Country Information

The only reliable means of travelling into the interior is by air. Several local airlines depart from both Ogle Aerodrome (OGL) on the east coast of Demerara and from CBJ International Airport in Timehri. A number of different airlines and charter companies offer flights to most destinations; enquire locally for details.

Guyana has 1,077km (607 miles) of navigable inland waterways, the most notable being the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice rivers which are all navigable by oceangoing vessels. Government steamers communicate with the interior up the Essequibo and Berbice rivers, but services can be irregular owing to flooding. The government also runs a coast-hopping service from Georgetown to several northern ports. Smaller craft operate where there is sufficient demand throughout the country.

Mining concerns operate railways, but there are no scheduled passenger services.

Traffic drives on the left. All-weather roads are concentrated in the eastern coastal strip, although there is a road inland as far as the Brazilian border and a bridge linking the two countries is nearing completion. The coastal road linking Georgetown, Rosignol, New Amsterdam and Crabwood Creek (Corentyne) is fairly good, but generally road conditions are poor. Because of Guyana’s many rivers, most journeys of more than a few miles outside the capital will involve ferries and the attendant delays. Avoid driving at night.

Bus: Georgetown’s Stabroek Market is the terminus for minibuses. These are regular but generally crowded. Buses run to all areas, departing whenever they are full. The first buses leave at around 0500, and services continue until about 2100. Within Georgetown, buses run all night. Services from Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika operate in conjunction with the passenger-ferry service across the Demerara to Georgetown; services from New Amsterdam to Crabwood Creek operate in conjunction with ferries across the Berbice River.

Taxi: At night, it is advisable to travel by taxi. Vehicles are plentiful. There is a standard fare for intercity travel; night fares are extra. For longer trips, fares should be agreed before departure. A 10% tip is usual in taxis. Travellers are advised to only use taxis from reputable companies and not to hail one from the roadside.

Car hire: Limited availability from local and international firms in Georgetown.

Regulations: Seat belts must be worn at all times; this law is enforced and failure to abide could lead to a fine.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended. A one-month local driving permit can be obtained from the Licence and Revenue Office in Georgetown, after showing a valid foreign licence.