Transport & Travel

Getting around Bonaire means choosing between walking, bus, water taxi, or your own vehicle. The island is small — you can walk from Kralendijk to Rincon in a few game-hours — but the sun is hot and the distances add up. Smart travelers plan around the bus schedule and watch the weather.

Trans Bonaire operates hourly buses between key destinations. Fare is $5 per ride; travel time is 1 game-hour. Buses do NOT run on Sundays — plan accordingly. The main routes are Kralendijk–Rincon (06:00–22:00) and Kralendijk–Salt Works/Cargill (07:00–17:00, weekdays).

The Kralendijk–Rincon route runs both directions hourly from 6 AM to 10 PM. The Salt Works route runs 7 AM to 5 PM on weekdays only. Bus stops are marked on the map — look for the bus stop icon near markets and major intersections.

* No bus service on Sundays. Plan ahead!

The water taxi to Klein Bonaire departs from the harbor every 2 hours (even hours, 09:00–17:00 outbound; 10:00–18:00 return). Fare is $25 each way. The crossing takes 1 game-hour. No Sunday service. Klein Bonaire offers pristine beaches, snorkeling, and a peaceful escape from town — but bring supplies, as there are no shops on the uninhabited island.

* No water taxi service on Sundays.

Owning a vehicle gives you independence from the bus schedule. Cars, pickups, scooters, and bicycles are available. A car or pickup handles rough kunuku roads better. Scooters are cheaper to run but exposed to weather. Bicycles cost nothing to operate but are slow. Vehicle maintenance requires mechanical skill or a visit to a garage.

Gas stations are located in Kralendijk and near the airport. Fuel costs are part of the $138/mo average transport budget. Running out of gas on a remote kunuku road means a long walk — keep your tank topped up.

Weather affects travel significantly. Storms block the water taxi and fishing boats entirely. Heavy rain makes dirt roads muddy but doesn't stop the bus. Clear weather is ideal for all travel. Check the radio or weather guide before setting out on a long journey.