Getting around in Brazil

Domestic Flights: Connecting a Continent-Sized Country

Given Brazil’s immense territory, flying is frequently the most practical and time-efficient method for traveling between major cities and distinct regions. What might be a multi-day bus journey can often be covered in just a few hours by air, making it an essential component of any multi-destination itinerary.

Major Domestic Airlines

The domestic aviation market is dominated by a few key players, each with its own strengths:

• LATAM: As one of South America’s largest airlines, LATAM offers an extensive network connecting major Brazilian hubs and also serves as a primary carrier for international connections.
• GOL: A major low-cost carrier, GOL provides competitive pricing and a comprehensive route map across the country, making it a popular choice for domestic travel.
• Azul: Known for its exceptional regional network, Azul connects larger cities to smaller, often underserved destinations, making it invaluable for exploring beyond the main tourist corridors.

In addition to these, smaller regional airlines operate in specific areas, such as the Amazon, offering specialized services to more remote locations.

Booking & Baggage Tips

• Book in Advance: Airfares in Brazil can fluctuate significantly. Booking your domestic flights several weeks or months ahead of your travel dates typically yields the best prices.
• Check Baggage Allowance: Be aware that the most basic domestic fares, especially on low-cost carriers, often do not include a checked bag. Always verify the luggage allowance for your ticket class to avoid expensive fees at the airport.
• Using a CPF Number: Some Brazilian booking websites may ask for a CPF, which is a local tax identification number. If you encounter this, try booking through the airline’s international or US-based website, which typically does not require a CPF and allows for straightforward booking with a foreign credit card.

Navigating Brazilian Airports

• Arrive Early: For flights departing from major international hubs like São Paulo’s Guarulhos (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão (GIG), it is wise to arrive at least two hours before a domestic departure. These airports are large, and queues for check-in and security can be long.
• Check-in and Security: The process is standard. You will need your passport for check-in and to pass through security. Digital boarding passes are widely accepted.
• Airport Services: Food, drinks, and shopping within Brazilian airports can be considerably more expensive than in the city. Consider bringing your own water bottle to fill up after security and a snack for the journey.

Inter-City Buses (Ônibus): The Local’s Choice

For journeys between cities that are a few hours apart, Brazil’s inter-city bus system is an excellent choice. It is a cost-effective, comfortable, and surprisingly scenic way to travel, offering a glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes. The quality of the coaches is often very high, rivaling what you might find in Europe.

Understanding Bus Classes

Brazilian bus companies offer several classes of service, allowing you to choose your level of comfort, especially for overnight trips:

• Convencional (Conventional): This is the basic, standard-fare option with regular seating and a restroom on board. It is perfectly suitable for shorter daytime trips.
• Executivo (Executive): A step up, offering more legroom, seats that recline further, and often complimentary water.
• Semi-Leito (Half-Bed): These buses feature wider, deeply reclining seats with calf support, providing a significant increase in comfort for longer journeys.
• Leito (Bed): The premium option, ideal for overnight travel. Seats recline to a near-flat position, and passengers are often provided with a blanket, pillow, and a small snack. It is the best way to arrive rested after a long haul.

How to Book Tickets

• Online Platforms: Websites and apps like Busbud or ClickBus are convenient for checking schedules and booking tickets in advance with an international credit card.
• At the Station: You can always purchase tickets directly at the main bus terminal, known as a rodoviária. Each bus company has its own ticket window (guichê).
• Passport Required: You will need to present your passport both when purchasing the ticket and when boarding the bus. Keep it accessible.

At the Rodoviária (Bus Station)

• Finding Your Platform: Your ticket will indicate the departure platform number (plataforma). Large stations have clear digital display boards, similar to an airport.
• Boarding Tax: Some stations charge a small boarding tax (taxa de embarque). This may be included in your ticket price or may need to be paid separately at a small kiosk before you proceed to the platform.
• Luggage: Large bags are stored under the bus. You will receive a numbered receipt for your bag, which you must present to retrieve it upon arrival. Keep valuables with you in your carry-on.
• Onboard Amenities: All long-distance buses are equipped with air conditioning and a toilet (banheiro). Many modern coaches also offer USB charging ports and, occasionally, Wi-Fi, though the connection can be unreliable.

