Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport

Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS), commonly known as Maiquetia by locals, is Venezuela's primary international gateway and the main airport serving Caracas, the capital. Located in the coastal town of Maiquetia in Vargas state, the airport sits approximately 21 km northwest of downtown Caracas, separated by a mountain range that requires traversing the Caracas-La Guaira highway.

Important travel advisory: The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Venezuela due to risks including wrongful detention, crime, civil unrest, and limited medical infrastructure. Several countries issue similar warnings. If you must travel, thorough preparation is essential.

The airport has two terminals:

• International Terminal: Handles all international flights. Airlines including Copa, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, TAP Portugal, and Air Europa operate from here. The terminal has gates numbered 1-23, with departure and arrival areas on separate levels.
• National (Domestic) Terminal: Handles domestic flights operated by Conviasa, LASER Airlines, Avior, and Rutaca. Located within walking distance of the international terminal via a connecting hallway.

The international terminal underwent modernization including glass-walled jetways installed in 2016 and enhanced security screening systems. The airport handles international connections to Europe (Madrid, Lisbon, Istanbul), Central America (Panama City), the Caribbean (Port of Spain), and South America (Bogota, Lima).

Altitude note: Unlike high-altitude Caracas (936 m), the airport sits at sea level on the Caribbean coast. The climate is notably hotter and more humid than the capital.

CCS is located 21 km northwest of central Caracas, but the journey crosses the Avila mountain range via the Caracas-La Guaira highway, adding complexity to what appears a short distance.

Destination	Off-Peak	Peak Hours
Altamira/Chacao	30-45 min	60-90 min
Las Mercedes	35-50 min	60-100 min
El Centro (Historic Center)	30-45 min	60-90 min
Sabana Grande	30-45 min	50-80 min

Critical warning: Travel between the airport and Caracas, especially at night, carries significant security risks. Armed robberies and express kidnappings have been reported on this route. Travel only during daylight hours when possible, and use only pre-arranged, trusted transportation.

The highway passes through several tunnels. Landslides and road closures occasionally occur during rainy season (May-November).

Uber does not operate in Venezuela. Local rideshare alternatives exist but operate in legal gray areas.

Local Rideshare Apps

• Ridery: Venezuelan rideshare app, commonly used
• Yummy Rides: Food delivery app that also offers rides

Typical rideshare fare to central Caracas: $20-30 USD

Official Airport Taxis

Official taxi stands are located at the exit of both terminals:

Destination	Fare (USD)	Notes
Altamira/Chacao	$40-60	Negotiate before departure
Las Mercedes	$45-65	Fixed fare zones available
El Centro	$35-55	Daytime only recommended

Important tips:

• Negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in the taxi
• Only use official yellow taxis from designated stands
• Never accept taxi offers from people inside the terminal
• Taxi meters are rarely used; fares are negotiated
• Carry small USD bills for payment

Pre-Booked Transfers

Pre-booking a transfer is strongly recommended for safety and price certainty:

• Several companies offer pre-paid airport transfers
• Hotels often arrange pickup (verify credentials)
• Payment via PayPal or credit card avoids carrying large amounts of cash

Night travel warning: Nighttime travel between the airport and Caracas is strongly discouraged due to security risks. If your flight arrives late, consider staying near the airport.

Bus Service

UCAMC operates buses between the airport and the Gato Negro metro station in Caracas:

• Frequency: Every 30 minutes
• Journey time: 30-45 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Cost: Approximately $5 USD equivalent

Caution: Public buses are not recommended for tourists carrying luggage due to crime risks. Use only during daylight and be vigilant with belongings.

Metro Connection

From Gato Negro station, you can connect to the Caracas Metro system to reach destinations throughout the city. The metro operates from approximately 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Parking is available at both terminals:

Lot	Rate	Notes
Short-term	Approximately $2-5 USD/day	Close to terminals
Long-term	Approximately $5-10 USD/week	Security patrols

Note: Parking rates fluctuate with currency changes. Confirm current rates upon arrival. Payment in USD is often accepted.

Both terminals have dining options, though variety is limited compared to major international airports.

International Terminal:

• Grill restaurant serving Venezuelan and international cuisine
• Fast-food outlets
• Cafes and bars
• Duty-free shop snacks

Domestic Terminal:

• Sushi restaurant
• Steak restaurant
• Fast-food options
• Coffee shops

Venezuelan items to try:

• Arepa: Cornmeal cake, Venezuela's staple food
• Cachapa: Sweet corn pancake, often with cheese
• Tequeños: Fried cheese sticks
• Pabellón criollo: National dish with rice, black beans, shredded beef, and plantains
• Café con leche: Venezuelan coffee with milk

Tip: Food quality is basic. Eat before arriving at the airport if possible, or bring snacks for long waits.

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.

Network name: Look for "Aeropuerto Maiquetia" or similar

Details:

• Free and generally reliable
• Speed adequate for browsing and messaging
• May require registration with email
• Can be slow during peak hours

Lounge WiFi is faster for heavy usage.

Venezuelan SIM cards are available at the airport, though options are limited:

Major carriers:

• Movistar: Generally best coverage
• Digitel: Good urban coverage
• Movilnet: State-owned carrier

Typical costs: Data packages are relatively inexpensive in USD terms due to currency situation.

Requirements: Passport required for registration.

Alternative: Consider an international eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) before departure, as airport SIM purchases can be unreliable.

Note: Venezuelan telecommunications infrastructure has suffered from underinvestment. Coverage outside major cities is limited.

