Venezuela, located on the northern coast of South America, boasts several key ports vital for its economy, particularly due to its rich oil reserves. These ports facilitate trade and commerce, handling various types of cargo including oil, minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods. Below is a comprehensive list of the most important ports in Venezuela, listed in order of significance.
List of Largest Ports in Venezuela
| Port Name | Type of Cargo | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Cabello | General Cargo | 200 |
| La Guaira | Container | 180 |
| Maracaibo | General Cargo | 150 |
| Guanta | General Cargo | 120 |
| Puerto Ordaz | General Cargo | 100 |
| Puerto La Cruz | General Cargo | 90 |
| Puerto Sucre | General Cargo | 80 |
| Puerto Ayacucho | General Cargo | 70 |
| El Guamache | General Cargo | 60 |
| Puerto Miranda | General Cargo | 50 |
| Puerto Fijo | General Cargo | 40 |
| Puerto Bolívar | General Cargo | 30 |
| Puerto Carúpano | General Cargo | 20 |
| Puerto Píritu | General Cargo | 10 |
| Puerto Cumarebo | General Cargo | 5 |
Major Ports of Venezuela
1. Port of La Guaira
Port of La Guaira is the primary seaport serving Caracas, located just 30 kilometers from the capital. It is the most important container port in Venezuela, managing the majority of the country’s imports and exports, including consumer goods, machinery, and food products. The port has undergone recent expansions to increase its capacity and efficiency, including the addition of new container terminals and improved logistic facilities.
City Location: La Guaira
Latitude: 10.6000° N
Longitude: 66.9333° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Caracas | 30 | A-1 Motorway |
| Maiquetía | 2 | Local Roads |
| Catia La Mar | 5 | Local Roads |
| Macuto | 10 | Local Roads |
| Guarenas | 37 | A-9 Motorway |
| Los Teques | 50 | A-1 Motorway |
| Maracay | 120 | A-1 Motorway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Caracas Railway Station (32 km)
- Charallave North Station (55 km)
- Cúa Station (80 km)
- Santa Teresa Station (62 km)
- Maracay Station (125 km)
2. Puerto Cabello
Puerto Cabello is one of the largest ports in Venezuela and the most crucial for handling bulk and container cargo. It has excellent connectivity with the industrial centers of Valencia and Maracay, making it pivotal in the country’s import and export activities. The port features extensive warehouses and state-of-the-art container handling systems.
City Location: Puerto Cabello
Latitude: 10.4731° N
Longitude: 68.0125° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Valencia | 50 | Highway 1 |
| Maracay | 75 | Highway 1 |
| San Felipe | 110 | Highway 11 |
| Morón | 15 | Local Roads |
| Barquisimeto | 160 | Highway 4 |
| Acarigua | 190 | Highway 5 |
| Caracas | 150 | Highway 1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Puerto Cabello Station (0 km)
- San Felipe Station (115 km)
- Valencia Station (55 km)
- Maracay Station (80 km)
- Barquisimeto Station (165 km)
3. Port of Maracaibo
Port of Maracaibo is located on Lake Maracaibo, serving primarily as a shipping and refining hub for Venezuela’s oil industry. It is equipped with extensive facilities for handling and shipping crude oil and petroleum products. This port is essential for Venezuela’s economic activity, providing access to global markets for its primary exports.
City Location: Maracaibo
Latitude: 10.6418° N
Longitude: 71.6073° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Cabimas | 50 | Highway 5 |
| Valera | 200 | Highway 7 |
| Barquisimeto | 240 | Highway 1 |
| Mérida | 300 | Highway 7 |
| Coro | 210 | Highway 3 |
| Punto Fijo | 260 | Highway 3 |
| Caracas | 700 | Highway 1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Maracaibo Station (5 km)
- Cabimas Station (55 km)
- Barquisimeto Station (245 km)
- Valera Station (205 km)
- Mérida Station (305 km)
4. Guanta Port
Guanta Port is a key port facility in the northeastern part of Venezuela, known for handling general cargo, containers, and petrochemical products. It serves as an important logistics hub for the eastern region of the country, supporting the local oil and gas industry as well as general cargo.
City Location: Guanta
Latitude: 10.2307° N
Longitude: 64.6205° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 20 | Highway 9 |
| Puerto La Cruz | 12 | Highway 9 |
| Anaco | 90 | Highway 11 |
| Cumaná | 60 | Highway 9 |
| Maturín | 120 | Highway 11 |
| Carúpano | 140 | Highway 9 |
| Ciudad Bolívar | 350 | Highway 16 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Guanta Station (1 km)
- Puerto La Cruz Station (15 km)
- Barcelona Station (25 km)
- Cumaná Station (65 km)
- Maturín Station (125 km)
5. Palúa Port
Palúa Port, located on the Orinoco River, is primarily a bulk cargo port specializing in the export of iron ore and steel products. It plays a vital role in Venezuela’s mining industry, being strategically positioned to handle the vast mineral resources from the Guayana region. The port has specialized equipment for heavy bulk handling.
