As I read NYC2Aruba Bride’s great post about final preparations that include arranging guest transportation, I thought back to our transportation efforts. After hearing it would cost $25 each way for transportation to the Marriott, we started looking into group options. I figured there must be some mini-busses or something that you could hire.

One of my first considerations was DePalm Tours. They have beautiful air-conditioned motorcoaches that provide hotel / airport transfers. While I can’t remember the dollar amount exactly (maybe $17.50 per person?) I thought it was pretty expensive, especially since they would be stopping at lots of other hotels before making it to the Marriott. After traveling all morning and afternoon, I knew my guests would want to get to the hotel as quickly as possible. It did take me a while to realize though, that that cost is round trip! I though it was that much each way. At the time of this post, it looks like $20.40 round trip.

Next I contacted Wix Tours. When I was talking to them in June of 09, I was quoted $20 per person (roundtrip), based on a minimum of 14 people, $17.50 per person if I had 25 people. Unfortunately that was also more than we were prepared to spend so I just dropped the idea altogether.

I had done some research on taxis and found that taxi rates are set by the government. At the time we were going to be in Aruba, the taxi rate to the high-rise area would be $25 each way. (There is also a $3 surcharge for Sundays, holidays and between the hours of 11pm and 7am.) This rate is for up to 5 passengers (though a child under 2 years is not considered a passenger). This means if 5 people share a cab transport would only be $5 per person each way (before tip). However, there may also be a charge for extra bags ($2 each) – the fare allows one bag and one personal item per person. So, I decided I would be sure to tell my guests to be sure to share cabs! On our wedding website I had started a page that showed guests’ picture and noted the day and time they would arrive. This way they could ‘watch out’ for each other, even if they hadn’t met yet.

A couple of months before the wedding I had contacted Bully Taxi to at least arrange transport for our immediate family. I had read about him on the Aruba.com forum. He has vans that are roomier than other taxis, but cost the same. Then, I think the day before guests arrived, we decided we would splurge and at least arrange transportation for the group of 20 or so that was arriving on Thursday. Bully was great and agreed to pick everyone up. Somehow, even though there was chaos at the airport due to a taxi demonstration / strike, Bully managed to find everyone and get them to the hotel without incident!

All of my communications with Bully were via email: bullytaxi79@hotmail.com. His local number is: 593-7520. If I remember right, there are “Aruba regulars” that like to hire Bully for half a day at a time because they enjoy his tours of the island.

Another tip – don’t be shy about suggesting older guests arrange for wheelchairs for their flights. We had a couple of older guests who get around ‘ok’, but we were concerned – what if the flight was running late and the gate change in Atlanta was really long? We arranged the wheelchairs ‘just in case’. (There isn’t a charge – a flight attendant is waiting for the person just in case the wheel chair is needed.) You also have to keep in mind sometimes there can be a long wait getting through Aruba’s passport control. These guests would have had trouble tolerating standing in the heat very long. Well the wheel chair is kind of like a VIP pass when it comes to security – got them right through the line in record time. I think they were ready for cocktails by the pool by the time everyone else arrived.

Anyway – I’m looking forward to hear what transportation NYC2Aruba bride and other brides make! There are probably great options that I didn’t find.

A summary of what I learned (detailed rate chart download below):

• Airport to Hi-Rise area: $25 each way
• Airport to Eagle Beach / Low-Rise hotels: $22 each way
• Airport to Downtown: $18 each way
• $3 surcharge Sundays, Holidays and between the hours of 11pm-7am
• Minimum taxi fare: $6
• Taxis can take up to 5 people (child under 2 years is not counted)
• Each person is allowed one piece of luggage plus a backpack or purse. Additional items can be charged $2 each.
• These prices are supposed to be effective Sept 1 2009 and good for 3 years
• When getting transportations quotes, pay attention to whether a quote is one way or round trip – I balked at a price I later realized was round trip.

Download Full Rate Chart: Taxi_Rate_2009-2011

The chart above was downloaded from VisitAruba.com where you can also find additional transportation options including airport transfers, bus schedules and car rental info. And by the way – they drive on the right side of the road!