South America > 🇻🇪 Venezuela
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Venezuela can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Venezuela; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Venezuela?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Venezuela?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Venezuela
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Anaco | AAO | |
| Caracas | CCS |
Driving Conditions 🚗⚠️
Roads range from freshly paved highways to severely potholed rural tracks. However, even more importantly, security concerns and checkpoint delays make independent travel stressful. Fuel shortages and unpredictable availability also complicate long-distance trips. Furthermore, car rental offices are limited, expensive, and sometimes unreliable, particularly outside Caracas.
Because of this, driving yourself rarely makes sense for leisure travel, even though the landscapes would otherwise be ideal for a road trip.
Public Transport 🚌
Large cities have extensive bus networks, and intercity coaches still link major hubs like Caracas, Mérida, Valencia, Barquisimeto, and Maracaibo. Nevertheless, schedules often change without notice, and long-distance travel can be slow.
In Caracas, the metro remains one of the easiest, safest, and cheapest ways to move around during the day. You can also use taxis and ride-hailing apps, although travellers need to stick strictly to registered providers arranged through hotels.
Domestic Flights ✈️
For almost all longer journeys — especially to Canaima (Angel Falls), Los Roques, or Margarita Island — flying is the default. These routes are the safest and most efficient, and they bypass the country’s patchy road network entirely. As a bonus, flying often feels like the only feasible way to access Venezuela’s world-class natural attractions.
Tours for Remote Areas 🌄🚤
Because so many of Venezuela’s highlights lie in protected parks or remote jungle areas, organised tours are not only recommended but often mandatory. This includes:
-
Canaima + Angel Falls
-
Gran Sabana / Roraima
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Orinoco Delta journeys
-
Los Llanos wildlife safaris
These tours include transport by 4×4, canoe, bush plane, or all three — removing the need for any personal vehicle.
When a Car Might Make Sense 🌅
Realistically, only in very limited cases:
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Short-term use within Margarita Island (where security is generally better)
-
Controlled resort areas
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Pre-arranged driver-led rentals rather than self-drive
Even then, from both a cost and a safety perspective, taxis or private drivers often work out better.
Summary — Should You Rent a Car in Venezuela? 🚗❌
No — not for normal tourism.
Safety concerns, fuel shortages, and the structure of the country’s tourism industry make self-drive extremely impractical. Instead, rely on flights, trusted taxis, and guided tours to reach Venezuela’s extraordinary natural wonders.