City Location: Palúa
Latitude: 8.3000° N
Longitude: 62.7167° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ciudad Guayana | 15 | Highway 10 |
| Upata | 60 | Highway 10 |
| Ciudad Bolívar | 110 | Highway 10 |
| Maturín | 220 | Highway 16 |
| Anaco | 250 | Highway 16 |
| Barcelona | 300 | Highway 16 |
| Puerto La Cruz | 310 | Highway 16 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Palúa Station (2 km)
- Ciudad Guayana Station (20 km)
- Ciudad Bolívar Station (115 km)
- Upata Station (65 km)
- Maturín Station (225 km)
6. Port of Amuay
Port of Amuay, located in the Paraguaná Peninsula, is primarily a petroleum port, integral to Venezuela’s oil refining and export activities. It is part of the Paraguaná Refinery Complex, one of the largest oil refineries in the world. The port handles large volumes of crude oil, petroleum products, and chemicals, making it a critical component of the national economy.
City Location: Amuay
Latitude: 11.7746° N
Longitude: 70.2500° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Punto Fijo | 25 | Highway 3 |
| Coro | 65 | Highway 3 |
| Maracaibo | 200 | Highway 3 |
| Carora | 250 | Highway 4 |
| Barquisimeto | 300 | Highway 4 |
| Valencia | 400 | Highway 4 |
| Caracas | 500 | Highway 3 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Amuay Station (2 km)
- Punto Fijo Station (30 km)
- Coro Station (70 km)
- Maracaibo Station (205 km)
- Barquisimeto Station (305 km)
7. Puerto Sucre (Cumaná)
Puerto Sucre in Cumaná is primarily used for commercial and passenger transport, connecting the eastern part of Venezuela with the Caribbean islands. This port is significant for the local fishing industry and the distribution of agricultural products, playing a crucial role in the regional economy.
City Location: Cumaná
Latitude: 10.4630° N
Longitude: 64.1775° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 100 | Highway 9 |
| Puerto La Cruz | 112 | Highway 9 |
| Maturín | 150 | Highway 10 |
| Guanta | 95 | Highway 9 |
| Carúpano | 80 | Local Roads |
| Anaco | 180 | Highway 11 |
| Ciudad Bolívar | 290 | Highway 15 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Cumaná Station (1 km)
- Carúpano Station (85 km)
- Puerto La Cruz Station (115 km)
- Barcelona Station (105 km)
- Maturín Station (155 km)
8. Port of El Guamache
Port of El Guamache, located on the island of Margarita, serves mainly tourism and local trade. It facilitates the import of goods necessary for the island’s residents and tourist establishments, and it’s a significant entry point for international and domestic cruise ships visiting the island.
City Location: Margarita Island
Latitude: 10.9640° N
Longitude: 64.2876° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Porlamar | 25 | Local Roads |
| Pampatar | 30 | Local Roads |
| Juan Griego | 45 | Local Roads |
| La Asunción | 30 | Local Roads |
| Punta de Piedras | 40 | Local Roads |
| San Juan Bautista | 50 | Local Roads |
| Santa Ana | 45 | Local Roads |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- None available, as Margarita Island has no railway system.
9. Port of Puerto Ordaz
Port of Puerto Ordaz is vital for Venezuela’s heavy industries, particularly in steel and aluminum production. It is located at the confluence of the Caroni and Orinoco rivers, making it an ideal point for the export of minerals and other bulk goods. The port is equipped with large-scale industrial and cargo handling facilities.
City Location: Puerto Ordaz
Latitude: 8.2800° N
Longitude: 62.7200° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ciudad Guayana | 5 | Highway 10 |
| Ciudad Bolívar | 100 | Highway 10 |
| Upata | 50 | Highway 10 |
| Maturín | 220 | Highway 16 |
| Anaco | 250 | Highway 16 |
| Barcelona | 300 | Highway 16 |
| Puerto La Cruz | 310 | Highway 16 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Puerto Ordaz Station (3 km)
- Ciudad Guayana Station (10 km)
- Ciudad Bolívar Station (105 km)
- Upata Station (55 km)
- Maturín Station (225 km)
10. Port of San Felix
Port of San Felix, closely linked with Puerto Ordaz, is an industrial port specialized in handling raw materials for the steel industry. It supports the vast Orinoco Mining Belt, exporting minerals and metals vital to global markets. The port’s capabilities are tailored to heavy industrial shipping and cargo operations.
