By Bus
Intercity buses are the backbone of Venezuelan transport and cover the whole country at low cost. Fares are cheap, though they're typically quoted in dollars in tourist contexts. Quality ranges from aging local buses to modern air-conditioned coaches on major routes. The main bus terminal in Caracas is Terminal La Bandera (for western and southwestern routes) and Terminal de Oriente (for eastern routes and the coast). Night buses between major cities operate regularly.
Bus travel is generally safe during daylight hours on main highways, though road conditions vary and journey times are longer than maps suggest. Avoid travelling by road at night wherever possible.
By Air
Domestic flights exist between Caracas (Maiquetía) and Maracaibo, Porlamar (Margarita Island), Mérida, and Puerto Ordaz, among others. Conviasa is the main domestic carrier. The domestic aviation market has shrunk significantly in recent years; book ahead and confirm flights close to departure, as schedules change. Light aircraft charter is the standard way to reach Canaima and Angel Falls — tour operators in Ciudad Bolívar and Caracas arrange these.
In Cities
Caracas has a metro system (the Metro de Caracas) covering the main east-west corridor. It's cheap, functional, and useful for getting between neighborhoods. Outside rush hour it's manageable, but avoid it during evening peak hours. In other cities, the standard urban transport is the por puesto — shared route taxis that follow fixed routes and charge a flat fare. They're cheap and widely used by locals.
App-based ride-hailing has been erratic. Arrange trusted taxis through your hotel or posada rather than flagging them on the street, especially in Caracas.
Renting a Vehicle
Self-drive is possible but not recommended for most visitors. Roads in the interior are often poorly maintained, fuel availability is inconsistent despite Venezuela's oil wealth, and driving in unfamiliar areas carries real security risks. For remote destinations like the Gran Sabana or the Andes, guided tours or organized transport are much more practical.
River Travel
In the Delta Amacuro and parts of Amazonas state, motorized canoes (curiaras) are the primary means of transport. Tour operators in Puerto Ayacucho and Tucupita arrange river trips with indigenous communities.