Arashi Beach by Bus: Arubus L10A Route and Fares

Arashi Bay on the northwest coast of Aruba

You do not need a car to get to Arashi. Arubus line L10A runs between Oranjestad and Arashi Beach along the hotel strip. It is cheap and easy once you know how it works.

Which bus to take

Arubus lists three line 10 services, and only one suits a beach trip:

L10A: Oranjestad to Arashi and back along the coastal strip. This is the daytime tourist service, listed at about every 20 minutes.
L10B: Oranjestad to the Marriott. It does not go to Arashi and runs early morning and evening.
L10C: Arashi to Oranjestad via the hospital, weekdays only, with limited service.

Hours

The Arubus L10A page lists a span of 6:15 AM to 6:10 PM on the outbound line. It does not give the weekend timetable in the page text. An older timetable on VisitAruba shows less service on Sundays, so check the current Arubus schedule if you are traveling that day. Also check the time of the last bus back from Arashi, and leave yourself a margin.

Where to catch it

The main bus station in Oranjestad is across from the cruise terminal, according to Arubus. MyArubaGuide says it is across the street and to the right as you leave the terminal. From the hotel strip, wait at the marked stops along the main road. VisitAruba says the Malmok and Arashi buses stop in front of the hotels.

Fares

One way: $2.60, or AWG 4.50
Return: $5.00, or AWG 8.75
Day pass: $10.00, or AWG 17.50
Tourist smartcard: $8.75, per Arubus

You can pay cash on the bus. Arubus sells return tickets and day passes at the locations on its fares page. If you plan to take the bus more than twice in a day, the math favors a day pass. For a simple round trip, buy the return.

What to bring on the bus

Pack light. A backpack and a small cooler bag are fine, but you will not want to get on with a large umbrella or folding chairs. That is the biggest reason bus riders book a set in advance. Everything heavy is already waiting at the beach.

Backpack or tote
Water bottle, sunscreen, hat
Exact change if you can
Your map from the confirmation email, saved on your phone

Getting off

Ask the driver to let you know when you reach Arashi, and watch the route on your phone. Arubus lists Arashi as a stop on the line, and the beach is near the end of the route on the northwest tip. From there, your confirmation map takes you to your set.

Going home

Your set is held until 5:00 PM, and the bus line's listed hours end soon after. If you plan to stay for sunset, have a taxi number saved and expect the official fares. Sunset can be as late as about 7:09 PM in July.

Our take on the bus

For one or two people with a light bag, the bus is a very good deal. Spend the money you save on the beach day itself. Read our Arashi Beach guide to plan your time once you arrive.

Step off the bus and sit down

Our set is one big umbrella and two beach chairs, set up and anchored before you arrive. It is held under your name from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you can leave and come back. The price is $120.00 per set per day, all in. Book your set at least 24 hours ahead and confirmation comes right away with a map.

Source: Arubus Line L10A, Arubus FAQ, VisitAruba: Bus Schedule and Fares, MyArubaGuide: Cruise to Aruba, Gaisma: Oranjestad Sun Times. Conditions change, so check on the day.