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Flying to Bonaire: How do you get there?
Bonaire is about nine thousand kilometers from the Netherlands, just off the coast of Venezuela. You can fly there in one go, as there are direct flights from Schiphol. Expect a long day. The flight takes about nine to ten hours, and because you go back in time five to six hours, you usually arrive on the same day.
You'll land at Flamingo International Airport, close to Kralendijk. It's a small airport that you'll get through quickly, especially if your paperwork is in order. In this guide, you'll read about which airlines fly there, how long your journey will be, what to look out for when booking, and what to expect upon arrival.
| Item | What can you expect | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Amsterdam Schiphol | KLM and TUI fly fly direct |
| Flight duration | About nine to ten o'clock | Back is often a bit shorter or longer due to the wind |
| Arrival | Flamingo International Airport (BON) | Small airport near Kralendijk |
| Layover | Some flights land on another island en route. | Check this in the flight data |
| Time difference | Five hours in winter, six hours in summer | Bonaire does not observe daylight saving time |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Directly from the Netherlands
KLM and TUI fly fly directly from Schiphol to Bonaire. The frequency per week varies by season, so check the schedule for the time you wish to travel. Pay attention to the flight details when booking. Some flights to the ABC islands make a stopover on another island, where you remain on board or disembark briefly. This can save you an hour or more in your travel time.
If you want to travel during peak season, book well in advance. Direct flights fill up quickly around Christmas and during the summer holidays.
How long does the flight take?
Count on approximately nine to ten hours in the air. The outbound journey is usually a bit shorter than the return journey, or vice versa, depending on the wind at altitude. Departure is often in the morning or afternoon, after which you land in Bonaire in the afternoon or early evening. This way, you'll still have some daylight upon arrival.
Keep in mind that you'll be tired upon arrival. Plan your first day at a relaxed pace and save the big excursions for later.
Flying via America or another island
There are also connections from North America, including from Miami, Houston, Newark, and Atlanta. These are particularly interesting if you are combining Bonaire with a trip through the United States. Be sure to check the transit rules. For a stopover in the United States, you will need an ESTA or visa, even if you are only transiting.
From the other ABC islands, you can fly to Bonaire in a short time. From Curaçao and Aruba, you can reach the island in about half an hour with a regional airline.
Flamingo International Airport
Bonaire's airport is small and easy to navigate. You walk straight from the plane into the arrivals hall, where passport control and the baggage carousel are located close together. Upon arrival, present your passport and your tourist tax confirmation. Arrange this online in advance, so you don't have to wait in line while your suitcase is already circling.
The airport is a few minutes' drive from Kralendijk. Car rental companies are nearby, and taxis are waiting outside.
From the airport to your accommodation
Most visitors pick up a rental car right away because you use it for your excursions on Bonaire anyway. The distances on the island are short. If you don't want a car, a taxi from the airport is perfectly fine. Agree on the fare beforehand, as there is no meter.
Unsure if you need a car, check out our guide on rental car or excursions on Bonaire and in our guide on Bonaire without a rental car.
When is the best time to book?
For the Christmas period, the spring break, and the summer vacation, you prefer to book months in advance. Outside of these periods, you have more flexibility. Prices vary significantly by period. You can read about what a trip approximately costs in our guide on how much a vacation to Bonaire costs.
Which months are the most pleasant in terms of weather and crowds can be found in our guide to best time to visit Bonaire.
Luggage, diving equipment, and carry-on baggage
Diving and snorkeling gear is allowed, but it quickly adds up in weight. Check your airline's baggage regulations and be prepared for an excess baggage fee if you exceed the weight limit. In your carry-on, be sure to pack your documents, medications, swimwear, and a change of clothes. If your suitcase gets lost, you'll be prepared for the first day.
A complete packing list can be found in our guide about what to pack for Bonaire.
Your first day on the island
After a long flight, you usually don't want to fill the entire day immediately. A relaxed introduction to the island works better then. A guided island tour is suitable for this: you see where everything is in half a day, without having to navigate yourself on your first day.
What exactly is included varies by provider, so check that on the relevant page.
Time difference and jet lag
Bonaire is five hours behind the Netherlands in the winter and six hours behind in the summer. The island does not observe daylight saving time, so the difference changes with our clocks. Flying west is usually manageable. Your day becomes longer, you go to bed at a normal hour in the evening, and you're usually back to normal the next morning.
More information about the clock, power outlets, and other practical matters can be found in our guide about Time difference and plugs in Bonaire.
Combine Bonaire with another island
Many travelers combine Bonaire with Curaçao or Aruba. The inter-island flights are short and there are multiple flights per day. Please note that you will need to check in again and go through security when you transfer. Therefore, allow ample time between flights.
For the other islands, their own entry rules apply. What is needed for Bonaire, you can read in our guide about travel documents and entry requirements for Bonaire.
Flying with kids
A nine-hour flight is long for children, but manageable if you bring enough distractions. Make sure to bring your own headphones, a tablet, and a few small surprises. When booking, choose seats that are together and ask for a spot with some extra legroom if you're traveling with a baby.
More tips for families can be found in our guide to Bonaire with children.
This is how your travel day goes smoothly
Make sure to have your documents, tourist tax, and accommodation details readily available both digitally and in print. Drink plenty of water on your journey, walk through the aisle occasionally, and set your watch to Bonaire time as soon as you take off.
Plan your first evening simply: unpack, eat something in Kralendijk, and go to bed early. You still have the rest of your vacation ahead of you. Ideas for that are in our guide about Bonaire in 7 days.
How much does a flight to Bonaire cost?
Flight prices to Bonaire vary widely. During school holidays and around Christmas, you'll pay significantly more than during the quieter months. We are intentionally not mentioning specific amounts because they change daily. Compare a few dates yourself and see if shifting by a week makes a big difference.
An indication of the total cost of a trip is in our guide on how much a vacation to Bonaire costs.
Delay or a missed connection
If you fly directly, you run little risk of a missed connection. If you book a trip with a layover, allow ample transfer time. Preferably book a layover on a through ticket. If you miss your connection, the airline is responsible for an alternative.
Save your airline's and accommodation's phone numbers in your phone so you can quickly report that you will be arriving late.
The flight home
The return flight often departs in the evening, giving you a full day on the island. Ask your accommodation if you can shower and leave your luggage after checking out. Don't plan a dive on your last day right before departure. Allow sufficient time between your last dive and flying, and follow the advice of your dive center.
Arrive at the airport on time. It's small, but during a full flight, the check-in counter fills up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flying to Bonaire
How long is the flight to Bonaire?
From Amsterdam, you're looking at about a nine to ten hour direct flight.
Which airlines fly direct to Bonaire?
KLM and TUI fly fly directly from Schiphol. The frequency varies by season, so check the current schedule.
Is there a layover on the flight to Bonaire?
That varies by flight. Some planes land on another island en route. Check the flight details when booking.
Bonaire International Airport
At Flamingo International Airport, near Kralendijk. It's a small airport where you're usually through quickly.
What is the time difference with the Netherlands?
Five o'clock in winter and six o'clock in summer. Bonaire does not observe daylight saving time.
Can you fly from Bonaire to Curaçao or Aruba?
Yes, regional airlines fly multiple times a day between the islands. Such a flight takes about half an hour.
Flight booked? Then check out which activities and excursions suit your trip to Bonaire.
Time difference and plugs in Bonaire
Travel documents and entry requirements for Bonaire
How many days do you need for Bonaire?
Weather and rainy season on Bonaire by month