Savaneta Aruba's oldest settlement on the quiet south coast: authentic island life, fishing houses and few tourists.

Top 5 things to do in Aruba

  • Eagle Beach The most acclaimed beach: white sand, turquoise water and iconic fofoti trees. All beaches in Aruba are public and free.
  • Arikok National Park Nearly 20 per cent of the island: rugged interior with cacti, caves (Quadirikiri Cave with daylight openings) and the Natural Pool (Conchi), accessible by 4x4. Entry $15 per person.
  • California Lighthouse Northwestern tip of the island with spectacular views over rugged coastline and turquoise sea. Exterior free to visit.
  • Antilla Shipwreck The largest shipwreck in the Caribbean (WWII German freighter). Accessible by snorkel tour (around €60-75) or dive tour (around €110-120).
  • Baby Beach Shallow lagoon-like bay in the southeast, ideal for children and beginner snorkellers. Free entry.

Flights from Amsterdam to Aruba: route, duration and frequency

KLM and TUI fly direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Aruba (AUA, Queen Beatrix International Airport). The outbound flight takes approximately 10h45; the return journey is slightly longer at around 11h30 due to trade headwinds.

KLM operates multiple weekly departures year-round. TUI currently flies twice a week and is expanding to three weekly flights (Mon, Wed, Fri) from April 2027. Combined you can typically choose from 5 to 7 direct departures per week from Schiphol.

Return fares start from around €530 (TUI low season) to €800 and up (KLM economy). Book at least 3 to 4 months in advance for the best prices in the December to April peak period.

TUI often offers package deals (flight plus hotel) that work out cheaper than booking separately. From Eindhoven the practical route is train to Schiphol (15 min from Amsterdam Centraal, about 70 min from Eindhoven) then the direct KLM or TUI flight.

On Aruba there are no Uber services: taxis have official fixed fares ($26 to Oranjestad, $41 to Palm Beach, $37 to Eagle Beach). The Arubus (public bus) is cheap ($3 to the city centre). A hire car is ideal for Arikok and the Natural Pool (4x4 required), from around €40 per day. A Dutch driving licence is valid on Aruba, no international licence needed.

What does an Aruba holiday cost?

Budget guesthouse or studio from $65 per night. Mid-range hotels (Hilton, Holiday Inn, Barcelo) $200-350 per night. Food: snack bar around €10, restaurant meal €13-15, three-course dinner €40-80. Daily food budget €25-50. Note: supermarkets are around 70 per cent more expensive than in the Netherlands. A week including direct return flight (KLM) and mid-range hotel: budget around €1,800-2,500 per person. Currency tip: pay in USD (accepted everywhere), euros can only be exchanged at banks.

Mid-range hotel
$200-350/night
Food per day
€25-50
Return flight (KLM)
from €530

Indicative all-inclusive week prices from Amsterdam (per person)

Prices below are indicative for a 7-night all-inclusive package (flight plus hotel) based on two persons sharing. Actual prices vary significantly by resort, booking platform and availability.

MonthSeasonIndicative price p.p.Notes
Jan - FebPeak€2,800 - 3,400Carnival, dry, busiest period
Mar - AprPeak / shoulder€2,400 - 3,000Driest months, still busy
May - JunLow (sweet spot)€1,900 - 2,400Quiet, sunny, good value
Jul - AugLow€2,000 - 2,500Dutch school holidays, prices rise slightly
Sep - OctLow / rainy€1,800 - 2,300Most rain, lowest prices
NovRainy / shoulder€2,000 - 2,600Wettest month, prices start rising
DecPeak€2,600 - 3,200Christmas, New Year, prices rise fast
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Also useful for this destination

Cheap city breaks in the autumn holidays

Frequently asked questions about Aruba

When is the best time to visit Aruba?

Aruba has sunshine and little rain year-round. December to April is the dry high season. June and August are quiet with lower hotel prices and almost the same amount of sun.

Which area is best to stay in Aruba?

Palm Beach for lively hotel strips and watersports; Eagle Beach for space and calm; Oranjestad for culture and the historic waterfront.

How do I get to Aruba from the Netherlands?

KLM and TUI fly direct from Amsterdam Schiphol to Aruba (AUA) in approximately 10 hours, about 8 flights per week. Return flight from around €530-800.

What does an Aruba holiday cost?

A week including direct return flight from Schiphol budget around €1,800 to €2,500 per person for a mid-range hotel. Budget guesthouses from €65 per night, food €25 to €50 per person per day.

Is Aruba safe for tourists?

Aruba is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Pickpocketing in busy tourist areas (Eagle Beach, Palm Beach boulevard) does occur; standard precautions as with any holiday destination apply here too. Swimming on the west coast (Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Baby Beach) is safe: calmer water and almost no currents. The north coast has dangerous currents and is not recommended for swimming. Watch the sun strength: on Aruba the UV index is high year-round (8-11); use factor 50 and avoid midday sun between 11:00 and 14:00.

Is there a local bus on Aruba and what does it cost?

Yes, Arubus runs along Palm Beach, Eagle Beach and Oranjestad. A single trip costs $2.60 (cash to the driver); a day pass is $10 (worth it after 4 rides). A smartcard costs $8.75 to register, then $1.72 per trip. Taxi from Palm Beach to Oranjestad: around $15.

Is Aruba expensive?

Yes, Aruba is one of the more expensive Caribbean islands. A budget traveller can get by on around $125 to $200 per day; mid-range travellers should budget $250 to $400 per day (hotel, food, activities). Supermarkets are roughly 70 per cent more expensive than in the Netherlands, so eating out is often similar in price to cooking. The resort areas (Palm Beach, Eagle Beach) are the most expensive; San Nicolas and local snack bars are more affordable. A week including a direct return flight from Amsterdam and a mid-range hotel costs roughly €1,800 to €2,500 per person. All-inclusive packages can be cheaper than booking separately, especially via TUI. The main ways to keep costs down: travel in May or June, book early, eat lunch at local snack bars (rondis, pani boyo) and use the Arubus instead of taxis.

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