Georgetown Cheddi Jagan Layover Guide (GEO)

What are you looking for in GEO?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Georgetown Airport (GEO) is an international airport located in Timehri, about 41 km (25 miles) south of Georgetown, Guyana’s capital. The airport officially opened in 1941. Georgetown is the largest city in Guyana and serves as the country’s cultural and economic center. It’s known for its colonial architecture, tropical climate, and proximity to natural wonders like Kaieteur Falls. The city offers a unique blend of history, nature, and Caribbean charm.

Can you leave Georgetown Airport (GEO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit GEO during a layover after clearing immigration and customs, but you must meet Guyana’s entry requirements. Baggage is typically checked through to your final destination, yet you’ll face standard security screening on return. Many nationals qualify for visa-free or visa-on-arrival stays; others need a visa in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath stroll alongside historic canal, scenic towpath offering peaceful waterside trail, lush greenery and heritage structures perfect for photography and light exercise, wildlife spotting opportunities, interpretive exhibits along the route for quick local history. (Time required: 1–1.5 hrs. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 mins) or Metro bus 35 mins.)
• Dumbarton Oaks Museum & Gardens serene museum showcasing Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, elegant historic gardens with seasonal blooms, water features and shaded pathways ideal for tranquil exploration and Instagram-worthy photos, and scholarly library collections. (Time required: 1 hr. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 mins or Metro bus 40 mins.)
• Georgetown Waterfront Park scenic riverside park, views of Key Bridge and Kennedy Center, picnic tables, public art installations, grassy lawns perfect for a relaxing break, live music occasionally and kayak rentals. (Time required: 45 mins. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 mins or Metro bus 30 mins.)
• Georgetown University Campus historic campus tour, Gothic architecture, statues, commuter vibe; visit Healy Hall, Copley Lawn and art installations along scenic academic quadrangles and student-run cafes for coffee. (Time required: 1 hr. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 mins or Metro + walk 45 mins.)
• Old Stone House nationally recognized 1765 townhouse, museum exhibits detailing colonial life, original wood paneling and historic garden with period-appropriate flora and interactive displays in the city’s oldest residential building. (Time required: 30 mins. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 mins or Metro bus 35 mins.)
• Baked & Wired iconic artisan bakery and coffee shop offering creative cupcakes, handcrafted pastries and rich espresso in quirky Georgetown storefront, friendly service, free wifi and perfect for a quick snack between flights. (Time required: 30 mins. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 mins or Metro + bus 45 mins.)
• Key Bridge Boathouse Kayaking guided kayak tours departing from waterfront park; paddle past historic landmarks, scenic skyline vistas and gentle currents ideal for beginners, sunset options available and life jackets provided. (Time required: 1 hr. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 mins or Metro bus 35 mins.)
• M Street Shopping Corridor browse upscale boutiques, local artisan shops, international brands and stylish home decor stores along bustling M Street corridor, unique gift finds and gourmet eateries for last-minute souvenirs. (Time required: 1 hr. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 mins or Metro + bus 45 mins.)

Things to Do in Georgetown Airport (GEO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Roraima Airways Executive Lounge, airside after security, welcomes walk-ins and Priority Pass members daily from 3 AM to 11 PM. It offers comfortable seating, light snacks, beverages and flight-info screens in a calm, air-conditioned environment—ideal for unwinding or catching up on work before departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While no hotels sit directly on the airport grounds, the Courtyard by Marriott is minutes away, offering plush beds, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, Starbucks coffee, and an on-site bistro. Complimentary airport shuttle service and 24-hour front-desk support ensure a smooth stay for layovers or early departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Cheddi Jagan International operates 24 hours but lacks dedicated rest zones, cots or quiet areas. Travelers can nap on available seating in the public and gate areas, though personal safety and comfort vary. Carrying a travel blanket and securing belongings is recommended if planning an overnight stay inside the terminal.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both landside and airside terminals. Connection is open to all passengers, with no time-limit notices posted. Speeds suit basic browsing, email and messaging; more intensive tasks like streaming may be slower during peak periods. No password or purchase required—simply connect to the “CJIA Free WiFi” network.

SIM/eSIM Card: Mobile top-up kiosks for Digicel and GTT are located landside near arrivals, selling prepaid SIM cards and vouchers. Prices are slightly higher at the airport but convenient for immediate connectivity. Alternatively, travelers can purchase and activate an international eSIM via providers like Airalo before arrival to skip local queues. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis, identified by cream shirts and black pants plus a visible badge, operate around the clock. Fares to central Georgetown are fixed (approximately GYD 5,600–7,000) and displayed at the stand. Drivers accept cash; credit cards aren’t guaranteed. The taxi desk is just outside the arrivals hall for convenience.

Train: There is no rail link to Cheddi Jagan International Airport or Georgetown. Travelers must rely on road-based options—taxis, minibuses, shuttles or car rentals—to reach the city center and beyond.

Bus: A public mini-bus (#42) departs the airport for Georgetown’s city center roughly every 15–30 minutes from early morning until late evening. The one-way fare is about GYD 300 and the journey takes about one hour, with stops along major roads. (more info)

Shuttle: Several private shuttle services—including TravelGuyana and Welcome Pickups—offer pre-booked transfers between the airport and Georgetown hotels. Vehicles range from sedans to minibuses, with meet-and-greet assistance at arrivals. Rates vary by provider and group size, and pre-payment online often secures the best price.

Car rentals: Major global agencies (Alamo, Avis, Hertz, Budget) maintain counters inside the main terminal. Cars, SUVs and vans can be reserved online or at the desk. Rental desks open early and close late to match flight schedules. Drivers must present a valid license, passport and credit card deposit. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The airport’s public car park, managed by CJIA Corporation, is open 24 hours. Daily rates for cars, vans and mini-buses are GYD 500; larger vehicles GYD 700; overnight parking GYD 1,500. Payment is at the exit kiosk by cash or card. Drop-off and short-stay zones are available landside near the terminal entrance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official luggage storage facilities, lockers or left-luggage services at Cheddi Jagan International. Travelers needing secure storage must arrange for paid services in Georgetown or keep bags with them throughout their time in the terminal. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Georgetown Airport (GEO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks