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Barquisimeto Airport

About the Airport

Barquisimeto Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Jacinto Lara International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true air gateway to Barquisimeto, known as the country's musical capital and the "City of Twilights". Located surprisingly close to residential areas, this aviation hub allows travellers to immerse themselves in the rhythm of the Lara region almost immediately after landing. Upon landing, the view from the aircraft window often reveals the famous local sunsets, painting the sky in incredible shades, making the arrival in Venezuela particularly memorable.

IATA Code BRM
ICAO Code SVBM
City Barquisimeto
Distance to Centre ~4 km
Status International
Annual Passengers ~250,000 (estimated)
Schedule Check with the airline

The main advantage of Jacinto Lara Airport is its unique location: it is situated practically within the city limits, making transfers to most hotels and business centres incredibly fast. Unlike many remote air harbours, the journey from the terminal to the central square here can take just 10–15 minutes. This makes logistics maximally convenient for both business travellers and tourists wishing to save travel time.

Despite its compact size, the airport plays a vital role as a key transport hub for the central-western region. It ensures convenient connections with the capital and a number of international destinations. The terminal infrastructure is simple and intuitive, minimizing the risk of getting lost and allowing passengers to complete all formalities — from check-in to boarding — without the unnecessary stress and tiring queues characteristic of large hubs.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: The airport does not have its own official website. It is managed by the state company BAER (Bolivariana de Aeropuertos S.A.), on whose resources current information can be found.
  • Information Desk Phone: +58 251-4425022. Please note that the number may change; it is recommended to verify its validity through your airline.
  • Airport Address: Avenida Vicente Landaeta Gil, con Avenida La Salle, Barquisimeto 3001, Estado Lara, Venezuela.
  • Email: There is no public email address for general enquiries. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
  • Social Media: Current information and news can be tracked on the official social media pages of the management company BAER (e.g., X/Twitter or Instagram).
  • Lost Baggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's representative directly at the airport.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general information, use the information desk phone number. Questions regarding booking, ticket purchase, flight check-in, and baggage allowance rules should be addressed directly to your air carrier.

How to Get to the Airport

You can get to Jacinto Lara International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Jacinto Lara) from the city centre of Barquisimeto in several ways, each with its own features. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer is the most convenient and fastest way to reach the airport. The trip from the city centre usually takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is recommended to use official taxis or book a transfer in advance through your hotel or a trusted company. This guarantees safety and a fixed price, which is especially important if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or at night. Price-wise, this is the most expensive option, but it ensures maximum comfort.

Public Transport in Venezuela is mainly represented by buses and minibuses (por puestos). This is the most budget-friendly option, but it may not be the most comfortable for tourists. Buses can be overcrowded, and they do not always have a strict schedule. If you are travelling light and want to save money, this method might suit you, but be prepared for the journey to take longer and require some effort to navigate.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning not only a trip to the airport but also independent travel around the region. Many international and local car rental companies have offices both in the city and directly at the airport. By renting a car, you gain complete freedom of movement. It is recommended to book a car online in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

If you are getting to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided on the Barquisimeto Airport grounds. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient if you are flying away for a few days and want to leave your car in a safe place.

Terminals and Map

Jacinto Lara Airport in Barquisimeto (BRM) is a compact and passenger-friendly air hub. Its key feature is the presence of a single terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation and reduces the time needed to move around the airport.

The terminal structure is intuitive. The building is divided into several functional zones. The public area houses airline check-in counters and a waiting area for greeters. After passing check-in, passengers proceed to the security control zone, beyond which lies the departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is equipped with baggage claim belts and customs control points for international flights.

Thanks to the airport's small size, completing all pre-flight formalities generally takes less time than in large international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one, to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security screening without haste.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the standard signs in Spanish and English. All necessary infrastructure — from check-in counters to boarding gates — is within walking distance of each other. Since there are no transfers between terminals, you won't have to worry about finding shuttles or taking long walks. Simply find your boarding gate number on the information board after passing security control.

Airport History

Jacinto Lara International Airport (IATA: BRM), serving the city of Barquisimeto, is one of the most important transport hubs in the central-western region of Venezuela. Its history began in 1963, when it was officially opened to serve domestic flights. The airport is named after Jacinto Lara, a distinguished military figure and hero of the Venezuelan War of Independence, highlighting its national significance.