City Location: San Felix
Latitude: 8.3333° N
Longitude: 62.7167° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ciudad Guayana | 10 | Highway 10 |
| Ciudad Bolívar | 95 | Highway 10 |
| Upata | 45 | Highway 10 |
| Maturín | 215 | Highway 16 |
| Anaco | 245 | Highway 16 |
| Barcelona | 295 | Highway 16 |
| Puerto La Cruz | 305 | Highway 16 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- San Felix Station (2 km)
- Puerto Ordaz Station (15 km)
- Ciudad Guayana Station (12 km)
- Ciudad Bolívar Station (100 km)
- Upata Station (50 km)
11. Port of Maracay
Port of Maracay, although located inland and primarily a river port on Lake Valencia, plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector of the region. It facilitates the movement of agricultural products and goods to and from the central part of Venezuela. The port is also used for recreational purposes due to its scenic location.
City Location: Maracay
Latitude: 10.2469° N
Longitude: 67.5958° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Valencia | 50 | Highway 1 |
| Caracas | 110 | Highway 1 |
| Puerto Cabello | 75 | Highway 1 |
| San Juan de los Morros | 60 | Highway 2 |
| Villa de Cura | 40 | Local Roads |
| La Victoria | 20 | Local Roads |
| Turmero | 30 | Local Roads |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Maracay Station (1 km)
- Turmero Station (35 km)
- San Juan de los Morros Station (65 km)
- Valencia Station (55 km)
- Caracas Station (115 km)
12. Port of Guaranao
Port of Guaranao, located in the city of Punto Fijo on the Paraguaná Peninsula, is primarily dedicated to the oil industry. It supports the major refineries in the area and handles crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals. The port’s facilities are designed to accommodate large tankers, playing a crucial role in exporting Venezuela’s oil to international markets.
City Location: Punto Fijo
Latitude: 11.7186° N
Longitude: 70.2108° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Coro | 25 | Highway 3 |
| Amuay | 25 | Highway 3 |
| Maracaibo | 195 | Highway 3 |
| Carora | 245 | Highway 4 |
| Barquisimeto | 295 | Highway 4 |
| Valencia | 395 | Highway 4 |
| Caracas | 495 | Highway 3 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Guaranao Station (1 km)
- Coro Station (30 km)
- Maracaibo Station (200 km)
- Barquisimeto Station (300 km)
- Valencia Station (400 km)
13. Port of La Ceiba
Port of La Ceiba, situated in Trujillo State, is predominantly a regional port handling agricultural products from the surrounding areas. It specializes in coffee, cocoa, and other tropical fruits, supporting the local economy by facilitating the export of these goods. The port also handles general cargo and supplies for local communities.
City Location: La Ceiba
Latitude: 9.3050° N
Longitude: 70.6047° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Valera | 40 | Highway 7 |
| Trujillo | 50 | Highway 7 |
| Barquisimeto | 180 | Highway 4 |
| Maracay | 320 | Highway 4 |
| Valencia | 350 | Highway 4 |
| Caracas | 450 | Highway 4 |
| Mérida | 160 | Highway 7 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- La Ceiba Station (2 km)
- Valera Station (45 km)
- Trujillo Station (55 km)
- Barquisimeto Station (185 km)
- Mérida Station (165 km)
14. Port of Boca Grande
Port of Boca Grande, located in the state of Anzoátegui, primarily handles oil and gas products due to its proximity to the Eastern Basin oil fields. It’s equipped to manage both the export and import of petrochemical products and serves as a support hub for the offshore oil platforms in the Caribbean.
City Location: Boca Grande
Latitude: 10.1858° N
Longitude: 64.6869° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 10 | Highway 9 |
| Puerto La Cruz | 12 | Highway 9 |
| Anaco | 90 | Highway 11 |
| Cumaná | 60 | Highway 9 |
| Maturín | 120 | Highway 11 |
| Carúpano | 140 | Highway 9 |
| Ciudad Bolívar | 300 | Highway 16 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Boca Grande Station (1 km)
- Barcelona Station (15 km)
- Puerto La Cruz Station (17 km)
- Cumaná Station (65 km)
- Maturín Station (125 km)
15. Port of Jose
Port of Jose is one of Venezuela’s most important oil export terminals, located close to the city of Barcelona. It is specially designed to handle very large crude carriers and is a vital part of Venezuela’s petrochemical industry. The port facilities include extensive tank farms, loading docks, and the necessary infrastructure to manage heavy crude and refined oil products.
City Location: Jose
Latitude: 10.1670° N
Longitude: 64.6840° W
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 12 | Highway 9 |
| Puerto La Cruz | 10 | Highway 9 |
| Anaco | 88 | Highway 11 |
| Cumaná | 58 | Highway 9 |
| Maturín | 118 | Highway 11 |
| Carúpano | 138 | Highway 9 |
| Ciudad Bolívar | 298 | Highway 16 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Jose Station (0 km)
- Barcelona Station (17 km)
- Puerto La Cruz Station (15 km)
- Cumaná Station (63 km)
- Maturín Station (123 km)