Simón Bolívar International Airport is located in Maiquetía, on the Caribbean coast, approximately 21 km north of Caracas, capital of Venezuela.
It is the country's main international airport, the mandatory arrival point for those visiting Gran Sabana, Salto Ángel, or the Los Roques archipelago, as well as the gateway to the capital, nestled in an Andean valley over 900 meters above sea level.
How to get to Maiquetía (Simón Bolívar Internacional) Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CCS
Parking near Maiquetía (Simón Bolívar Internacional) Airport
A parking area is available near the terminal.
How to get to Caracas from CCS
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Maiquetía (Simón Bolívar Internacional) Airport
Near the arrivals area you'll find desks for major car rental companies.
Bring driver's license, passport, and cash in USD; international cards are not always accepted.
Hotels near Maiquetía (Simón Bolívar Internacional) Airport
El Rosal, Sabana Grande and El Recreo
About 20 km and 30-60 minutes from the airport along the Autopista Caracas-La Guaira, depending on traffic and weather; a transfer booked in advance with the hotel is recommended over unofficial taxis at the terminal.
Best for: Those travelling for business or wanting the city's best-known international hotels, in the commercial and financial district.
- Highest concentration of international hotels in Caracas, with restaurants and shopping centres just minutes away
- Central area compared with the rest of the city, convenient for those travelling for work
- Heavy traffic at rush hour on Avenida Francisco de Miranda and the main thoroughfares
- Commercial district, less quiet in the evening than Los Palos Grandes
Recommended hotels
- JW Marriott Hotel Caracas 17-storey tower with 269 rooms at the corner of Avenida Venezuela and Calle Mohedano, in the financial district of El Rosal; operating with active reviews as recently as 2025. View availability
- Gran Meliá Caracas Over 400 rooms across 18 floors in the Sabana Grande district; the original listing gave the name as 'Meliá Caracas', but the chain's current brand is Gran Meliá Caracas. View availability
- Hotel Ritz Caracas Hotel in the Parroquia El Recreo, near the Chacaíto shopping centre and 1.4 km from Los Caobos Park; panoramic rooftop pool. View availability
Los Palos Grandes
About 20-25 km and 35-60 minutes from the airport, slightly more than the El Rosal area; same recommendations about booking the transfer in advance.
Best for: Those who prefer one of the residential areas considered quieter and safer in the capital, near Parque del Este.
- Neighbourhood described by several tourist sources as among the quietest and safest in Caracas
- Parque del Este just minutes away, among the city's largest parks
- Less nightlife and fewer restaurants than El Rosal and Sabana Grande
- More limited choice of international hotels: only one verified name for this guide
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The two terminals (domestic and international) handle connections to major Venezuelan cities and some international destinations in Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
For flights it is recommended to arrive with at least 3 hours' notice, given the complexity of checks.
Map of Maiquetía (Simón Bolívar Internacional) Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa to enter Venezuela?
Yes, a mandatory e-Visa has been introduced for numerous nationalities, applied for entirely online: it cannot be obtained on arrival. Check the specific requirements for your nationality before departing.
Q. Is it safe to take a taxi at Caracas Airport?
Yes, but only by relying on official taxis bookable at the dedicated counters in the arrivals area (roughly 30-80 USD to downtown): always avoid unauthorized drivers who approach you unsolicited.
Q. Is it better to bring dollars or bolívares to Venezuela?
The US dollar effectively circulates as a parallel currency and is accepted almost everywhere in tourist areas: bring cash in small denominations, as change is scarce and international cards are unreliable.
Q. Do you need the yellow fever vaccine to visit Angel Falls?
It's recommended for all travelers, and there's also a year-round malaria risk in the Gran Sabana region (Bolívar state): consult a travel medicine doctor before departing.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights