Transportation

There are two kinds of buses that run through the city. One is the metro-bus, which is linked to the metro system, and takes passengers where the tube does not go. The second is the privately owned Carritos. Privately owned carritos, a bit less expensive and much quicker than the metro-buses, service a larger part of the city. These are not the best kind of transport, with intolerable radio bass levels and dilapidated seats, but they will usually get you to the very doorstep of your destination. In fact, you choose where you want to get off, as there really are no existing bus stops. Just yell “Para aqui!” at the place you want to hop off, and the carrito will come to a stop! Kind of like pulling the emergency chain on a train. The routes for each carrito are displayed on the windshield. The carrito service ceases at around 9pm. Word of advice: watch out for pick pockets.

The metro in Caracas is a very efficient, reliable, and safe means of public transport. It was constructed by a French company and started operating in 1983. Well maintained, air-conditioned, and with stations flaunting charming works of contemporary art by upcoming local artists, the Metro makes for a pleasant ride around the city. The main line, Line 1, runs east to west along the major linear axis of the city, and you can get off at any of the conveniently located stations. Line 2 runs southwest from the city centre. Two other, smaller lines also service remote parts of the city. From the station, if you want to go north or south into some neighborhood, there is a very handy metro-bus shuttle service that takes passengers into the suburbs, where the metro does not go itself. A one-ride ticket is around 0.5 VEF. You can also purchase a “Multi abono” ticket, which permits 10 rides for 4.5 VEF. This allows you to avoid queuing up in front of the ticket booth before every journey. One word of caution though – the metro can get really crowded during peak hours, so be sure to keep your valuables in safe sight. Incidents of pick pocketing are not uncommon. Also, during peak hours you might not be able to get into the first train that approaches, let alone get a seat. But trains come in quick succession during rush hours, and it will be a matter of minutes before the next one arrives. The metro operates from 530am to 11pm.

Taxis are the best option for travel after dusk sets in. The metro is generally considered unsafe for tourists in the late hours of the evening. Any vehicle in Caracas can be operated as a taxi by its owner, but why take the chances. Try to go for the yellow and black colored taxis. These are officially registered as commercial vehicles, so provide a secure means of travel. A rather exciting form of taxi is the motorcycle taxi. These are also registered, and they are much quicker than a car. Put on a helmet, snuggle in behind the driver, and do Steve McQueen impersonations as you speed through the clogged roads – and onto sidewalks! Word of caution: taxis usually do not have meters, so negotiate the fare before you get in. Also, taxis are permitted to charge a 20-30% higher rate during late hours. Of course, the safest, and most expensive, form of taxis is the one controlled by centralized cab companies. Some reliable companies are: 1. Taxitur (794-1264) 2. Móvil-Enlace (577-3344) 3. Teletaxi (753-4155)

Rather than book a taxi for the entire day, try renting out a car. Yes, cars can be pretty slow, as traffic jams are an everyday norm in Caracas, but they are safer, cheaper, and more convenient for families and group travelers with light luggage. Some reliable companies are: 1. Budget Car Rental: Address: Maiquetia, Caracas A variety of small cars, ideal for families and student groups. As the name suggests, the prices and packages are quite affordable. 2. AVIS: Address: Centro Comercial Ciudad Tamanaco Phone: 959 5822 Fax: 959 4811 Timings: Mondays to Fridays 7am to 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 4pm Part of the international AVIS chain. A variety of larger vehicles, with competitive prices and complimentary pick and drop services. Multilingual service. 3. Amigos Car Central: Address: Chacaito, Urb. El Bosque, Av. El Parque, Edf. El Parque, Planta Baja Phone: 0416 606 1548, Reservations: 0500 2277671 Website: www.amigoscarental.com Timings: Mondays to Fridays 7am to 8pm, Saturdays 8am to 2pm Low prices, large vehicles, including jeeps and SUVs, in addition to smaller ones, like Chevrolets. 4. Aco: Address: 1era Av. Sur Altamira, Urb. El Dorado, Edif. San Luis. P.B. Chacao. Caracas Phone: (58) 212-2650289, Reservations: 0800 RENT ACO (0-800-7368226) Fax: (58) 212-2668576 / 2614119 E-Mail: Timings: Mondays to Fridays 7am to 8pm, Saturdays 8am to 3pm, Sundays 9am to 4pm US-based company, offers an online reservation service in English. A large collection of vehicles, from small economic 4-seaters to pickups, mini vans and cargo trucks. 5. Auno: Address: Alvenida Francisco de Miranda, Locales Chacao Phone: 212 265 1645 Fax: 212 267 0652 E-Mail: [email protected] Smaller company, Spanish service.

Finding your way from the airport into the city by road is a nightmare! The bridge that connected downtown Caracas to the airport in La Guaira became unsuitable for use a few months ago, and an estimated 3 years will be needed for it to be operational again. In the meantime, visitors have to go through an alternative city road jam packed with traffic, which passes through dilapidated neighborhoods, and is not even clear at night – it is a route for cargo trucks. This means a one-way journey can take from one to two hours depending on traffic. There are several ways, though, that the road trip can be made. The best, but most expensive, solution is the Ford Explorers that wait outside the airport. They charge around 100 VEF, but can get you downtown in about an hour’s time. You could also rent out a regular taxi – the black and yellow cab. These are less expensive, and relatively safe, although slower than the Fords. You have to be quick in hailing a cab, however, as most tourists who arrive usually make a run for them as soon as one comes in sight. A new company, “Taxi to Caracas”, offers convenient rides to and from the airport. Cabs can be registered online with just a credit card, at www.taxitocaracas.com. Word of advice when hiring out taxis: there are many unlicensed cabbies lounging around the airport who will try to convince you to use their cabs. It is better not to fall for the cheaper prices they offer, as they do not guarantee a safe journey. If you are on a budget and would rather travel by bus, head to the domestic terminal. An airport bus leaves every 30 minutes for the city center, making 4 convenient stops along the way. A 5 VEF ticket can be purchased at a booth near the bus stand.

It is better to avoid the roads unless you are, or have, a really skillful and very patient driver. Caracas roads are plagued by traffic jams, which makes journey by road rather slow. Also, drivers are not very strict adherents to road regulations. Seat belts are usually not available in most rental cars, or taxis for that matter, so make sure you drive your car like a car and not the Bat-mobile. Roads under repair, open manholes, and other such hazards are usually marked only by a bunch of twigs hanging out of the crevice, or a few bricks or rocks lying around the site. Make sure you watch out for these “signs”. Always carry your passport, driver’s license, and insurance papers around. Your vehicle may be subject to a random search by the National Guard. Driving in Caracas is not recommended for gentlemen. If you cannot bring yourself to be a little discourteous on the road, you will most probably get pushed into the slow lane. Word of advice: travel by cab for the first few days to observe how the road system works, and then take out your own car!