✈️ TravelSmarter

Which Side Do You Stand On an Escalator in Curaçao?

Curaçao has no established escalator etiquette convention — and in practice, escalators are rare enough on the island that the question barely applies.

Curaçao is a small Caribbean island with no metro, no commuter rail, and no major transit stations with escalators. The few escalators that exist are found in shopping malls like the Sambil Curaçao, where foot traffic is light and no standing/walking convention has taken hold. Visitors coming from cities like London or Tokyo, where 'stand right, walk left' is a firm social norm, should not expect anything similar here.

💡 In any mall or building escalator you encounter, simply stand where you like — but as a courtesy in any crowded spot, leaving a little space behind the person ahead of you is always appreciated.

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Frequently asked questions

Are there subway or train stations with escalators in Curaçao?

No — Curaçao has no subway, metro, or passenger rail system at all. Public transport consists mainly of buses and shared vans (known as buurtbussen), none of which involve escalators.

Where are escalators actually found in Curaçao?

The most notable escalators on the island are inside large shopping malls, particularly the Sambil Curaçao mall in Willemstad. Escalators in hotels or office buildings are uncommon, and the overall density is very low compared to major urban centers.

Should I follow any general movement etiquette as a pedestrian in Curaçao?

Pedestrian pace on the island is generally relaxed, and there's no strong cultural norm around walking on a particular side of a path or hallway. Being polite and unhurried fits the local atmosphere far better than the rushed commuter conventions of large transit cities.