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Getting around in Venezuela

Air: 

Almost all significant towns are connected with scheduled services operated by domestic airlines, including Aserca (website: www.tuy.com), Avior (website: www.avior.com.ve) and Santa Bárbara (website: www.sbairlines.com).

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

The quality of roads is variable but the main roads in Caracas and to the interior are good.

Some routes have many potholes; on these roads a 4-wheel drive is recommended.

Car hire: 

Car hire: Major car-rental firm agencies operate at the airport and in major city centres. You can often get better rates by booking online from home.

Coach: 

Regulations: 

All vehicles must carry a spare tyre, wheel block, jack wrench and special reflector triangle.

Regulations: You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Venezuela, 21 years old to rent a car. The official speed limit is 40kph in cities, 80kph on the highway, though in reality speed limits are rarely enforced. Seat belt use is compulsory. Motorcycles may not be used in Caracas after 2200.

Documentation: 

In the event of an accident, both vehicles must remain in the position of the accident until a Traffic Police Officer arrives, otherwise insurance companies will be unable to pay claims.

Drivers routinely ignore red lights.

Petrol pump attendants expect a tip.

Documentation: Drivers must have their licence and insurance documents with them at all times; both foreign licences and international driving permits are valid.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Caracas has a 48-station metro, which is comfortable and inexpensive. Elsewhere, local transport is handled by both conventional bus services and por puestos (share-taxis). Fares for the latter are similar to those on the buses, though generally higher in the evenings and at weekends.

Taxis in Caracas are not metered and fares should be negotiated with the driver beforehand. Fares increase 30% after 2000. Travellers are advised to hail only white taxis with yellow number plates or to use official taxi stands. From the airport, authorised taxis (black Ford Explorers) line up in front of the international and domestic terminals.

Rail: 

Except for the Caracas subway and a suburban light rail line, there are no passenger trains operating in Venezuela.

By water: 

Ferries link Margarita Island with the mainland at Puerto La Cruz and Cumaná (journey time - 2 hours from either point). See www.conferry.com for schedules.

Recommended Sites:

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