Guyana is South America's hidden gem, where pristine rainforests meet the Atlantic coast. Home to the world's tallest single-drop waterfall, Kaieteur Falls, this English-speaking nation offers unparalleled ecotourism adventures, rich multicultural heritage, and some of the continent's most untouched wilderness.
- Public
- Extensive minibus network covers Georgetown and coastal areas cheaply (GYD 100-300/$0.50-1.50) but buses are crowded, routes can be confusing, and reliability varies. No formal bus stops — flag down on the route. Not recommended at night.
- Taxi
- No meters; always negotiate fare before boarding. Hotel-arranged taxis are safest and most reliable. Companies: Pooran's Taxi (+592 225-7744), Joe's Taxi (+592 226-5566). Pre-arranged hotel taxis typically GYD 800-1,500 for city trips.
- Rental
- Car rental available from local agencies in Georgetown ($50-80/day standard, $80-120 for 4WD). International chains absent. Drive on the left. 4WD essential for interior. Roads outside Georgetown range from potholed to dirt tracks.
- Walking
- Central Georgetown is walkable for daytime sightseeing between key attractions. However, walking at night carries significant safety risks — even short distances warrant a taxi after dark.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi: GYD 5,600-7,000 ($27-33), 50 minutes to Georgetown
- Shuttle
- Minibus #42: GYD 300 ($1.50), 60+ minutes, frequent departures
- Bus
- Hotel shuttle: Pre-arranged, $30-40
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Extensive minibus network throughout Georgetown and coastal areas. Fares GYD 100-300 ($0.50-1.50). Flag down buses on routes, pay conductor. Can be crowded and operate on flexible schedules. Routes identified by numbers on bus.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- No meters; negotiate fare before departure. Base fare GYD 500-800 ($2.50-4), additional GYD 200-300 per km. Use hotel-recommended taxis for safety. Popular companies include Pooran's Taxi Service (+592 225 7744) and Joe's Taxi (+592 226 5566).
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Minibuses connect Georgetown to coastal towns like New Amsterdam (GYD 1,000/$5, 2.5 hours), Parika (GYD 400/$2, 1 hour), and Lethem border (GYD 12,000/$60, 18-24 hours). Depart from various Georgetown terminals. Conditions vary; bring snacks and water.
Flights
Essential for reaching interior. Trans Guyana Airways and Roraima Airways serve interior destinations. Georgetown to Lethem: $150-200 one-way, 1.5 hours. Kaieteur Falls day tours: $190-280 round-trip. Book in advance, especially peak season.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Cheddi Jagan International Airport
From centre: 41 km south of Georgetown
Options: Taxi: GYD 5,600-7,000 ($27-33), 50 minutes to Georgetown; Minibus #42: GYD 300 ($1.50), 60+ minutes, frequent departures; Hotel shuttle: Pre-arranged, $30-40; Private transfer: Pre-booked, $35-50
Eugene F. Correia International Airport
From centre: 5 km from central Georgetown
Options: Taxi: GYD 1,500-2,000 ($7-10), 15 minutes; Used primarily for charter flights to interior destinations; Base for Kaieteur Falls tour flights
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Guyana Ride
Emerging local ride-hailing app available in Georgetown. Coverage limited compared to hotel taxis but growing. Download before arrival as app stores may not work on arrival.
Most Georgetown taxi drivers accept bookings via WhatsApp message to their personal numbers. Get numbers from hotel reception — this is a common and reliable booking method.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Never hail a taxi from the street at night in Georgetown — always pre-arrange through your hotel or call a trusted company like Pooran's Taxi Service (+592 225-7744)
Interior travel requires planning — domestic flights (Trans Guyana Airways, Roraima Airways) book up fast in dry season; reserve at least 2 weeks ahead for Kaieteur Falls tours
The Demerara Harbour Bridge (Vreed-en-Hoop crossing) and Berbice Bridge both have tolls and can have significant wait times during rush hour (7-9AM, 4-6PM)
Minibus #42 from Cheddi Jagan Airport to Georgetown is GYD 300 ($1.50) but takes 60+ minutes. A taxi ($27-33) is far more comfortable after an international flight
Rent a 4WD if driving beyond Georgetown — the interior road to Lethem is unpaved, long (18-24 hours), and impassable in wet season (May-August)
Speedboats connect coastal and river communities faster than roads — Parika to Bartica by speedboat (45 min) beats any road alternative