If you’ve got a layover in Caracas, don’t let it go to waste sitting at CCS. The city, in Venezuela, is within easy reach — roughly 120 minutes by Airport Bus / Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Before You Step Outside CCS
Before heading into Caracas, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Venezuela vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Caracas is roughly 120 minutes from CCS via Airport Bus / Taxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in VES. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Transport from Simón BolÃvar International Airport to Downtown
From CCS, the Airport Bus / Taxi gets you to Caracas in around 120 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 140 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Airport Bus / Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Caracas:
Transport to the city and back runs about $9 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $17 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $36 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at CCS may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Caracas’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
What to See and Do in Caracas
For a layover visit to Caracas, we’d suggest Old Town La Guaira (Casco Histórico) and Macuto Promenade (Paseo de Macuto). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside CCS, you can spend time at Salón VIP Internacional Simón BolÃvar or try Duty-Free Shops. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Restaurant El Barco and Arepera Express MaiquetÃa are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Caracas.
- At the airport: Arturo’s and Café Venezuela will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Taking a Break at CCS
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CCS, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CCS, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Caracas itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Venezuela that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Caracas exploring the streets or relaxing at CCS, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.