Getting Around Guyana

From Rivers to Runways, How to Navigate the Land of Many Waters

Exploring Guyana requires a spirit of adventure and a willingness to embrace diverse forms of travel. Getting around the country is possible by road, river, and air.

1. Domestic Flights

Remote regions like the Rupununi and Kaieteur Falls are best accessed via small aircraft. Local airlines like Trans Guyana Airways and Air Services Ltd. operate scheduled and chartered flights to airstrips across the country.

2. River Travel

Boats remain vital in riverine areas. Speedboats, ferries, and river taxis are commonly used to reach interior communities and crossing points like the Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice Rivers.

3. Road Transport

Minibuses serve short distances and are an inexpensive, though informal, option. For interior travel, hiring a 4×4 vehicle with a local driver is highly recommended due to road conditions.

4. Taxis & Rideshare

Taxis are widely available in Georgetown. Always negotiate your fare before the ride or ask if the driver uses a meter.

5. Car Rentals

Available in urban areas. Note that Guyana drives on the left, and international drivers need a permit endorsed by the local police.

Ground Transportation in Guyana

Whether you’re heading to a rainforest eco-lodge, crossing into Suriname, or simply traveling within Georgetown, here’s what you need to know.

1. Driving in Guyana

  • Traffic drives on the left-hand side, following British-style road rules.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Visitors may drive for up to 60 days using their valid foreign driver’s license, along with proof of legal entry (e.g., passport stamp or immigration documents).
  • Road conditions vary; 4WD vehicles are recommended for interior travel or during rainy seasons.

After the sixty (60) days, a person must apply for a Foreign Driver’s Permit to continue driving on the roadways.

2. Taxis & Private Hire

  • Taxis are widely available in Georgetown and other major towns.
  • Taxis are not metered, confirm the fare before beginning your journey.
  • Look for registered taxis, identifiable by license plates starting with the letter ‘H’ or logos from reputable services.
  • Hotels can assist in booking trusted taxi providers.
  • Minibuses are an affordable public option, but confirm the fare before boarding:
    • City fares: Approx. GYD $100–$200

3. Airport Transfers

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) – Timehri

  • Located approximately 45 minutes from Georgetown
  • Authorized airport taxis are available 24/7
  • Recognized by cream shirt-jackets, black trousers, and visible ID badges
  • Fixed rates apply: Approx. USD $45–$55 to Georgetown
  • Hotel pick-up services are also available

Only use official CJIA taxis for your safety and fare transparency

Eugene F. Correia International Airport – Ogle

  • Serves domestic and regional flights
  • Official airport taxis are available on-site
  • Rates range from GYD $2,500–$3,500 (USD $13–$18) depending on the destination

4. Car Rentals

  • Available at major airports and in Georgetown https://gy.ansarentals.com/
  • Choose from self-drive or chauffeur options https://gy.ansarentals.com/
  • Daily rates: GYD $8,000–$24,000 for cars and SUVs
  • International brands National, Enterprise, and Alamo operate at CJIA
  • Requirements: Valid driver’s license and a credit card

River Boats & Ferries

Guyana’s vast river network offers practical and scenic transport options for both local and cross-border travel. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Water Taxis

Water taxis operate between Stabroek Stelling (Georgetown) and Vreed-en-Hoop, providing a quick, affordable, and scenic way to cross the Demerara River.

2. Demerara Harbour Bridge

  • Connects Georgetown to West Demerara
  • A vital link for commuters and vehicles
  • Tolls vary based on vehicle size
  • Be sure to check the daily bridge opening schedule for planned closures and maintenance:
    🔗 Demerara Harbour Bridge Schedule

3. Berbice Bridge

  • Connects East and West Berbice
  • Significantly improves road access for travelers heading to Suriname via Moleson Creek
  • Toll charged based on vehicle capacity
  • Check operational status here:
    🔗 Berbice Bridge Official Website

4. Canawaima Ferry Service (Guyana–Suriname)

  • International ferry crossing between Moleson Creek (Guyana) and Nickerie (Suriname)
  • Fares:
    • One-way: USD $15 per adult | USD $10 per child (ages 3–12)
    • Round-trip: USD $20 per adult | USD $15 per child

Tip: It’s advisable to arrive early for ferry departures, and to carry your passport and any required travel documents when crossing international borders.

Domestic Air Service

For those looking to explore Guyana beyond its coastlines, air travel is the fastest and most reliable way to reach the country’s vast interior regions. Whether you’re journeying for eco-adventure, wildlife expeditions, community-based tourism, or mining and business operations, domestic flights connect you to otherwise hard-to-reach destinations.

