San Nicolas · transportGetting to San Nicolas at night, and getting back
Getting to San Nicolas at night is the easy part: it sits about 40 minutes from the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach hotels. However, getting back at 1am is the part nobody plans for.
San Nicolas at night without Uber or Lyft
In fact, it is not restricted: it simply does not operate on the island. So you cannot count on calling a ride home from San Nicolas at night.
Buses to San Nicolas at night stop early
The Arubus service to San Nicolas thins right out in the evening, and the last bus from Oranjestad back to the hotel strip leaves at 18:10. Therefore buses are no help for San Nicolas at night.
Driving to San Nicolas at night yourself
Aruba enforces drink-driving seriously, and a rental car in a police stop ends the holiday. Also, the streets are quiet, low-lit and nothing is signposted, which puts many people off going alone.
The easy way to do San Nicolas at night
Instead, book a round trip with a driver who waits. Pickup at your hotel in Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, the cruise terminal or a private rental; about 40 minutes down; up to two hours in San Nicolas with a local beside you; then straight back whenever you are ready. In total it usually takes about three and a half hours door to door.
Most people are collected between 9pm and 11pm. For example, earlier is quieter and later is busier.
Common questions
How far is San Nicolas from Palm Beach?
About 40 minutes by car from the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach hotels.
Is there Uber in Aruba?
Neither Uber nor Lyft operates anywhere in Aruba.
Can I take the bus back at night?
Not at night. The last bus from Oranjestad back to the hotel strip leaves at 18:10, and service to San Nicolas thins out in the evening.
Go with someone local
Round trip from your hotel, up to two hours in San Nicolas with a local guide beside you, then straight home. $385 for 1 to 6 people, or $300 with code PAPI.
Strictly a guided night out for adults 18 and over. A guide and transport service only, not affiliated with any bar or venue.