Since its founding, the airport has gone through several key stages of development. Initially designed for domestic aviation needs, it gradually expanded its capabilities. Thanks to its strategic location, it quickly became not only a passenger hub but also an important cargo centre, contributing to the economic growth of Lara State and neighbouring regions. The growth in passenger traffic and cargo volumes stimulated further infrastructure modernisation.

One of the most significant periods in the airport's history was its large-scale reconstruction ahead of the Copa América football tournament in 2007. As part of preparations for this major international event, works were carried out to renovate the passenger terminal, upgrade the runway, and improve navigation systems. These enhancements allowed the airport to meet international standards and accommodate a greater number of flights and tourists.

Throughout its history, Barquisimeto Airport has repeatedly confirmed its status as a key element of the country's transport network. It has served as a gateway for participants in numerous cultural and sporting events held in the city. An interesting fact: thanks to its infrastructure, which was modern for the time, the airport became one of the first in the region capable of efficiently handling both scheduled and charter international flights, connecting Barquisimeto with the Caribbean islands and other countries.

Services and Amenities

The airport in Barquisimeto (BRM) offers passengers a set of essential services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can have a snack or enjoy a cup of famous Venezuelan coffee. There are also shops selling souvenirs, locally produced goods, and travel necessities.

For travellers who value enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available at the airport. Here you can relax in a calm atmosphere, enjoying peace and snacks away from the main bustle. To stay connected, passengers can use Wi-Fi access, and special zones with sockets are equipped for charging gadgets.

ATMs and currency exchange points are located on the airport premises, which is especially convenient for international tourists. In case first aid is needed, a medical point operates in the terminal, ready to assist in emergencies.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. A mother and child room is provided for families with young children. Travellers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance when moving around the terminal and during boarding; it is recommended to notify your airline in advance for this service.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located nearby. Business travellers requiring a meeting space should look into conference rooms in major city hotels, as such services may be limited within the airport itself.

Where to Eat

Jacinto Lara International Airport (BRM), serving the city of Barquisimeto, is a relatively small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal, mostly located in the general hall before security control (landside).

Mainly small cafes (cafeterías) and snack kiosks are represented here. This is a great opportunity to try authentic Venezuelan dishes. Look out for arepas — corn flatbreads with various fillings such as cheese, chicken, or beef. Also popular are empanadas — fried turnovers with meat or cheese, and tequeños — dough sticks filled with cheese. These dishes are perfect for both a quick snack and a hearty lunch. Don't forget to order a cup of aromatic local coffee.

For those in a hurry, empanadas or tequeños are the best choice. If you have time for a more substantial meal, order an arepa with a filling. As for passengers with special dietary needs, finding specialised vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff or choose the simplest options, for example, an arepa with only cheese or vegetables, if available. Otherwise, it is better to bring food with you.

Most establishments are located in the main departure area, accessible to all visitors. After passing passport and customs control (airside), choices may be extremely limited or non-existent. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable level. Opening hours of cafes and kiosks are usually tied to the flight schedule, so do not count on 24-hour service. If you want a wider selection, we recommend dining at one of the numerous restaurants in Barquisimeto before travelling to the airport.

Tips for Travellers

To ensure your journey through the airport of Barquisimeto is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, use these useful tips. We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance: allow at least 3 hours before departure for international flights, and 2 hours will be sufficient for domestic ones. This will allow you to calmly pass through check-in and screening. To save time, use the online check-in service if your airline provides it.

Have your passport and boarding pass ready when passing through security control. Rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage are standard: the volume of each container must not exceed 100 ml, and all must be packed in a transparent bag. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat is ideal for those who love admiring views, while an aisle seat provides more freedom of movement.

Be sure to pack all valuables in your hand luggage: documents, money, electronics, as well as necessary prescription medicines if required. Do not take sharp objects, flammable substances, or other prohibited items with you. Having a portable charger will help you stay connected, especially if a long flight lies ahead.

For passengers with connecting flights, it is important to check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage at the intermediate airport. Leave a sufficient time buffer between connecting flights. When entering or leaving Venezuela, be prepared for customs control. Follow the instructions of the officers and, if necessary, fill out a customs declaration, honestly listing all goods subject to declaration.

You can save money by booking flight tickets in advance and bringing light snacks from home. You can also take an empty water bottle through security and fill it at a drinking fountain in the secure area. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and possible options (provision of meals, drinks, or hotel accommodation).

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