Caracas · Updated May 21, 2026

Caracas Airport (CCS): Simón Bolívar International — 2026 Guide

Everything travelers need to know about Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía—terminals, airlines, the drive to Caracas, immigration, taxi safety, and what to expect on the ground.

1. Airport Overview

Simón Bolívar International Airport is Venezuela’s main gateway—and the only realistic entry point for most international visitors.

CCS

IATA Code

21 km

From Downtown Caracas

Passenger Terminals

Officially named Simón Bolívar International Airport and commonly referred to as Maiquetía (after the coastal town where it sits), CCS is located on the Caribbean coast north of Caracas, separated from the capital by the El Ávila mountain range. The drive between the airport and Caracas takes 30–60 minutes via the winding Autopista Caracas–La Guaira, though traffic and weather conditions in the mountain pass can extend this considerably.

The airport underwent significant decline during Venezuela’s economic crisis, with many international airlines suspending service. Since the January 2026 political transition, several carriers have resumed or announced routes, and terminal renovation projects are underway. American Airlines resumed its Miami–Caracas service in early 2026, the first direct US–Venezuela route in seven years.

2. Terminals & Facilities

CCS has two passenger terminals connected by a pedestrian walkway and a complimentary shuttle bus.

International Terminal

Main terminal

Handles all international departures and arrivals. Immigration, customs, check-in counters, and the departure lounge are located here. The terminal has undergone partial renovations, with upgraded security screening and digital check-in kiosks. Amenities include a VIP lounge, currency exchange, ATMs (unreliable), food court, and duty-free shops.

Domestic Terminal

National flights

Handles domestic flights to destinations including Margarita Island, Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto, and Mérida. Smaller and more basic than the international terminal. Limited food and retail options. If connecting from an international to a domestic flight, you will need to clear customs, collect baggage, and re-check in at the domestic terminal.

Key facilities

Wi-Fi: Free but slow and unreliable. Bring a local SIM or use your phone’s data roaming.
Currency exchange: Available in the arrivals hall. Rates are poor—bring US dollars in cash instead.
ATMs: Present but frequently out of service or out of cash. Do not rely on them.
Luggage storage: Not available. Do not leave bags unattended.
Power outlets: Limited. Bring a portable charger. Venezuela uses Type A/B plugs (same as the US).

3. Airlines & Destinations

International service has expanded significantly since early 2026, though route availability remains far below pre-crisis levels.

Airline	Key Routes from CCS	Status
American Airlines	Miami (MIA)	Resumed 2026
Copa Airlines	Panama City (PTY)	Active
Avianca	Bogotá (BOG)	Active
LATAM	Lima (LIM), Santiago (SCL)	Active
Iberia	Madrid (MAD)	Active
Turkish Airlines	Istanbul (IST)	Active
Conviasa	Domestic routes, select Caribbean	Active (state carrier)

Copa Airlines via Panama City remains the most common routing for travelers connecting from North America, as it offers multiple daily frequencies. For European connections, Iberia’s Madrid service and Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul route are the primary options. Check our flights to Venezuela page for current schedules and booking tips.

4. Getting to & from Caracas

The 21-kilometer journey between the airport and Caracas crosses a mountain range and requires planning—especially if you arrive after dark.

Security note: The Autopista Caracas–La Guaira highway connecting the airport to Caracas has historically been a carjacking hotspot, particularly at night. Pre-arrange all transport. Do not accept rides from solicitors inside the terminal.

Hotel Transfer (Recommended)

Safest option

Most international-class hotels in Caracas offer airport pickup and drop-off services. The driver will meet you inside the arrivals hall with a name sign. Costs range from $40–$80 each way. Book at least 48 hours in advance through your hotel concierge.

Vetted Car Service

Good alternative

Licensed executive car services can be booked in advance. Expect to pay $50–$100. Your hotel or a local fixer can recommend vetted drivers. The car should be pre-identified by make, model, and plate number.

Airport Taxi Counter

Use with caution

Official airport taxi counters exist in the arrivals hall. These are safer than freelance drivers but less reliable than hotel transfers. Negotiate and pay the fare before departing. Expect $30–$60 to central Caracas.

Public Transport

Not recommended

Public buses connect the airport to Caracas but are not recommended for foreign visitors due to safety concerns, unreliable schedules, and the difficulty of navigating with luggage. There is no rail or metro connection.

Drive time: 30–45 minutes in light traffic, 60–90 minutes during morning (7–9 AM) and evening (4–7 PM) rush hours. The road descends through a mountain tunnel and a series of switchbacks—fog and landslides can cause closures during the rainy season (May–November).

5. Taxi & Transport Safety

Transport between the airport and Caracas is the highest-risk moment for most travelers. These protocols reduce your exposure.

