Aruba
Airport
Information
Queen Beatrix International Airport
Airport Arrivals
Yippie—You Made It to Aruba! 🌴
Welcome to One Happy Island! How long it takes to start your Caribbean vacation after landing depends on a few things:
1. How many planes landed around the same time
2. Where you’re seated on the plane (front = faster exit!)
3. Whether you stop at the duty-free shop by baggage claim—those lines can get busy!
Pro Tip:
If you plan to buy alcohol, consider using Aruba Duty Free’s “Reserve & Collect” service. You can pre-order your items online and skip the long line when you arrive. Just pick it up in the dedicated express line.
Use code Arubavacay when you order!
You’re allowed to bring or buy 1 liter per person tax-free. You can bring/buy more, but you might be taxed on the extra. But don't worry, it's still often cheaper than local grocery stores. Just have your boarding pass handy. If you purchase more than the limit, customs may ask you to pay the tax in cash (USD is fine).
If your flight is the only one arriving, you will probably breeze through immigration in 10–30 minutes. The Aruba airport is small and easy to navigate. After passport control (either automated kiosks or agents—stamps not always guaranteed), baggage claim is just around the corner. Duty free is located just past Baggage claim! Impossible to miss.
Once you’ve got your bag, you’ll walk past a few more customs agents and exit the airport. Occasionally, they’ll scan luggage—but not always.
Transportation Info:
Taxis are to the left as you exit. They accept USD or Aruban Florins—no credit cards.
Rental Cars: Look for your company’s rep in a bright shirt with a sign, or head across the street. Everyone is friendly and easy to find—just ask!
Skip the Arubus. You’d need to cross a chaotic highway, walk a quarter mile, and they don’t allow luggage.
Private transportation is a great option and can be pre-arranged for peace of mind.
Lastly, if the airport is busy, pack your patience. Things might move slowly—but hey, you’re in Aruba so you're on island time now!
Departing Aruba
Pro Tips for Departing from Aruba Airport:
Always arrive 3 hours before your flight (see picture above) from Aruba—especially on weekends. Lines at Queen Beatrix International Airport can move quickly… or not at all.
No TSA PreCheck in Aruba. That means everyone removes shoes and takes out electronics (laptops, tablets, etc.) at security screenings. So plan accordingly to keep everything moving.
Need a wheelchair?
Request one through your airline when booking, or ask an agent at the airport.
Typically one person can accompany you from your party, but may vary per airline or circumstance.
Here’s What to Expect at the New U.S. Departures Terminal
The new U.S. Departures Terminal at Queen Beatrix International Airport is now fully operational—and it’s a game-changer! The confusing old process with multiple security screenings and baggage re-checks is officially a thing of the past. 🙌
Here’s what you can expect now:
Arrive 3 hours early to allow plenty of time for check-in, security, and U.S. Customs pre-clearance.
If you have bags to check, use the new drop-off lane in front of the terminal and enter through Door A.
Check in at one of 30 new kiosks to weigh your bags, print your tags, and grab your boarding pass.
Bring your tagged luggage to your airline’s designated counter to drop off your bag. If it’s overweight, you’ll be alerted at the kiosk and can pay with a credit card right there.
If you don't have bags to check and you have checked in online and have your mobile boarding pass, skip going inside and head directly to the outdoor lines!
Next, head to Immigration and Access Control, where you’ll wait in an outdoor line—this is usually the longest part of the process. Once you’re through, you’ll go inside where your passport and boarding pass will be checked or scanned again. After that, you’ll go through just one security screening—yes, only one!
After that, you’ll breeze through U.S. Customs & Border Protection—no need to reclaim and re-check your luggage like in the old terminal. If you have Global Entry or are using the MPC app, this is where you’ll notify an agent and head to the appropriate line. For Global Entry, you’ll scan your info at the kiosk, then proceed to the dedicated Global Entry lane.
Once you’re through, relax at the gates, grab a bite, or toast to a great trip with a cocktail at One Happy Bar (say hi to Alex!)
What’s gone:
No more double security screenings
No more reclaiming and re-checking luggage
No more chaos!
This new streamlined process means a faster, easier, and way less stressful departure from One Happy Island.
And when you arrive back in the U.S.? It’s just like a domestic flight—because you’ve already cleared U.S. Customs in Aruba.
Aruba Airport: VIP Service
Let me give you my honest take on Aruba’s Airport VIP Service—it’s definitely a splurge, but for the right traveler, it can be totally worth it.
Pricing starts at $207 per adult for departing Aruba and $155 for arrival service (subject to change), but what you’re paying for is comfort, speed, and a stress-free airport experience. Think expedited lines, personalized assistance, and access to a private lounge—yes, please!
If you’re celebrating something special, traveling with kids or elderly family, or just want to skip the lines and breeze through the airport, this might be one of those upgrades you won’t regret.
What is Mobile Passport Control (MPC)?
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) offers eligible travelers a convenient way to expedite their entry process into the United States.
By utilizing a free and secure app on their smartphones or mobile devices, travelers can easily submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information. The streamlined process significantly reduces passport control inspection time and overall wait times for travelers.
One of the key benefits of using MPC is that it does not require pre-approval (like Global Entry), making it accessible to all eligible travelers.
Once travelers successfully utilize the MPC app, they will no longer need to fill out a paper form or use an APC kiosk, leading to shorter wait times, reduced congestion, and more efficient processing.
In essence, Mobile Passport Control revolutionizes the entry experience, allowing travelers to breeze through the necessary procedures and enjoy a smoother journey into the United States.
How do I use Mobile Passport Control (MPC) in Aruba?
Download the MPC app from the app store ahead of time while you're connected to wifi.
Up to 12 profiles can be added for family members (you can do this ahead of time); a single household can be on ONE submission, including answers to the declaration questions you need to answer.
When you first download, you will create your profile & add your general info, passport/citizenship info.
When at the Aruba airport or just before leaving for the Aruba airport from your accommodations while still on wifi, jump on the app to get ready for departure.
Pick PRE-CLEARANCE and AUA as the airport.
Answer the 6 questions. Once cleared, you will get a QR code. Please note, this code only lasts 4 hours, which is why you need to wait to fill out right before leaving for the airport or once you have arrived.
Once you go into the big room for US customs, you will find a customs agent and tell them you have pre-clearance code for MPC and they will direct you to a different line! If Global entry line, Global Entry persons have priority.
By using this, you will likely save a TON of time!