Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS)

Overview

One of Venezuela's primary transport hubs, Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), or simply Caracas Maiquetia International Airport, is located in Maiquetia, 13 miles (21 kilometres) from downtown Caracas. The airport serves nearly nine million passengers each year coming in and out of Venezuela's busy capital.

Known locally as simply Maiquetia, the airport has undergone near-continuous upgrading in the last decade, leaving it a bit of a maze that's notoriously difficult to navigate. Travellers should make sure to leave enough time to get around when scheduling flights through Caracas Maiquetia International Airport. Getting to and from the airport is also fairly tricky, and passengers should take care to only use licensed taxis booked from the airport desk.

Location

The airport is situated 12 miles (19km) north of Caracas.

Getting to the city

A public bus services the city centre every 30 minutes and Corporacion Anfitriones de Venezuela taxis are available outside the baggage reclaim area, tickets for the taxi must be bought at the yellow desk that is available in both arrival halls.

Time

Local time is GMT –4.

Contacts

Tel: +58 (0)212 303 1526.

Car rental

Car rental companies include Hertz, Avis and Budget and are available from both the international and domestic terminal.

Facilities

Facilities include banks, ATMs and Bureaux de Change. Restaurants, bars and a variety of shops are also available in both terminals. The duty-free shop is located in the International Departures Terminal. A business centre has fax, email and international phone facilities and postal services are also available. Travel agents and tourist information services can also be found in the terminal buildings.

Parking

There is parking available near both terminals for an hourly rate of VEB 1.40.

Departure Tax

There is a government exit tax of Bs 37,632 and an airport tax of Bs 94,080 for all international flights.

Website

www.aeropuerto-maiquetia.com.ve

Airlines

Flights to Caracas Maiquetia International Airport are available on American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Air France, Continental Airlines, Iberia, Alitalia, Lufthansa, and TAP Portugal.

Internet

There is wifi available at the TGI Friday's restaurant in the upper level of the International Terminal. Wifi is free as long as you purchase something to eat or drink.

Business Lounges

The Canty office provides business services at Caracas Maiquetia International Airport, offering phone, fax and internet services as well as printing and photocopying. It is located on Level 3 of the International Terminal, and is open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Caracas Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.