Margarita is a small island — about 80 km long by 60 km wide — but public transport is limited and irregular. A rental car completely transforms the experience: what takes two hours by public transport is 20 minutes by car.
Why we recommend renting a car
The best beaches and restaurants are scattered across the island with no direct public transport from Pampatar or Porlamar. El Yaque (southwest), Playa Guacuco (northeast), Pedro González (north) — each 30–40 minutes by car. Without your own vehicle, you depend on taxis or tours that cost more per day than the car rental itself.
Where to rent
Santiago Mariño Airport (PMV) has several rental agencies in the arrivals area: Hertz, Budget, and local operators. Local operators tend to be cheaper and more flexible with cash payment. Booking online before you travel, especially in high season, is highly recommended.
How much it costs
A compact car (Yaris or Aveo type) costs between 35 and 60 USD per day depending on the operator and season. The price generally includes basic insurance and unlimited kilometres. Ask them to explain exactly what the insurance covers — at some local operators the coverage is very limited.
Driving on Margarita: what you need to know
You drive on the right, same as mainland Venezuela. The main roads are in good condition; tracks leading to secondary beaches may require a vehicle with more ground clearance. Traffic in Porlamar can be chaotic during peak hours. Petrol is extremely cheap — you will fill the tank for under 2 USD.
Documentation required
- Driving licence from your home country (valid internationally or with official translation)
- Valid passport
- International credit card for the deposit (some operators accept cash)
- Travel insurance with driver coverage recommended
Useful apps
Google Maps works with offline download — download the Margarita map before leaving the airport. Mobile signal is patchy in the northern areas of the island. Waze also works well in urban zones.