Driving in Curaçao: 14 Things You Should Know Before You Go
- David Diaz de Pool
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Curaçao drives on the right, uses kilometers, and has good paved roads on the main routes. But there are plenty of local quirks — from roundabout behavior to goats on the road to Westpunt.
Driving in Curaçao is surprisingly easy for Dutch visitors. You drive on the right, road signs use kilometers, the main roads are generally well paved, and the traffic rules are similar to those in the Netherlands. Still, there are a few local habits and practical things that can make the difference between a relaxed drive and unnecessary stress.
The basics: driving license, direction, and speed limits
You drive on the right, just like in the Netherlands. Traffic coming from the right has priority unless otherwise indicated.
A valid Dutch or European driving license is sufficient for tourists. An international driving permit is not required.
Within built-up areas, the speed limit is generally 40 or 45 km/h, outside built-up areas 60 km/h, and on some faster roads 80 km/h.
The legal alcohol limit is 0.5‰, similar to the Netherlands. Checks are more common on weekends, especially around Pietermaai and Salinja.
Seat belts are mandatory in the front seats, and children under four years old must use a child seat.
Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited. Using a phone holder is allowed.
Roundabouts work a little differently here
Curaçao has many roundabouts, and officially the same basic rule applies as in the Netherlands: traffic already on the roundabout has priority. In practice, drivers do not always use their indicators consistently, and some enter quite assertively.
So do not assume that someone who is not indicating will continue straight ahead. Slowing down briefly and making eye contact often works better here than strictly insisting on your right of way.
The roads to Westpunt and Christoffel Park
The main road to Westpunt is paved and suitable for any normal car. The road is winding, passes through hilly terrain, and occasionally has unexpected speed bumps or potholes. Allow around 50 minutes from Willemstad to Westpunt rather than relying entirely on the shorter estimate from your navigation app.
The turn-offs to some of the most beautiful beaches — Playa Lagun, Playa Kenepa, and Playa Piskado — include short sections that can be partly unpaved or steep. A regular passenger car can reach them, but driving slowly is important.
Routes inside Christoffel Park and toward Shete Boka can be rougher. In those areas, extra ground clearance, such as that provided by a compact SUV, can be very useful.
Almost all the damage we see happens on unpaved side roads when people drive too fast. Driving at 20 km/h instead of 40 km/h can often make the difference between avoiding damage and damaging the underside of the car.
Goats, iguanas, and other surprises
Outside Willemstad, goats often roam freely, and they do not follow traffic rules. They may stand just around a bend or beside the road and suddenly cross.
Iguanas can also dart quickly across the road. Be especially careful early in the morning and around sunset, when animals are generally more active.
Parking in Willemstad
Paid parking is common in Punda and Otrobanda, using parking meters or attendants who charge a small fee. Expect to pay around $1 to $2 per hour.
Around Mambo Beach and the Sea Aquarium area, there is a large paid parking area. Parking in Pietermaai can be limited, so it is often easier to park a little farther away and walk for ten minutes.
Never leave valuables or other belongings visible inside the car, even for a short time. This is one of the most important tips for the entire island.
In the evening, try to park near restaurants and nightlife areas in a visible or monitored parking area.
Do not park on yellow lines or in front of driveways; parking rules are enforced in Punda.
If you are visiting Handelskade on the weekend, expect parking to take longer. Arriving earlier in the day is usually easier.
Fueling up on the island
Most gas stations are located around Willemstad, Sta. Maria, Salinja, and Barber on the way toward the northwest.
There are fewer opportunities to refuel between Barber and Westpunt, so it is a good idea to fill up before heading that way.
Payment by debit card and credit card is usually possible, but not every station accepts foreign cards. Carrying some cash can therefore be useful.
Driving after sunset
The sun sets at around six in the evening throughout most of the year in Curaçao, and darkness comes quickly.
Outside the city, street lighting is limited. On the road toward Westpunt, you may be driving in complete darkness, with bends, goats, and sometimes pedestrians who are difficult to see.
If you are unfamiliar with the route, it is a good idea to plan your return journey before sunset.
What to do in case of a breakdown or damage
If you have a breakdown, contact your rental company first. With a local rental company, this is often the same person you booked with, and assistance can usually arrive within an hour.
If you are involved in an accident with another vehicle or someone is injured, contact the police and wait for assistance. A police or accident report may be required by the insurance company.
Always take your own photos of both vehicles and the surrounding situation.
Distances to Keep in Mind
Route | Distance | Realistic Driving Time |
Hato Airport → Willemstad | 12 km | 20 minutes |
Hato Airport → Jan Thiel | 20 km | 30 minutes |
Willemstad → Jan Thiel | 9 km | 15 minutes |
Willemstad → Westpunt | 45 km | 50 minutes |
Jan Thiel → Playa Kenepa | 50 km | 60 minutes |
Willemstad → Christoffel Park | 38 km | 45 minutes |
Curaçao may look small on the map, but winding roads, speed bumps, and slower traffic often make journeys take longer than expected. Try to plan no more than two major destinations per day, so it still feels like a vacation rather than a rally.
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