1. Departing from Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL)

Located on the East Coast of Demerara, just minutes from Georgetown, Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL) is the primary hub for domestic air travel in Guyana. From here, a range of local airlines operate scheduled flights and charters to key hinterland locations including:

  • Lethem (Region 9 – gateway to the Rupununi savannahs)
  • Kaieteur Falls (iconic one-day adventure flights)
  • Karanambu, Annai, Fairview, and other community eco-lodges
  • Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, and Mahdia in the mining belt
  • Bartica, Kurupukari, Paramakatoi, and more

🧭 Many of these flights offer aerial views of the rainforest canopy, winding rivers, and rugged savannah—an adventure in itself.

2. Domestic Airlines & Charter Services

Several licensed domestic operators provide both scheduled flights and on-demand charters. You can view the current list of aviation companies operating out of Ogle Airport here:
🔗 ogleairportguyana.com/aviation-companies

For easy booking, most tour operators and eco-lodges partner with the following airlines:

  • Trans Guyana Airways
  • Roraima Airways
  • Air Services Limited (ASL)
  • Wings Aviation
  • Jags Aviation
  • Jivair

You’ll find contact details and booking assistance under our Tourism Service Providers directory.

3. Travel Tips

  • Book in advance during high season or major events (e.g., Easter, Christmas, and national festivals)
  • Pack light—baggage allowances on domestic flights are typically restricted due to small aircraft
  • Check in at least 1 hour before departure
  • If visiting remote areas, confirm return flight availability and weather conditions

4. Why Fly?

  • Guyana’s road infrastructure is still developing in some interior areas, and flights significantly reduce travel time, transforming a 15-hour road journey into a one-hour flight.

    Flying in Guyana isn’t just transportation, it’s part of the adventure.

Ground Transportation in Guyana – FAQ

1. Can visitors drive in Guyana with a foreign license?

Yes. Visitors may drive in Guyana for up to 60 days without obtaining a local driver’s license, provided they have:

  • A valid driver’s license from their home country
  • Proof of legal entry (e.g., passport stamp)

Traffic drives on the left-hand side, and seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Road conditions vary, so 4WD vehicles are recommended for travel to interior areas or during rainy seasons.

2. How can I book a taxi in Guyana?

Taxis are widely available in cities like Georgetown. While most are not metered, fares should be agreed upon in advance.
Tips:

  • Look for registered taxis (license plates starting with ‘H’)
  • Hotel front desks can recommend or book reliable taxi providers

3. Are minibus services available?

Yes. Minibuses operate on various routes and are an affordable public transport option.

  • Short city trips: Approx. GYD $100
  • Longer routes: Approx. GYD $200
    Be sure to confirm the fare before boarding.

4. What are the airport transfer options from CJIA (Cheddi Jagan International Airport)?

  • Official airport taxis operate 24/7 and are easily identified by cream shirt-jackets, black trousers, and ID badges
  • Fares are fixed and typically range from USD $40–$55 to Georgetown
  • Hotel pick-up services are also available https://gy.ansarentals.com/

⚠️ Only use authorized taxis at the airport for safety and transparency

5. What about transportation from Ogle Airport (Eugene F. Correia International)?

  • Official taxis are available on-site
  • Fares range from GYD $2,500 to $3,500 (USD $13–$18) depending on destination

6. Where can I rent a car in Guyana?

Car rental services are available at:

Options include self-drive or chauffeur service, with daily rates between GYD $8,000–$24,000.
International rental brands like National, Enterprise, and Alamo are available.

📞 Contact: +592 261-3000
✉️ Email:

7. Are there ferry or river transport options?

Yes! River transportation is essential in Guyana. Options include:

  • Berbice Bridge: Connects East and West Berbice
  • Canawaima Ferry (to Suriname):
    • One-way: USD $15/adult | USD $10/child
    • Round-trip: USD $20/adult | USD $15/child
  • Water taxis: Run between Stabroek Stelling and Vreed-en-Hoop

Check Demerara Harbour Bridge Schedule for updates on opening times.

 

8. How do I travel to interior regions like Bartica or Lethem?

Interior travel requires careful planning. Transport options include:

  • 4WD vehicles
  • Chartered planes
  • Speedboats
  • Buses and jeeps

Popular launch points: Parika, Supenaam, Bartica
🧭 For safety and efficiency, it is strongly recommended to book with a licensed tour operator or  guide.

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