Urban Transportation: Navigating the Cities

Ride-Sharing Apps

Ride-sharing apps are widely used throughout Brazil’s cities and are often the safest, most convenient, and most transparently priced option for getting around, particularly after dark or when you are unsure of your destination. The two most popular services are Uber and 99 (a local equivalent).

• Confirm Your Ride: Before entering the vehicle, always match the license plate, car model, and driver’s photo with the information provided in the app.
• Share Your Trip: Use the in-app feature to share your trip status and route with a friend or family member for added security.
• Payment: While you can link a credit card, many drivers also accept cash. It is useful to have small bills on hand if you choose this option.

Taxis

Official taxis remain a reliable option. You can typically distinguish between official, metered taxis and private “radio taxis,” which may operate on a fixed-fare basis. In many cities, official taxis have distinctive markings, such as red license plates in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

• Safety First: For the greatest security, it is preferable to hail a taxi using an app (like 99Taxis, which is part of the 99 app) or to take one from a designated taxi stand (ponto de táxi), commonly found at airports, shopping malls, and major squares.

Metrô (Subway) and VLT (Light Rail)

Major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília have clean and efficient subway (Metrô) systems. Rio also features a modern light rail (VLT) network in its city center. These are excellent for avoiding traffic during peak hours.

• Buying Tickets: You can typically buy single-use tickets or purchase a rechargeable card (like Rio’s Giro or São Paulo’s Bilhete Único), which is more convenient if you plan to use public transport frequently.
• Stay Alert: As in any major city, be mindful of your belongings and watch for pickpockets, especially in crowded cars during rush hour.
• Women-Only Cars: In Rio and São Paulo, certain subway cars are designated for women only during peak hours to ensure a more comfortable journey. These are clearly marked in pink.

City Buses

Navigating the local city bus system can be the most complex option for a non-resident, but it is also the most affordable. Routes can be confusing, and buses are often crowded.

• Payment: You typically pay a conductor (cobrador) seated near the front turnstile in cash. Some cities are transitioning to a card-only system, requiring a city-specific transport card.
• Signaling Your Stop: To get off, you must press a button or pull a cord to signal to the driver that you wish to stop at the next point (ponto).
• General Advice: This mode of transport is best suited for the adventurous traveler who has some command of Portuguese and a good sense of direction.

Renting a Car: Freedom and Flexibility

Renting a car can provide wonderful freedom, particularly for exploring specific regions at your own pace, such as the coastline of the Northeast, the historic towns of Minas Gerais, or the mountain circuits near Rio. However, it is generally not recommended for navigating within the congested centers of major cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.

Requirements & Booking

• License and Permit: You will need a valid driver’s license from your home country, along with an International Driving Permit (IDP). While not always requested, the IDP is officially required and can prevent issues with traffic authorities.
• Age and Credit Card: The minimum age to rent is typically 21, though some companies require drivers to be 25. A credit card in the driver’s name is mandatory for the security deposit.
• Rental Companies: You will find major international brands, but local companies like Localiza and Movida have a huge presence and often offer competitive rates.

Driving in Brazil: Key Rules & Tips

• Side of the Road: Traffic flows on the right-hand side of the road.
• Watch for Speed Bumps: Speed bumps (lombadas) are ubiquitous, found on highways and city streets alike, and are often poorly marked. Always be vigilant to avoid damaging the vehicle.
• Navigation: Using a GPS app like Waze or Google Maps is essential. Waze is particularly popular for its real-time traffic and hazard alerts.
• Parking: In many cities, street parking is regulated by the Zona Azul system, where you must purchase timed permits from licensed vendors or via an app.

Toll Roads (Pedágios