Caracas Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

By plane Maiquetía's Simon Bolivar Airport is 16 km away from central Caracas, but the collapse of a bridge on the highway connecting Caracas with the airport in March 2006 means that the journey may take up to two hours during rush hour. Taxi fares are usually at least Bs. 60,000 (US$28)to Caracas but there are many unlicensed taxis offering their services, so travelers should be very careful. In particular, it is advised to agree on a price before getting into the taxi, not sharing with anyone other than the driver, and preferably using only the airport's official black Ford Explorer cabs, although these can be pricey. Check with your hotel to see if they arrange airport pickup - it may need to be booked in advance. {edit}By car Fairly decent highways connect Caracas with La Guaira and the airport to the north; Maracay, Valencia and Maracaibo in the west; Barcelona and Puerto La Cruz in the east. By bus A taxi from the bus terminal to the center will cost you around Bs.15,000. Buses from the airport to Caracas cost around $5. Passengers have the option of alighting either at Gato Negro metro station (less than safe at street level) or under a bridge at the Parque Central bus terminal, from where you'll need to get a taxi to your final destination or walk about 1 km along a busy road to the Bellas Artes metro station. The La Bandera bus terminal connects Caracas with towns and cities to the west of the capital such as La Victoria (1 hour), Maracay (1.5 hours) and Valencia (2.5 hours). The 800m walk from La Bandera metro station to the bus terminal is not safe after dark and travelers should exercise caution at all times.