If you're staying long-term and need to get a local licence, check our step-by-step Guyana Driver's Licence Guide for requirements, fees, and the application process.
Driving in Guyana is an adventure — sometimes literally. While the coastal roads are relatively straightforward, venturing into the interior requires preparation, the right vehicle, and knowledge of local conditions. This guide covers everything you need to know about self-driving in Guyana.
Whether you're considering a coastal road trip or the epic Georgetown-Lethem overland journey, understanding driving conditions will help you decide if self-driving is right for your trip — or if you should hire a driver.
The Basics: Driving in Guyana
Quick Facts
- Side of road: LEFT (British system)
- Steering wheel: Most vehicles are right-hand drive
- Speed limits: 30-50 km/h urban, 80 km/h highways (rarely posted)
- Seat belts: Required by law
- Phone use: Hands-free only while driving
- Alcohol limit: 0.08% BAC
Left-Side Driving
If you're from a country that drives on the right (USA, Europe, South America), take extra care. The most dangerous moments are at junctions, roundabouts, and when overtaking. If possible, practice in quiet areas before tackling busy Georgetown streets.
Driving License Requirements
For Tourists (under 3 months)
- Valid foreign driver's license accepted for up to 3 months
- International Driving Permit (IDP) strongly recommended
- Some rental companies require IDP — check when booking
- Carry your license and passport at all times
For Longer Stays
- After 3 months, you must obtain a Guyanese driver's license
- Apply at the Licensing Office in Georgetown
- Written test and driving test required
- Process takes several days to weeks
Getting an IDP
Get your International Driving Permit before leaving home — they cannot be issued in Guyana. In most countries, your automobile association (AAA, CAA, AA, etc.) issues IDPs quickly and cheaply. The IDP is a translation of your license, not a replacement.
Road Conditions
Guyana's road network varies dramatically between coast and interior. Understanding conditions is essential for planning.
Coastal Roads
| Route | Surface | Condition | Vehicle Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown streets | Paved | Variable — potholes common | Any car |
| East Coast Highway | Paved | Good condition | Any car |
| West Coast/Essequibo | Paved | Generally good | Any car |
| Georgetown-Linden | Paved | Good condition, 100km | Any car |
Interior Roads
| Route | Surface | Condition | Vehicle Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linden-Lethem Road | Laterite (unpaved) | Rough, 360km | 4x4 Essential |
| Iwokrama section | Laterite | Variable, river crossings | 4x4 Essential |
| Rupununi tracks | Sand/laterite | Very rough | High-clearance 4x4 |
| Mahdia Road | Unpaved | Poor, mining area | 4x4 Essential |
Interior Road Warning
Do NOT attempt interior roads without a 4x4 vehicle. Regular cars will get stuck, damaged, or stranded. During rainy season, even 4x4s can face serious difficulties. The interior has no roadside assistance — breakdowns mean waiting for passing vehicles or long walks to the nearest community.
The Georgetown-Lethem Road
The Linden-Lethem road is Guyana's main interior highway and one of South America's great overland routes. Here's what to expect.
Route Overview
- Distance: ~460km total from Georgetown
- Georgetown to Linden: 100km paved, 1.5 hours
- Linden to Lethem: 360km unpaved, 8-12 hours
- Total journey time: 10-14 hours in dry season
- Rainy season: Can take 15-20+ hours or be impassable
Key Stops Along the Route
- Linden (100km): Last major town, fuel, supplies, paved road ends
- Mabura Hill (200km): Fuel available (usually), basic supplies
- Iwokrama (280km): River Lodge, nature reserve, accommodation
- Atta Lodge (300km): Canopy walkway, rainforest accommodation
- Annai (350km): Fuel (sometimes), gateway to North Rupununi
- Lethem (460km): Border town, fuel, supplies, accommodation
Driving Tip
Most experienced travelers break the journey with overnight stops at Iwokrama or Annai. This allows you to experience the rainforest, reduces fatigue, and means you're not driving the roughest sections in the dark. Night driving on the interior road is not recommended.
Vehicle Requirements
For Coastal Travel
- Any reliable car with air conditioning
- Automatic transmission fine for most situations
- Basic ground clearance handles most potholes
For Interior Travel
- 4x4 / 4WD capability: Non-negotiable
- High ground clearance: Minimum 200mm
- Diesel preferred: More fuel-efficient, fuel more available
- Long-range fuel tank: Or carry extra fuel
- Good tires: All-terrain, properly inflated
- Spare tire: Ideally two spares for long trips
Recommended Vehicles
- Toyota Land Cruiser: The gold standard — reliable, parts available
- Toyota Hilux: Popular, capable pickup
- Nissan Patrol: Good alternative
- Mitsubishi Pajero: Commonly available
Fuel Availability
| Location | Fuel Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown | Petrol, Diesel | Multiple stations, always available |
| Linden | Petrol, Diesel | Last reliable fuel before interior |
| Mabura Hill | Diesel (usually) | May be unavailable — don't rely on it |
| Annai | Diesel (sometimes) | Inconsistent — check locally |
| Lethem | Petrol, Diesel | Available but pricier than coast |
Fuel Strategy
For interior travel: Fill up completely in Linden and carry extra fuel in jerry cans (minimum 20L extra). A vehicle getting 10L/100km needs 50L just for the Linden-Lethem section in ideal conditions — more in rough conditions. Don't gamble on fuel availability.
