Airport Guide to Maiquetia (CCS)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Simon Bolivar International Airport of Maiquetia, or more simply, Caracas Maiquetia International Airport, is an important transport hub, seeing nearly 9 million annual visitors, and connecting Venezuela with the rest of the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East.

The subject of continuous upgrades and improvements since 2000, Maiquetia International Airport can still be a challenging place to negotiate, especially for rookie travellers. Venezuela gets a lot of bad press, most of which is undeserved – yet precautions should be taken to ensure that you remain safe, and that you bring back only good memories from your time abroad.

Due to its location at nearly the mid-point of the Americas, flights to and from Simón Bolívar International Airport of Maiquetia are provided by a vast number of airlines, offering connections to some truly interesting and exotic destinations.

Back to top

Terminal Transfer

A pedestrian walkway and a courtesy shuttle-bus connect the International and Domestic Terminals. Queues for the bus can be long; unless you’re completely exhausted, it’ll be far quicker just to walk between the two.

Back to top

Getting into Town

Bus: If arriving between 7am and 6pm, the UCAM public bus service between the airport and downtown Caracas is a very convenient, inexpensive way to get into the city. The buses leave from an area outside the terminal buildings, and take about 50 minutes to get into town. The fare is only about VEB 18. The convenient thing about buses in Caracas is that they often stop right next to the metro stations – however, if you’re carrying a lot of luggage and are not 100 percent sure of where you’re going, this method of accessing the city might prove a little overwhelming.

Taxi: It is highly advised that you only make use of official, licensed airport taxis to get you into Caracas from the airport. The counter where these can be booked is distinctively yellow, and is located on Level 2 of the International Terminal. Expect to pay a maximum of about VEB 200, with a travel time of between 30 minutes and an hour (depending on traffic).

Back to top

Car Parking

There are three lots (two outside the Domestic Terminal, one outside the International Terminal), providing 24-hour parking for 4,560 cars. The hourly rate is VEB 1.40.

Back to top

Information Desks

There are multilingual information desks in both terminals of Maiquetia International Airport, where you can get some good information about facilities available at the airport, as well as things to see and do in Caracas.

Back to top

Airport Facilities

Money and communications: There are various ATMs and currency exchange in Maiquetia International Airport, most notably in the international arrivals hall.

Luggage: There is a left luggage facility in both terminal buildings, and there are free luggage trolleys available throughout the airport. If you’re too tired to heft your own bags, you can get a porter to do it for you – just be prepared to be overcharged for the service.

Conference and business: There is no full-service business centre at the airport; however, if you need to make international calls, print or copy important documents, send or receive faxes, or use the internet, you can use the Cantv office, located on Level 3 of the International Terminal (open 8am-8pm every day).

Other facilities: Other facilities at Maiquetia International Airport include medical and paramedical services, four VIP lounges, pharmacy, travel agents and tour operators, a post office (with express courier services), and full access and facilities for disabled passengers.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available from TGI Friday’s, a restaurant located on the top floor of the International Terminal. They will provide you with a passkey if you buy something to eat or drink while you surf.

Back to top