The 41 km distance from Cheddi Jagan International Airport to central Georgetown is one of the longer airport-to-city rides in the Caribbean and South American region. That distance, combined with an unmetered taxi system, means knowing the fair price before you arrive is important.
What the ride should cost
Negotiated taxi: 6,000-10,000 GYD ($30-50 USD). The wide range reflects your negotiation skills, the time of day, and your destination within Georgetown. A ride to the Marriott or Pegasus Hotel area is at the lower end. Destinations further out, like the suburbs or areas south of the Demerara River, cost more.
Pre-booked private transfer: $35-60 USD for a standard sedan. SUVs and minivans for larger groups run $50-80 USD. Prices are fixed at booking, so there is no guesswork.
Hotel shuttle: Free to $40 USD, depending on the property. The Marriott and Pegasus often include this. Ask when you book.
Minibus (public): A few hundred GYD (under $2 USD) from Timehri to Georgetown, but impractical with luggage and not reliable in schedule.
Understanding the pricing
Guyana's airport is unusually far from the capital. This is not a 15-minute ride — it is a proper journey of 45 minutes to over an hour. The cost reflects that distance and the fuel, time, and wear on the vehicle.
Drivers at the airport know that arriving passengers have limited alternatives. This is why opening offers tend to be high. A confident counteroffer in the range of $30-40 USD for a ride to central Georgetown is reasonable and usually accepted. If a driver insists on $60+ for a standard sedan to a central hotel, walk to the next one.
Currency matters
Prices are quoted in both GYD and USD. Most airport taxi drivers accept either. The exchange rate (approximately 210 GYD per 1 USD as of early 2026) means rounding can work in anyone's favor. Clarify the currency and exact amount before starting the ride. A misunderstanding between "8,000 GYD" and "$80 USD" is an expensive one.
Night pricing
Expect to pay 10-30% more for rides after 9 PM. This is standard practice, not price gouging. Fewer drivers are available, the road is darker, and the trip takes the same amount of time. A pre-booked transfer avoids this premium entirely since the price is set at booking.
Tipping
Not mandatory in Guyana, but a tip of 10-15% for good service is a nice gesture. If your driver helps with heavy luggage and handles the drive well, a few dollars extra is appreciated.
Bottom line
Budget $30-50 USD for the ride into Georgetown. A pre-booked transfer at $35-60 USD removes all uncertainty. Given the distance and the unmetered taxi system, spending a few extra dollars for a guaranteed price and a waiting driver is a reasonable investment.