A long layover in Carupano is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at General Francisco Bermúdez Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 45 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of CUP:
- Can you legally enter Venezuela? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 45-minute journey each way by Taxis / Por Puesto (Shared Taxis), you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the VES. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Transport from General Francisco Bermúdez Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from General Francisco Bermúdez Airport into town:
- Taxis / Por Puesto (Shared Taxis): About 45 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 65 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at CUP aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Carupano itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Carupano:
Transport to the city and back runs about $7 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $14 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $31 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Carupano, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What’s Worth Seeing in Carupano
For a layover visit to Carupano, we’d suggest Plaza BolÃvar de Carúpano and Malecón de Carúpano. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Carupano.
If you’d rather stay inside CUP — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Airport Kiosk & Souvenirs
- Window Plane Spotting
Where to Eat
In Carupano
If you make it into town, El Fogón de MarÃa is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Restaurant La Fragata.
Inside CUP
If you’re staying in the terminal, CUP Terminal Cafe is your main option. Empanada Express (CUP) works too if you want something quick.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CUP, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Carupano 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.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CUP, 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.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Carupano genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.