Gas Stations in Curaçao
Where to find gas stations, what fuel costs, payment options, and practical tips for keeping your rental car fueled during your Curaçao adventure.
Planning an East Curaçao Road Trip?
Compare rental cars and choose a vehicle suited to your route and stops.
Fuel in Curaçao at a glance.
Understanding Fuel in Curaçao.
Know which fuel to use and how prices are displayed before you pull up to the pump.
Fuel Types
Regular unleaded
87 octane, equivalent to US “regular.” This is the standard fuel for rental cars.
Premium
91–93 octane is available, but the guide says it is not necessary for most rental cars.
Diesel
Diesel is available but rarely needed for rental cars.
⚠️ Important Fuel Note
The existing guide states that rental cars use unleaded gasoline and that the fuel filler neck is designed to prevent diesel nozzle insertion. Still, check the fuel type shown on your rental documentation or fuel cap before filling.
Fuel Pricing
| Fuel type | Price per liter | Price per gallon | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Unleaded | $1.20–$1.40 | $4.50–$5.30 | Standard for rental cars |
| Premium | $1.40–$1.60 | $5.30–$6.05 | Optional for most rentals |
Remember: fuel is priced per liter rather than per gallon. One US gallon equals approximately 3.785 liters.
Gas Station Locations Across Curaçao.
Station availability changes significantly between urban areas and the western end of the island.
Willemstad, Jan Thiel & Mambo Beach
Urban areas have abundant options. The guide lists multiple stations around Willemstad, Jan Thiel and the airport area, with services such as air, water and convenience stores at many larger stations.
| Area | Station density | Typical options |
|---|---|---|
| Willemstad (Punda/Otrobanda) | High | Multiple within 2 km |
| Jan Thiel | High | 2–3 stations within 3 km |
| Mambo Beach | Moderate | 1–2 stations within 5 km |
| Airport Area | High | Multiple near terminal |
Westpunt & Rural Areas
Fuel becomes much less convenient as you travel west. The guide notes that stations can be 15–20 km apart in Westpunt, and rural stations may close earlier, around 8–9 PM.
| Location | Station availability | Approx. distance from Willemstad |
|---|---|---|
| Westpunt Village | 1–2 stations | 45 minutes |
| Playa Lagun | No stations | 50 minutes |
| Christoffel Park | No stations | 55 minutes |
| Shete Boka | No stations | 60 minutes |
Driving West? Fuel Up First.
Westpunt is where a little fuel planning can make a big difference.
1. Fill up completely
Fill the tank before leaving Willemstad or Jan Thiel.
2. Know the backup
Note the Westpunt village gas station in case you need fuel farther west.
3. Watch the gauge
Do not wait until the fuel warning light comes on in a remote area.
4. Refuel before exploring
If the tank is getting low, return to Westpunt village before heading farther into remote areas.
Heading to Westpunt or Shete Boka?
Treat your fuel stop as part of the itinerary. It is easier to fill up in an urban area than to search for a station once you're far west.
How to Pay at Curaçao Gas Stations.
Most visitors can use a familiar payment method, but having a backup is useful in rural areas.
Credit cards
Visa, Mastercard and Amex are widely accepted according to the guide.
Debit cards
Usually accepted at gas stations.
Cash
Accepted at most stations. Keeping small bills can be useful at rural stations.
Mobile payments
Availability is limited, so do not rely on mobile payment as your only option.
Full-Service Stations
Some stations have attendants who pump the fuel, check oil and clean the windshield. The guide says a $1–$2 ANG tip is appreciated for full service. Self-service is also available at most locations.
More Than Just Fuel.
Depending on the station, you may be able to handle a few other road-trip needs at the same stop.
| Service | Availability | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air for tires | Most stations | Free or $1 |
| Windshield wash | Most stations | Free |
| Convenience store | Larger stations | Varies |
| Restrooms | Most stations | Free |
| ATM | Some stations | Standard fees |
How to Get More Kilometers From Your Tank.
A few simple driving habits can help keep fuel costs under control.
Drive steadily
Avoid unnecessary rapid acceleration and hard braking.
Use A/C wisely
The source guide notes that at highway speeds, air conditioning can be more efficient than open windows.
Plan routes
Avoid unnecessary backtracking and combine nearby stops.
Check tire pressure
Proper inflation can improve efficiency.
Remove excess weight
Do not carry unnecessary items around in the rental.
Use cruise control
On highways, steady speeds can help reduce unnecessary fuel use.
Typical Fuel Consumption
| Rental vehicle | Approx. consumption |
|---|---|
| Compact car | 6–8 L/100 km |
| Sedan | 7–9 L/100 km |
| SUV | 9–12 L/100 km |
| Minivan | 10–13 L/100 km |
Actual consumption varies with driving style, terrain and air-conditioning use.
Know Your Rental Car's Fuel Policy.