Car Rental in Guyana
Rental Companies
Major International
Avis, Hertz — Offices in Georgetown. Standard terms, insurance included, range of vehicles.
Regular car: $60-80 USD/day | 4x4: $100-140 USD/day
Local Companies
Several local operators offer competitive rates. Ask your hotel for recommendations.
Regular car: $50-70 USD/day | 4x4: $80-120 USD/day
Vehicle with Driver
For interior travel, hiring a driver is highly recommended. Local knowledge is invaluable.
$150-250 USD/day (includes vehicle, driver, fuel)
Rental Considerations
- Insurance: Check what's covered — interior road damage may be excluded
- Deposit: Usually $500-1000 USD hold on credit card
- Age requirements: Usually 25+, some allow 21+ with surcharge
- Mileage: May be limited; check for interior travel
- Where you can go: Some rentals restrict interior travel — confirm in writing
Should You Hire a Driver?
For interior travel, we strongly recommend hiring a vehicle with driver. Benefits include: local road knowledge, help if stuck/breakdown, navigation assistance, wildlife spotting, and allowing you to enjoy the scenery. The extra cost is often worth the peace of mind.
Driving Safety Tips
General Safety
- Don't drive at night in the interior — wildlife, potholes, no lighting
- Watch for animals: Cattle, horses, and wildlife roam freely
- Slow down for villages: Speed bumps often unmarked
- Use horn: Honk before blind corners on narrow roads
- Give way to larger vehicles: Trucks and buses have right of way on narrow sections
Interior Road Safety
- Travel in convoy when possible — safety in numbers
- Carry water and food — delays happen
- Tell someone your route and expected arrival time
- Start early: Leave at dawn to maximize daylight driving
- Check conditions: Ask locally about current road state
- River crossings: Check depth first, drive slowly, don't stop in water
Rainy Season Warning
During rainy season (May-July, November-January), interior roads can become impassable. River crossings flood, sections wash out, and vehicles get stuck. Check conditions carefully and be prepared to change plans. Locals can advise on current conditions.
What to Carry
Essential Equipment
- Spare tires (2) — One isn't enough for interior
- Jack and lug wrench — Know how to use them
- Tow rope/strap — For recovery
- Shovel — Essential for sandy/muddy sections
- Basic tool kit — Screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape
- Jump leads — Batteries can fail
- Extra fuel — Jerry cans with 20-40L
- Extra water — For drinking and radiator
- Torch/flashlight — With extra batteries
Personal Supplies
- Food and water for 24+ hours more than planned
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Rain gear
- Charged phone (may not have signal in interior)
- Cash — interior has no ATMs
Prefer Organized Transport?
For most visitors, joining a tour or hiring a driver is easier than self-driving in the interior.
View Tour OperatorsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special permit to drive in Guyana?
Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver's license for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and may be required by some rental companies. For longer stays, you'll need to obtain a Guyanese license through the Licensing Office.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Guyana?
Guyana drives on the LEFT side of the road, following British convention. This is the same as UK, Australia, and many Caribbean nations. Most vehicles are right-hand drive. If you're from a right-side driving country, take extra care at junctions and when overtaking.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive in Guyana?
For Georgetown and paved coastal roads, a regular car is fine. For ANY interior travel (Lethem road, Rupununi, rainforest lodges), a 4x4 is ESSENTIAL. The unpaved roads are rough, have river crossings, and can become impassable without high clearance and 4WD.
What are road conditions like in Guyana?
Coastal roads are mostly paved but can have potholes. The main interior road (Georgetown-Lethem) is unpaved laterite, dusty in dry season and muddy in wet. Conditions vary seasonally. Expect slow speeds in the interior — averaging 30-50 km/h on unpaved sections.
Where can I find fuel in Guyana's interior?
Fuel is available in Georgetown, Linden, Mabura Hill, Annai, and Lethem along the main interior route. However, availability can be inconsistent. Always fill up completely when possible and consider carrying extra fuel for long interior journeys.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Guyana?
Regular cars for coastal driving cost $50-80 USD/day. 4x4 vehicles for interior travel cost $100-150 USD/day. Hiring a vehicle with driver (recommended for interior) costs $150-250 USD/day including fuel. Insurance, fuel, and deposits are usually extra.
Last updated: January 2026. For more transportation options, see our Complete Transportation Guide and Georgetown City Guide.