- Mr Plane Guy
- Feb 17, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 9
You Can Now fly Direct to Aruba From the UK with British Airways
Here is everything you will need to know about Aruba
Aruba has long been one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and reliable sunshine destinations. With year-round warm weather, stunning beaches and a relaxed Dutch-Caribbean atmosphere, it’s easy to see why the island continues to grow in popularity with travellers from the UK.
The good news is that reaching Aruba from Britain has now become easier.
British Airways now operates flights from London Gatwick to Aruba, giving travellers a direct route to one of the Caribbean’s most unique islands.
Here is everything you need to know before planning a trip.
Flights From the UK to Aruba
Flights from the UK to Aruba now depart from London Gatwick Airport with British Airways.
The service operates twice weekly:
ThursdaySunday
Flights travel from London Gatwick to Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad.
The route includes a brief stop in Antigua for refuelling and passenger changes before continuing to Aruba.
British Airways normally operates the route using a Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
Passengers can choose between three cabins:
World Traveller (Economy)
World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy)
Club World (Business Class)
If you are curious about the onboard experience from Gatwick, you can also read my guide to British Airways Business Class from Gatwick.
How Long Is the Flight From the UK to Aruba?
Flight times between the UK and Aruba vary depending on the route.
Typical flight times are:
London to Aruba: around 9 hours Aruba to London: around 8 hours
Because British Airways stops in Antigua on the outbound flight, total journey time is usually around 10 hours.
Other Ways to Fly to Aruba From Europe
Travellers from the UK also have other options if they prefer a different route.
KLM operates daily flights from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Aruba.
These flights take around 10 hours and often stop briefly in Bonaire on the return journey.
Another option is to travel via the United States. Airlines such as JetBlue operate routes between Newark and Aruba, which can sometimes offer competitive prices.
If you're arriving on the island, check my Aruba Airport Guide (AUA) covering terminals, transfers and travel tips.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Aruba?
Aruba enjoys warm weather throughout the year, but prices vary depending on demand.
The cheapest time to visit is usually September, which falls during Aruba’s quieter travel season.
Trade winds keep the island comfortable even during warmer months, but fewer travellers visit at this time, which can result in lower flight and hotel prices.
How Many Days Do You Need in Aruba?
In my experience, one week in Aruba isn’t quite enough. A stay of 10 days works well because it gives you time to enjoy the island’s beaches, explore the national park and take a few boat trips without rushing.
The British Airways schedule from Gatwick makes this easy. Travellers can depart on a Thursday and return the following Sunday for a longer Caribbean escape.
Things to do in Aruba
Despite being a relatively small island, Aruba offers plenty to explore.
Popular activities include:
Boat trips along the coastline
Exploring the colourful capital of Oranjestad
Island tours through Arikok National Park
Snorkelling and water sports
Relaxing on some of the Caribbean’s best beaches
Aruba is also famous for its wildlife experiences.
One of the most famous experiences in Aruba is visiting Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island, where flamingos wander along the shoreline.
I’ve written a full Aruba Flamingo Beach guide explaining how to get tickets, what it costs and the best way to visit.
Aruba is just one of the long-haul destinations served by British Airways from Gatwick. You can see the full list of routes in my guide to where British Airways flies from London Gatwick.
Best Beaches in Aruba
Aruba is home to some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches.
The most popular include:
Eagle BeachPalm BeachBaby BeachArashi BeachManchebo Beach
Eagle Beach is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the world thanks to its wide white sand and calm turquoise water.
Is Aruba the same as the Bahamas?
No not at all, I've visited both and both have a lot of character and lots of differences. Its like saying is Tenerife the same as Crete? I'm surprised this is even a question on google!
Aruba has a dutch influence as it is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it also has quite a dry dessert like climate and because of its geographical position in the Caribbean it tends to miss any impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms.
Aruba Airport Guide (AUA): Terminals, Transfers & Plane Travel Tips.
How to get from the airport in Aruba
How to Get From Aruba Airport to Your Hotel
After arriving at Queen Beatrix International Airport, most travellers reach their hotel by taxi or pre-booked transfer.
Taxis are easy to find outside the arrivals hall.
Unlike many countries, taxis in Aruba do not use meters. Instead, fares are fixed depending on destination zones.
Typical taxi prices are:
Palm Beach, approximately $30–$33
Eagle Beach, approximately $23–$27
Oranjestad, approximately $13–$15
Drivers usually accept US dollars, which are widely used across the island.
If you want a smoother arrival experience, you can also read my guide to Aruba Airport VIP Services, which explains how meet-and-greet airport hosting works.
Who Owns Aruba?
Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island is one of the ABC islands in the southern Caribbean: Aruba Bonaire Curaçao.
Because of its location outside the main hurricane belt, Aruba is less frequently affected by tropical storms than many other Caribbean destinations.
What Currency Is Used in Aruba?
The official currency is the Aruban Florin.
However, US dollars are widely accepted across the island and are commonly used in restaurants, taxis and hotels.
Most travellers rarely need to exchange money during their visit.
Should I tip people in Aruba?
It is not custom but it is expected that tips of 15-20% is given for service providers, hotel cleaners, food servers etc
How Much Do Flights From the UK to Aruba Cost?
Flight prices from the UK to Aruba vary depending on the time of year, demand and how far in advance you book.
Typical return fares from London to Queen Beatrix International Airport are approximately:
Economy: £500 – £900 return
Premium Economy: £900 – £1,400 return
Business Class: £1,800 – £3,000+ return
Flights during the UK winter months, particularly between December and March, tend to be the most expensive because travellers are seeking warm Caribbean destinations.
Prices are usually lower during September and early October, when Aruba enters its quieter travel season.
Booking several months in advance often results in the best fares.
If you are flexible with dates, it can also be worth checking connecting routes via Amsterdam with KLM or via the United States.
Travellers looking for cheaper flights often track fare drops using services like Jack's Flight Club, which alerts members when airlines release discounted long-haul fares.
See the latest flight deals with Jack's Flight Club
Want Cheap Flight Deals?
I don’t just review the food, I track the fares too.
If you want mistake fares, flash sales delivered to your inbox for £1, this is the tool I personally use.
If you collect airline points, my Plane Guide to Avios explains how you can use Avios to reduce the cost of long-haul flights like this.
Where to Stay in Aruba
Aruba offers a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels to large beachfront resorts.
Some popular options include:
Pearl Aruba Condos
Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort
Radisson Blu Aruba
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel
Aruba Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino
During my visit, I stayed at one of the island’s most well-known resorts.
You can read my full RIU Palace Aruba review to see whether the resort is worth booking.
🌴 Check out the latest Aruba holiday deals on Lastminute.com from all-inclusive getaways to boutique beachfront escapes.
Final Thoughts
Aruba remains one of the Caribbean’s most unique destinations.
The island combines beautiful beaches, reliable sunshine and a relaxed Dutch-Caribbean culture that makes it easy to explore.
With British Airways now flying from London Gatwick, visiting Aruba from the UK has become far more accessible.
Whether you’re travelling for a honeymoon, a winter sun escape or a luxury Caribbean holiday, Aruba is a destination that rewards travellers who take the time to explore beyond the beach.
Plane Aruba Related Links
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British Airways Business Class from Gatwick
The Plane Guide to Avios
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading You can now fly direct to Aruba from the UK with British Airways.
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