My first trip to Aruba was twenty years ago!  I am still processing that it’s been that long.  Almost at the moment we arrived, this tiny little island that’s 23 miles off the coast of Venezuela captured our hearts. The Queen Beatrix International Airport is small, easy to navigate, and over the years has become even more accessible for travelers with disabilities. 

The staff is trained to help you board and deboard your flight and then will get you through Customs and baggage claim quickly.  As you exit the airport door, yes door, there is a long line of taxis waiting for arrivals.  Rental cars are just across the street.  If you need accessible transportation, you must book it in advance and the only company I am aware of, (as of this post in July 2023) is We Welcome Wheelchairs.  Aruba is only about 6 miles wide and 22 miles long so you can be at your hotel or vacation home in just minutes.

accessible hotels

We have traveled to Aruba 5 times now and have stayed at a few accessible hotels, including a hotel that is now the Riu Palace Antillas, the Radisson Aruba which is now the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, and the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. All are in the “high-rise” section of Aruba on Palm Beach. There is an awesome wide, accessible,  concrete pathway that runs more than a mile along the water’s edge on Palm Beach connecting each resort and hotel, as well as a number of restaurants and bars.