Transportation in Venezuela

Venezuela's transport menu runs from dirt-cheap por puestos (shared cars that leave when full) to air-conditioned executive buses and the occasional splurge on a domestic flight. In the cities, Caracas and Valencia both have modern metro systems that are fast, safe and cost a fraction of any taxi ride. Buy the rechargeable card at the first station and you can hop straight onto connecting buses without fumbling for coins. Long-distance travel is dominated by two classes of coach: ejecutivo (reclining seats, A/C, restroom) and the more basic convencional. Roads after dark can be unpredictable, so most locals ride the ejecutivo night buses only on the main trunk routes like Caracas, Maracaibo or Caracas, Mérida. First-time rule: por puestos are unbeatable for short hops between towns. But agree the destination and seat before you get in, drivers sometimes cruise until they have four passengers, which can double the travel time. In Caracas, the Metrobus feeder network will take you right to the cable-car up to Ávila. Ignore the pirate taxis that swarm outside Bellas Artes station, as they routinely overcharge tourists. For the airport run, the official airport bus (clearly marked "Aeropuerto") is cheap and runs throughout the day. But if you land late the white-and-yellow taxis at the official curb are the only safe bet, insist on the meter or settle the fare before your luggage goes in the trunk.