Driving in Curaçao: A Complete Guide for Visitors

Curaçao is a small island (about 61 km long) where having your own car is by far the easiest way to get around — public transport is limited and many of the best beaches are only reachable by car. Driving here is mostly straightforward, but there are a few local quirks every visitor should know before getting behind the wheel.

Side of the road & basic rules

In Curaçao you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers. Using a phone while driving without a hands-free kit is prohibited. The legal blood-alcohol limit is low — if you plan to drink, take a taxi.

Speed limits

Curaçao has no highways. Speed limits are lower than what most European or North American visitors are used to:

• 30 km/h in towns and residential areas
• 50 km/h on larger roads outside residential areas
• 80 km/h on the longest open roads (the closest thing to a highway)

Police do enforce speed limits, particularly near schools, beaches and Willemstad. Stick to the posted limit even when traffic seems to flow faster.

Road conditions & potholes

Be aware: roads in Curaçao are not always in great condition. Potholes are common, especially outside the main routes around Willemstad and on the way to the western beaches. They can appear suddenly, sometimes mid-lane. Drive with both hands on the wheel, keep a safe following distance, and slow down if you can't see the road surface clearly — particularly at night or after rain when potholes fill with water and become invisible.

Roundabouts ("rotondes") are common; vehicles already in the roundabout have priority. Street lighting is limited outside of populated areas, so plan to be off the back roads before dark if possible.

Fuel & gas stations

Fuel prices in Curaçao start from around ANG 1.80 per liter and go up from there depending on global oil prices and the station. All gas stations accept card payments, so you don't need to carry cash for fuel. Most stations are full-service — an attendant will pump your fuel for you. A small tip (a few guilders) is appreciated but not required.

Dushi Drive operates a full-to-full fuel policy: you receive the car with a full tank and return it full. Top up at any station before drop-off.

Parking

Parking is free in most parts of the island. In central Willemstad (Punda and Otrobanda) there are paid parking zones — look for the meters. At beaches, parking is usually free; beaches with an entrance fee (such as Cas Abao or Porto Mari) include parking in the entry price.

Wildlife & local hazards

Outside of urban areas you may encounter goats, iguanas, donkeys or even free-roaming chickens crossing the road. Drive cautiously on rural stretches, especially around dawn and dusk when animals are most active.

What to bring with you

• Your home country driver's license (no international permit required for most nationalities)
• A credit card for the security deposit
• Sun protection — the cabin heats up fast when parked
• A bottle of water and your phone with offline maps loaded just in case