Getting Around Guyana
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses and taxis for Georgetown. Rural: Rent a 4x4 car for interior exploration. Rivers: Boats for Amazon access. For convenience, book airport transfers from Georgetown to your destination.
Bus Travel
Main Bus Routes
Reliable bus services connect Georgetown to major towns with frequent departures from Stabroek Market.
Cost: Georgetown to Linden $5-10 USD, journeys 1-2 hours; to Lethem $50-80 USD, 10-12 hours.
Tickets: Buy at terminals or from drivers, cash only, no advance booking needed for most routes.
Peak Times: Early mornings best, avoid afternoons due to rain and fewer services.
Bus Passes & Options
No formal passes, but multi-ride deals available for frequent travelers; shared minibuses common for flexibility.
Best For: Budget intercity travel, significant savings for multiple stops along coastal routes.
Where to Buy: Stabroek or Regent Street terminals, or hire private minibuses for groups at $100-200/day.
Long-Distance Services
Buses to Rupununi savanna or Bartica via Essequibo River routes, often combined with ferries.
Booking: Reserve seats for long hauls like to Brazil border, expect basic amenities.
Main Hubs: Georgetown's Stabroek Market, with connections to Linden Bus Terminal.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring rainforests and interior. Compare rental prices from $50-100/day for 4x4 at Georgetown Airport and city centers.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to rough roads, includes off-road protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, no highways in interior.
Tolls: Minimal, but bridge fees $1-5 USD on main routes like Demerara Harbour Bridge.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, animals common in rural areas.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure lots $2-5/day in Georgetown; avoid leaving valuables.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sparse outside coast at $1.20-1.50/liter for petrol, $1.00-1.30 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential in remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy in Georgetown rush hours, potholes and flooding common during rainy season.
Urban Transport
Georgetown Minibuses
Color-coded minibuses cover the city, single ride $0.50-1 USD, no day passes but unlimited hops possible.
Validation: Pay driver upon boarding, shout "one time" for short trips, frequent inspections rare.Apps: No official app, but Google Maps helps track routes from Route 42 to Route 65.
Bike Rentals
Bike hires available in Georgetown and eco-lodges, $5-15/day with basic helmets provided.
Routes: Flat coastal paths safe, but avoid interior due to traffic and weather.
Tours: Guided eco-bike tours in Kaieteur area, combining nature with light exercise.
Local Ferries & Water Taxis
Stabroek to Vreed-en-Hoop ferry $0.50 USD, speedboats for Essequibo River $10-20 per trip.
Tickets: Buy at docks or onboard, cash preferred for short crossings.
River Services: Essential for northern access, schedules vary with tides and weather.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near Stabroek Market in Georgetown for easy access, riverside lodges for interior trips.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Feb-Aug) and events like Mashramani.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-dependent interior plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, mosquito nets, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in coastal areas, spotty in interior; 5G emerging in Georgetown.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Digicel and GT&T offer prepaid SIMs from $5-15 with decent coastal coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for $10, 10GB for $20, unlimited for $30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and some public spots; limited in remote areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and main squares in Georgetown have free WiFi.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, reliable for basic use but slow for streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Guyana Time (GYT), UTC-4, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Cheddi Jagan Airport 40km from Georgetown, taxi $25-35 USD (45 min), minibus $2, or book private transfer for $30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports ($5-10/day) and bus terminals in major towns.
- Accessibility: Limited on rough roads and boats, urban areas have some ramps in Georgetown.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses with carrier ($5 extra), check lodge policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for $2-5, free on ferries if space allows.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Guyana
Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Cheddi Jagan (GEO): Primary international hub, 40km south of Georgetown with taxi connections.
Eugene F. Correia (Ogle): Domestic airport 6km from city, short flights to interior $50-100.
Letthem Airport: Small airstrip for savanna access, used by charters for remote travel.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Feb-Aug) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Suriname or Trinidad and bus/boat to Guyana for savings.
Domestic Airlines
Trans Guyana Airways and Air Services Limited for interior flights to Kaieteur Falls.
Important: Factor in baggage limits (15kg) and weather delays when planning.
Check-in: Arrive 1-2 hours early for small planes, online options limited.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Georgetown, fees $3-5, use banks to avoid high charges; scarce in interior.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels, cash preferred elsewhere; Mastercard limited.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in cities, Apple Pay rare; cash dominant for transport.
- Cash: Essential for buses, taxis, markets; keep $50-100 USD in small notes, GYD for local.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks with poor exchanges.