Transportation

Getting There & Away

Bus

The busy bus terminal is conveniently situated in the middle of the city, just three blocks from Plaza Bolívar, though plans are in the works to build a new one outside the center. Frequent buses run west to Caracas (US$9 ordinary, US$12 deluxe, five hours) and east to Cumaná (US$3, 1½ hours); many of the latter continue east to Carúpano (US$7 deluxe, four hours) and some go as far as Güiria (US$11 deluxe, 6’/2 hours). If you go eastward (to Cumaná or farther on), grab a seat on the left side of the bus, as there are some spectacular views over the islands of Parque Nacional Mochima. Por puesto cars also run to Caracas (US$20, four hours) and Cumaná (US$5, 1¼ hours).

Buses to Ciudad Guayana run roughly every two hours (US$9 ordinary, US$12 deluxe, six hours), and all go via Ciudad Bolívar (US$7 ordinary, US$9 deluxe, four hours). There are also buses to Maturín (US$5 ordinary, US$7 deluxe, three hours), a few of which continue on to Tucupita (US$9 ordinary, US$12 deluxe, 6½ hours).

Por puesto jeeps to Los Altos depart regularly from the southern corner of the terminal (US$1.25, 40 minutes). Por puesto minibuses to Santa Fe park just outside the western corner of the terminal (US$2, 45 minutes). From the same place, private minibuses to Caripe depart at 1 pm (US$12, five hours).

To Barcelona, take a city bus from Avenida 5 de Julio. They go by either Avenida Intercomunal or Vía Alterna. Both will deposit you in Barcelona’s center in 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the traffic. There are also por puesto minibuses to Barcelona, which are faster.

Boat

Puerto La Cruz is the major departure point for Isla de Margarita. Conferry operates ferries to the island, with four departures a day (there may be fewer in the off season). The passenger fare is US$14/9 in lst / 2nd class and the trip takes 4½ hours. Conferry also operates the comfortable Margarita Express, which does the trip in two hours two times a day and costs US$35 per head. Additionally, another fast boat, Gran Cacique Express shuttles twice a day in two hours and is cheaper (US$18). The Conferry terminal is accessible by por puestos from the center. Do this trip in the daytime - it’s a spectacular journey between the islands of Parque Nacional Mochima.

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