Never accept rides from people who approach you inside the terminal. Solicitors posing as taxi drivers are a common vector for express kidnapping and robbery.
Pre-arrange all transport. Hotel pickups, vetted car services, or the official airport taxi counter are acceptable. Rideshare apps exist but are unreliable at the airport.
Share your driver’s details. Send the car’s make, model, plate number, and driver’s name to a contact before departing.
Keep valuables hidden. Do not display phones, watches, or jewelry during the drive. Keep bags on the floor, not on the seat.
Avoid night arrivals. If possible, book flights that arrive before 6 PM to complete the airport-to-hotel transfer in daylight.
Lock doors and keep windows up. Carjackings at traffic stops are a known risk on the airport highway.

6. Duty Free & Airport Services

Airport services at CCS are functional but limited compared to major international hubs.

Duty-free shopping

A small duty-free area is located past security in the international departures terminal. Stock is limited, primarily consisting of spirits, tobacco, perfume, and Venezuelan chocolate and rum. Prices are generally comparable to or slightly higher than US retail. Payment in US dollars is accepted.

Food & drink

Several food outlets operate in both terminals, including cafés, arepa stands, and fast-food chains. Prices are quoted in dollars or bolívares. Quality and hygiene are acceptable. Bottled water is available but bring your own if you want to be certain of supply.

VIP lounge

A paid VIP lounge is available in the international terminal, offering air conditioning, seating, snacks, and beverages. Access can be purchased at the door or through lounge-pass programs. Priority Pass is accepted at select lounges.

7. Immigration & Customs Tips

Clearing Venezuelan immigration can be slow. Here is what to expect and how to prepare.

On arrival

Immigration queue: Expect 30–90 minutes depending on flight volume. Only a limited number of booths are typically staffed.
Documents required: Valid passport (6+ months validity), visa or e-visa approval (if required for your nationality), return or onward ticket, and hotel reservation or letter of invitation.
Entry card: You may be given a paper entry/exit card (tarjeta de ingreso). Keep this with your passport at all times—you will need it when departing.
Customs declaration: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD. Electronics, professional equipment, and large quantities of goods may attract scrutiny.
Demeanor: Be polite and patient. Do not offer bribes. If an officer requests payment, politely ask to speak with a supervisor.

On departure

Departure tax: Included in most airline tickets. Verify with your carrier.
Arrive early: Allow at least 3 hours before international departures due to security screening and potential check-in delays.
Exit card: Present your entry/exit card at the immigration booth. If you have lost it, expect a delay while officers process your departure manually.
Currency limits: You may not export more than 10,000 bolívares or US $10,000 without declaration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about flying into and out of Caracas, answered with current information.

The IATA code for Caracas's main airport is CCS (the ICAO code is SVMI). The airport's full name is Simón Bolívar International Airport, though it is commonly referred to as Maiquetía after the coastal town where it is located. It sits approximately 21 kilometers northwest of downtown Caracas on the Caribbean coast.

The safest option is a pre-arranged hotel transfer — most international hotels in Caracas offer airport pickup for $40–$80 each way. Vetted car services are another good option at $50–$100. The official airport taxi counter in the arrivals hall is acceptable but less reliable. Never accept rides from solicitors inside the terminal. The drive takes 30–60 minutes via the mountain highway, depending on traffic. Public transport exists but is not recommended for foreign visitors.

Yes. American Airlines resumed its Miami–Caracas route in early 2026, the first direct US–Venezuela service in seven years. This followed the January 2026 political transition and the reopening of Venezuelan airspace to US carriers. Additional US routes may be announced as diplomatic normalization continues. Copa Airlines via Panama City remains the most common connecting route from other US cities.

The airport itself is generally safe, with security presence throughout the terminals. The primary risk is ground transport between the airport and Caracas — the highway through the mountains has historically been a carjacking hotspot, especially at night. Pre-arrange all transport, avoid night arrivals if possible, and never accept rides from strangers inside the terminal. Keep valuables hidden during the drive.

Immigration queues at CCS typically take 30–90 minutes depending on flight volume and how many booths are staffed. Have your passport, visa or e-visa approval, return ticket, and hotel reservation ready. You may receive a paper entry/exit card — keep it with your passport for your entire trip, as you will need it when departing. Be patient and polite with officers.

Free Wi-Fi is available but slow and unreliable — bring a local SIM or use data roaming. Currency exchange booths operate in the arrivals hall but rates are poor. The best approach is to bring US dollars in cash (small denominations, post-2009, undamaged bills). ATMs are present but frequently out of service. Venezuela uses Type A/B power plugs, the same as the United States.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute travel advice. Airport services, airline schedules, and immigration procedures change without notice. Always confirm current information with your airline and check official government travel advisories before traveling. Information is current as of May 21, 2026.

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Sources: FlightAware; Flightradar24; IATA; Universal Aviation; US State Department Travel Advisory; OSAC Crime & Safety Report. Information is for planning purposes only and does not constitute travel advice.