French Guiana is an overseas department and region of France on the northeastern coast of South America, offering a remarkable fusion of pristine Amazonian rainforest, French European infrastructure, and extraordinary cultural diversity. Home to Europe's primary orbital launch facility, the territory combines space-age technology with some of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems.
French Guiana has no rail network. The only paved roads serve the coastal strip between Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock in the east and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni in the west. Over 90% of the territory — the Amazonian interior — is accessible only by light aircraft, pirogue (motorized dugout canoe), or multi-day jungle trekking. For the coastal zone, car rental provides maximum flexibility; collective taxis (shared minivans) are the budget intercity option.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Overview
- Cayenne Félix Eboué Airport is 13 km from the city center. Taxis are the main option for tourists; car rental is available directly at arrivals.
- Items
- {'mode': 'Private taxi', 'route': 'Airport → Cayenne center', 'cost': '€35–€50 (~$38–$54)', 'duration': '20–30 minutes', 'note': 'Higher rates at night (20:00–07:00) and on Sundays/public holidays. No app-based ride services — hail official airport taxis at the arrivals exit.'}, {'mode': 'Car rental', 'route': 'Airport → anywhere in French Guiana', 'cost': 'From €30/day (~$32/day) for compact', 'duration': 'Immediate', 'note': 'Hertz: +594 594 35 03 00; Avis: +594 594 35 15 40; Europcar: +594 594 35 03 00; Sixt counter at arrivals terminal. International driving licence recommended though French licence accepted.'}, {'mode': 'Public bus (Line 7 CACL)', 'route': 'Airport → Matoury/Cayenne', 'cost': '€1.50 (~$1.60)', 'duration': '45–60 minutes', 'note': 'Very infrequent service; not practical with luggage. Stop is outside arrivals. Check CACL schedules at +594 594 25 66 66.'}
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Overview
Within Cayenne, private taxis are the primary option. There is no metro. CACL buses run but are primarily for residents — infrequent and poorly signed for tourists.
Items
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Overview
- Only official licensed taxis operate in French Guiana. There are no ride-hailing apps. Fares are metered with set rates.
- Items
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Overview
Collective taxis are the affordable way to travel between coastal towns. They are shared minivans that depart when full from fixed points in each city.
Items
- Route
- Cayenne → Kourou
- Cost
- €8–€12/person (~$9–$13)
- Duration
- ~1 hour
- Departure point
- Taxis collectifs stand, Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Cayenne
- Note
- Depart when full (usually every 30–60 min during the day)
- Route
- Cayenne → Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
- Cost
- €20–€30/person (~$22–$32)
- Duration
- ~3.5 hours
- Departure point
- Taxis collectifs stand, Cayenne
- Note
- Early morning departures most common; takes all day if stops are made
- Route
- Cayenne → Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock
- Cost
- €20–€25/person (~$22–$27)
- Duration
- ~3 hours
- Departure point
- Taxis collectifs stand, Cayenne
- Note
- Road via the N2; passes through Roura and Régina
- Route
- Saint-Laurent → Awala-Yalimapo (Les Hattes)
- Cost
- €10–€15/person (~$11–$16)
- Duration
- ~45 minutes
- Departure point
- Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni town center
- Note
- Seasonal; more frequent April–August during turtle season
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
French Guiana has no rail network. Paved roads cover only the coastal strip. The interior jungle is accessed by light aircraft or pirogue.
Airports
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book Air Guyane flights to Saül well in advance — aircraft carry only 5–6 passengers: airguyane.com or +594 594 27 21 21
Car rental is the most practical way to explore the coast; the N1 highway is well-maintained and paved throughout
Collective taxis run on no fixed schedule — they leave when full. Arrive at the departure point early morning for fastest service
There is no Uber, Bolt, or Lyft operating in French Guiana
Fuel (petrol/essence) costs approximately €1.97/L (~$2.13/L) — fill up in Cayenne or Kourou before long journeys
The Oyapock Bridge connecting Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock to Oiapoque, Brazil is open to pedestrians and vehicles
Pirogue hire in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni: contact local guides at the Quai du Maroni (no central booking — ask at the quayside)