Getting Around Venezuela: Travel Guide

How do I get there?

By Air

Caracas is the international airport and is well connected to the major cities of the world. You can rent a car at the airport to get to the city. Taxis also connect the city to the airport and buses leave from the airport for the city every five minutes. The airfare to Venezuela from Europe is very low. In fact, a lot of people use it as an inexpensive gateway to South America.

By Road

Road access to Venezuela is limited. The Amazonian part of Brazil is connected to Caracas and Colombia to Maracaibo.

By Waterways

Shipping lines from Amsterdam, Le Havre, Mediterranean ports, the USA, Spain and others connect Venezuela. Many cruise companies offer cruises to La Guardia port in Venezuela.

Getting Around

By Air

Caracas is the country’s main aviation center. The airport is in Maiquetia and it has flights to most cities in the country. Confirm your flight 72 hours before departure and then just be patient- flights are often late.

By Road

A fun way to get around in Venezuela is driving your own car. You can rent a car prior to arrival through rental companies or a travel agent. Car Rental companies also have offices at major airports. A small car will cost you around US$ 60 per day--- discounted rate for a week would be around US$350. The roads are safe and the network extensive--- gas stations are many and fuel is light on the pocket (US$0.15 to US$030 per litre).

As there are no passenger train services in Venezuela, most travelling is done by bus. Major bus companies offer comfortable air-conditioned travel over long distances. Caracas is the most important transport centre handling buses to almost all corners of the country.

When to Go

The whole year is tourist time for Venezuela – but you’ll be happier taking the dry season (December to April) for travelling. Venezuelans holiday over Christmas, Carnival and Holy Week (week before Easter Sunday). If you go at this time, plan ahead – book rooms and flights in advance, but it’s really worth it – because that’s when all the action takes place – the country is alive with colourful activities at this time of the year.

Where do I Stay?

You’re sure to find a hotel to suit your comfort levels and budget. International hotel chains are represented in Venezuela. If its budget accommodation you are looking for, make sure the room has a fan and an air conditioner before you pay. Nowadays you could even go to a posada that is a small, family-run guesthouse. Pay around US $ 5 to US $ 10 per single and US $ 8 to US $ 15 for a double. For your information, brothels are common –you might check into a hotel and then find out that it is a brothel, so its best to get a clarification before you move in. There are no youth hotels here and camping is also non-existent.

What to bring

Bring out all your cotton casuals if you are on a holiday. The temperatures do not require you to pack woollies and cosy knits. Sometimes the grass in the National Parks can scrape your legs as you walk about, so pack in a couple of cotton trousers apart from the shorts and minis. The camera is an absolute must for the spectacular Angel Falls. Take some mosquito repellent with you. In case you forget, there is plenty available in Venezuela.