ATMs are located in both terminals in arrivals and departures areas.

Critical currency information:

Venezuela uses the Bolivar (VES), but the economy is heavily dollarized. USD cash is widely accepted and often preferred. Prices are frequently quoted in "REF" (referencia), meaning the USD price, with payment accepted in bolivars at the current exchange rate.

ATM tips:

• ATMs dispense bolivars only
• Withdrawal limits are low in USD terms due to hyperinflation
• ATM fees apply
• Bring sufficient USD cash for your entire trip

Exchange rates:

• Official rate (January 2026): Approximately 350 VES = $1 USD
• Parallel/market rate: Can be significantly different
• Airport exchange bureaus offer poor rates

Credit cards: Accepted at some establishments, but many businesses prefer or require cash (USD). Visa and Mastercard have limited acceptance. Inform your bank of travel plans.

Recommended approach:

• Bring clean, undamaged USD bills ($1, $5, $10, $20 denominations)
• $100 bills can be difficult to change
• Keep large amounts secure and concealed
• Exchange only small amounts of bolivars as needed

The international terminal has duty-free shopping and retail outlets.

Available:

• Duty-free (liquor, tobacco, perfumes)
• Venezuelan handicrafts
• Chocolate and cocoa products
• Coffee
• Basic travel necessities

Venezuelan specialties to buy:

• Venezuelan chocolate: High-quality cacao products
• Ron (rum): Venezuelan rum is well-regarded
• Coffee: Venezuelan coffee is excellent
• Handcrafts: Traditional woven items

Note: Selection is limited compared to pre-crisis years. Many shops may be closed or understocked.

The international terminal has several lounge options:

Airline Lounges

Iberia VIP Lounge:

• Location: International terminal, airside, near gate 14
• Access: Iberia Business Class, Iberia Plus Gold, Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald
• Hours: Opens early morning to 4:30 PM
• Amenities: Seating, snacks, beverages, WiFi

United-Iberia Lounge:

• Location: International terminal, second floor
• Access: Star Alliance Gold, United Business Class
• Amenities: Standard lounge facilities

Independent Lounges

Italcambio Lounge:

• Location: International terminal, airside, near gate 23
• Hours: 4:00 AM to midnight
• Access: Priority Pass, paid entry

Premier Club / Executive Lounge:

• Location: International terminal, airside, opposite gates 12-13
• Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, various credit cards, paid entry

Day Passes

Day passes may be available for purchase at lounge entrances when capacity allows. Expect to pay $30-50 USD.

At the Airport: There is no hotel inside the terminals.

Near the Airport (Maiquetia/Catia La Mar area):

Options near the airport are limited. The coastal area has basic hotels, but staying near the airport overnight is not generally recommended due to security concerns unless you have an early morning departure.

In Caracas (if arriving with sufficient daylight):

• Altamira/Chacao: Safest area for tourists, modern hotels, restaurants, shopping
• Las Mercedes: Business district, upscale dining
• El Rosal: Residential area near amenities

For early departures: If you must stay near the airport, ensure your hotel provides airport transfer service and has security. Confirm all arrangements in advance.

Caracas is a sprawling metropolis of over 3 million people, nestled in a valley at 936 meters elevation in the coastal mountain range. The city offers a mix of colonial history, modern architecture, and vibrant culture, though current conditions require careful planning.

Getting around Caracas:

• Rideshare apps (Ridery, Yummy Rides): Recommended over street taxis
• Metro: Extensive system, but avoid during rush hour and keep belongings secure
• Walking: Only in safe neighborhoods during daylight
• Driving: Not recommended for visitors

Top attractions (verify current accessibility):

• Avila National Park (Waraira Repano): Mountain park overlooking the city, cable car access from Altamira (check operating status)
• Plaza Bolivar: Historic central square with cathedral and colonial architecture
• Museo de Bellas Artes: Fine arts museum in Los Caobos park
• Paseo Los Proceres: Monumental promenade honoring independence heroes
• Sabana Grande Boulevard: Pedestrian shopping street

Neighborhoods:

• Altamira: Safest area, Plaza Francia, restaurants, shopping
• Las Mercedes: Upscale dining, nightlife, galleries
• La Candelaria: Historic Spanish quarter, traditional restaurants
• El Hatillo: Colonial village in the mountains, crafts, restaurants

Venezuelan food to try:

• Arepa: Ubiquitous cornmeal pocket, filled with cheese, beans, or meat
• Pabellon criollo: National dish with shredded beef, rice, black beans, plantains
• Hallaca: Christmas tamale wrapped in banana leaf
• Cachapa: Sweet corn pancake with cheese
• Empanadas: Fried corn pastries
• Patacon: Fried plantain sandwich

Essential safety tips:

• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
• Do not use your phone on the street
• Stay in well-traveled tourist areas
• Travel by day; avoid going out after dark
• Keep copies of passport; leave original in hotel safe
• Register with your embassy before travel
• Carry minimal cash; distribute money in different locations
• Trust your instincts; leave if a situation feels unsafe

Weather: Caracas has a tropical climate moderated by elevation. Average temperature is 22°C (72°F) year-round. Rainy season runs from May to November. The airport area is hotter and more humid than the city.

Language: Spanish is spoken throughout. English is limited outside upscale hotels and some tourist areas. Learning basic Spanish phrases is essential.

Health: Medical care is severely limited. Bring all necessary medications. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential. Update vaccinations including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (recommended).

Currency reminder: Bring USD cash in various denominations. The economic situation is complex and conditions change rapidly.