Driving in Curacao

Drive on the right and let signs settle priority

Traffic keeps right in Curacao. Official visitor guidance says traffic from the right has priority at crossings and roundabouts unless signs state otherwise, while through traffic has priority at a T-junction. This differs from roundabout rules familiar in many countries.

Approach every junction ready to read its signs and markings. A navigation instruction cannot override police control, a temporary closure or the priority displayed at the road.

Sources: [3][4]

Do not turn the sea crossing into a road route

The Curacao Tourist Board states that there are no ferries between Curacao and neighbouring Aruba or Bonaire and that ordinary inter-island travel is by air. A line across the water is therefore not a continuous driving route.

Plan origins and destinations on Curacao only. For a multi-island itinerary, book the flight separately and arrange a locally accepted vehicle at the next island rather than assuming the rental can travel with you.

Sources: [5][6]

Separate licence authority from rental permission

A valid visitor licence or temporary permit does not settle named drivers, insurance, excess, vehicle class, surfaces or recovery. Confirm the government requirement and the supplier contract independently; neither permission expands merely because a road appears in navigation.

Sources: [2][1][4]

Finish at lawful access, not simply at the pin

Follow signed access and parking at the destination instead of stopping at the pin. Confirm that the rental contract permits the final road and surface, and use the supplier's stated assistance process if the vehicle cannot safely reach or leave that location.

Sources: [3][9]

Treat severe weather as a route cancellation signal

Check current risk-management and travel advice and stop for flooding, barriers or official controls. Any air or sea continuation remains a separate booking because the tourism authority confirms there are no inter-island ferries that turn the road route into a continuous journey.

Sources: [8][5][7]

Before driving in Curacao

• Confirm that the home licence and any required international permit satisfy the rental company and local rules.
• Use the route form only within Curacao; arrange Aruba or Bonaire travel and the next vehicle separately.
• Check current government and risk-management instructions during severe rain, flooding or another crisis.
• Call 911 for police or fire, 910 for a medical emergency and 912 for an ambulance.

Sources: [1][5][8][7][9]