Are you dying to visit Aruba, but keep putting it off because you think it’s too expensive? You’re not the only one looking for cheap Aruba vacations.

Travel expenses have gone up during the years in the Caribbean region, but if you research and plan smart, you can save money in Aruba.

Here’s some of the top tips and strategies you can use to find the cheapest flights to Aruba and save money on accommodation, food and get discount on activities.

cheap Aruba vacations

Walking the beach strip near fisherman’s hut…

How To Book Cheap Trips To Aruba

Aruba is one of the easiest places to reach in the Caribbean because of the amount of airline carriers that service the island.

There’s over 100 direct flights to Aruba every week from 14 gateways in North America. Don’t forget the one-stop connections from almost every city in the US. And all the other international gateways around the world.

The price for airfare to Aruba is determined by different factors…

  • where you’re departing from
  • non stop flight or layovers
  • seat demand & supply
  • season (christmas, carnival, low, high, hurricane)
  • days ahead of purchase

All of these factors are outside of our control.

How can you avoid seeing the price of flights to Aruba drop a few days after you buy it, or watch it go over your budget because you hesitate to click?

One of the best strategies is to set the amount you’re willing to pay for a flight to paradise.

Once you’re comfortable with that number, if you see anything near it, buy it! Most likely prices aren’t going down, and if you do manage to get tickets below your starting price – hooray!

You’re well on your way on a cheap Aruba vacation.

Here’s some useful tips to booking affordable flights to Aruba.

  • look for flights that have layovers
  • be flexible with your flying dates
  • fly in from another state
  • use flight alerts for low fare notification by email
  • search for flights in incognito browser
  • look for budget airlines
  • watch for flash sales at airlines

What if the airlines drops the prices much lower after you purchased your flight?

Depending on the airline, you can receive a refund for the difference if you claim it within 24 hours (contact airline and ask for approval).


Cheap Places To Stay in Aruba

One of the most expensive things on your budget is accommodation, you’re better off looking for affordable places to stay in Aruba.

Aruba has big resorts that can costs hundreds of dollars per night. But if you don’t have a big budget, you can also find a place to stay at the other accommodations that the island has to offer.

Depending on how much you want to spend per night, you will definitely find some budget hotels in Aruba.

Take a look at…

  • Bed & Breakfast hotels
  • Rent a beach house
  • Rent From Timeshare Owners
  • Smaller apartments

Rates below $100 below per night are possible, and close to the beach!

Related Article – How To Choose Between All Inclusive Or Not in Aruba




How To Save Money on Fine Dining

Aruba is known to have the best culinary scene in the Caribbean region.

There’s over 200 places to eat on the island!

How can you get a taste of the Caribbean dishes and international cuisines, without paying hundreds of dollars on the bill at some of the top class restaurants on the island?

Experience fine dining without spending hundreds of dollars

Get 15% Off Your Restaurant Check on Mondays

Do you have an American Express card?

If the answer is yes, you are eligible to get a 15% discount on your final bill at selected restaurants in Aruba.

This deal is only available on Mondays (and not valid in combination with other special offers)!

Aruba has over 200 restaurants, but the deal is only available at 10 restaurants.

Hopefully you have a craving for Asian Cuisine, fresh fish (and seafood), sushi, local cuisine, and international dishes, just to name a few of the culinary options available.

Here’s the following restaurants you can enjoy this special discount on…

  • Salt & Pepper (international cuisine & tapas)
  • Dragonfly (sushi & asian cuisine)
  • Tango Argentine Grill (Argentinian grill & open charcoal)
  • Fishes & More (international cuisine & seafood)
  • Sopranos Piano Bar (sing along piano bar)
  • Nos Clubhuis (local seafood)
  • Hadicurari  (international cuisine & seafood)
  • Moomba Beach (beach bar & international cuisine)
  • Cafe The Plaza (international & Dutch cuisine)
  • Que Pasa (international fusion cuisine)

If you’re staying on the island (on a Monday), take advantage of this special and pay with your american express card to receive a 15% discount on your final bill.

Take Advantage of Early Bird Dinners

Early bird specials contains appetizers, main course and dessert. Price range from $20 – $40 per person.




Book Activities Online & Receive Discounts

If you have some activities you would definitely like to do, you can save money if you book them online. Some companies like island excursions, snorkel tours, fishing excursions, horseback riding, sunset sails, restaurants, offer a discount if you book online.

You can save some serious cash by pre-booking ahead of your arrival.

You can either book directly online from the companies, or from third party vendors like Viator.

Related Article – 21 Unusual Activities You Haven’t Thought About Doing in Aruba

Other Money Saving Tips in Aruba

Here are some other useful information to help you plan a cheap Aruba vacation.


Take The Bus Around The Island

Arubus N.V. is the public bus in that services all major areas of the island.

The main bus station is located in front the Cruise Terminal in Oranjestad. Line 10, Line 10A, and Line 10B takes you to the beach and hotel areas. 

Retour Card for $5.00, valid for 2 trips on the day of initial use.

Day pass for $10.00 valid for unlimited trips on the day of initial use.

Take The Taxi When You Need It

Taxis are available 24 hours in Aruba.

What’s the average price for a ride? It depends on the distance, use the average of $31.00 from airport to high rise hotels.

Rent Vehicles Outside of the Airport

I recommend not renting a car at the airport, if you can avoid it. Because airports charge extra taxes and rental fees that can easily be avoided. 

How To Rent A Car in Aruba Without Overpaying on Taxes & Fees

Coupons Save You Big Cash

One of the best ways to save money on the island is to search for coupons!

Free drinks, wines, $5 off or 15% or more discount adds up to your savings.

Where can you find these coupons?

Easily findable as you enter the airport arrival hall. There you should find greeters with bags of souvenirs. Or at your hotel concierge desk.

Bring your own snorkeling gear

Renting gear costs on average $15.00 – $25.00 Buying your own gear costs nearly the same (or less if you get a bargain).

Having your own snorkeling gear is handy, instead of losing precious time finding one, that you might end up not liking.


Rent a place with a kitchen

Find a affordable place to stay with a kitchen.

Bring your own dry foods (that you can’t do without),

Go to local supermarket, buy grocery, cook breakfast, lunch, save money for fine dining, activities or your next trip to Aruba. 

Related Article – How To Visit Aruba on A Budget


How To Get More News About Aruba

Do you want more related articles about Aruba like this?

If so, sign up for our weekly newsletter to get your newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every week for free.

By signing up today, I will email you my “Aruba on a Budget”eBook filled with money saving tips for your vacations in Aruba.

Sign up now by typing in your email in the opt in form below.


Read More About Aruba

How To Discover The Southern Coast Of Aruba By Kayak

Top 15 Must Have Items To Bring To The Beach in Aruba

7 Things You Can Do in Aruba in One Day

21 Unusual & Unique Activities in Aruba