The way you return the tank can affect the final rental cost.
Full-to-full
The most common arrangement: collect the car with a full tank and return it full.
Pre-purchase
Pay for a full tank upfront and return the vehicle empty. The guide describes this as rare.
Partial refuel
Some companies charge a premium when they have to refuel the vehicle after return.
⚠️ Fuel Return Checklist
- Confirm the fuel policy at pickup.
- Photograph the fuel gauge at pickup and return.
- Fill up before returning to avoid refueling charges.
- Keep the fuel receipt with your rental documentation.
- Return the car at the same fuel level as required by your agreement.
Estimate Your Fuel Costs.
Use the guide's example to understand how distance, consumption and fuel price combine.
Example: 500 km in a compact car
Distance: 500 km · Consumption: 7 L/100 km · Fuel needed: 35 liters · Price: $1.30/L · Estimated cost: $45.50
| Weekly driving | Approx. distance | Guide's fuel budget |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 200–300 km | $25–$40 |
| Moderate | 400–600 km | $50–$80 |
| Heavy | 800+ km | $100–$130 |
These are planning estimates from the existing guide. Your actual fuel cost depends on the vehicle, driving style, routes, air-conditioning use and current fuel price.
What If You Run Out of Gas?
It is preventable, but knowing what to do can reduce stress if it happens.
1. Pull over safely
Stay calm and move the rental to a safe position if possible.
2. Call the rental company
They can advise you and may arrange fuel delivery or other assistance.
3. Use roadside assistance
Most rentals include roadside assistance, according to the guide.
4. Expect possible fees
The guide lists a possible fuel-delivery fee of approximately $25–$50.
Prevention: do not wait for the fuel light in remote areas, fill up when you see a station in Westpunt, know the next station before heading out, and keep your rental company's emergency number handy.
Small Fuel Habits That Make Road Trips Easier.
A little preparation goes a long way when you're driving somewhere unfamiliar.
Learn the local words
“Gasolina” means gasoline and “lleno” means full.
Carry small bills
Useful for rural stations and small purchases.
Ask locally
Locals can often point you toward the nearest station when you're unsure.
Use offline maps
Download maps showing gas stations before heading into less-developed areas.
Carry basics
Keep water and a phone charger in the vehicle as part of your basic road-trip kit.
Gas Stations in Curaçao: Frequently Asked Questions.
Quick answers before you head out in your rental.
What type of gas do I need for my rental car?
Regular unleaded gasoline, 87 octane, is the standard fuel listed by the guide. Premium is available but generally isn't necessary for standard rental vehicles. Always confirm the required fuel for your specific rental.
Are there gas stations in Westpunt?
Yes, but they are limited. Westpunt village has 1–2 stations, while Playa Lagun, Christoffel Park and Shete Boka have no stations according to the guide. Fill up before heading into these areas.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes. Visa, Mastercard and Amex are widely accepted at most gas stations. Debit cards and cash are also commonly accepted.
How much does gas cost in Curaçao?
The existing guide lists regular unleaded at approximately $1.20–$1.40 per liter, or about $4.50–$5.30 per gallon. Prices can change, so treat this as a planning range rather than a live quote.
Should I fill up before returning my rental?
Yes, if your rental uses a full-to-full policy. The guide recommends filling up before return and keeping the receipt. Returning without the required fuel level can result in refueling charges.
What if I run out of gas in a remote area?
Contact your rental company immediately. The guide says most rentals include roadside assistance and that the company can arrange fuel delivery or towing. Prevention is especially important around Westpunt.
Plan Your Route Around Fuel Stops.
Knowing where you can refuel makes a full day of island driving much easier.
| Area | Fuel planning |
|---|---|
| Willemstad | Multiple stations throughout the city. |
| Airport | Several options near the terminal area. |
| Jan Thiel | 2–3 stations listed nearby. |
| Mambo Beach | 1–2 nearby options listed. |
| Westpunt | Limited — 1–2 stations in the village. |
| East Coast | Sparse — plan ahead. |
Planning a Curaçao road trip?
Compare rental cars and choose a vehicle whose fuel economy and size fit the amount of driving you expect to do.
Compare Rental Cars →Keep Planning Your Curaçao Drive.
Fuel planning works best when it is part of your wider rental and road-trip plan.
Car Rental Fuel Policies in Curaçao
Understand full-to-full, pre-purchase and other fuel arrangements.
Curaçao Beaches by Car
Plan beach-hopping routes with fuel stops in mind.
One Day in Curaçao Itinerary
Build an efficient island-driving day with practical fuel planning.
Curaçao Road Trip Guide
Put your rental, route and stops together.
Fuel Up.
Then Explore.
Choose a rental car that fits your route, fuel budget and Curaçao adventure.
Full tank
Fuel policy
Next station
Offline map
Emergency number