Brazil has more than a dozen international airports, and the cheapest ticket isn’t always the best one. Where you land, how you connect and which airline carries you onward can save you a full day of travel.
Where to land
Main hub
São Paulo (GRU)
The busiest gateway, with the most international routes and the most onward domestic flights. Usually the cheapest place to arrive.
Iconic arrival
Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
A good choice if Rio is on your list anyway, with growing nonstop service from the US and Europe.
Closer to Europe and the US
The Northeast
Recife, Fortaleza, Salvador and Natal cut hours off the trip if you’re heading for the beaches.
Brasília (BSB), Belo Horizonte (CNF) and Campinas (VCP), Azul’s main hub, also receive international flights and make good connecting points.
Airlines that fly to Brazil
From the United States
- LATAM, American, United and Delta fly to São Paulo and Rio, mainly from Miami, New York, Atlanta and Houston
- Azul and GOL fly from Florida, with routes to the Northeast such as Recife–Orlando
- Miami has the most nonstop options
From Europe
- TAP Air Portugal serves the most Brazilian cities, via Lisbon and Porto
- Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia and ITA Airways fly to São Paulo and Rio
- LATAM, Azul and GOL also fly to Lisbon, Paris and other European cities
Tips that save time and money
Book the whole route on one ticket
When your domestic flight is on the same ticket, the airline must rebook you if your international flight is late.
Land near your first stop
Flying straight into Salvador or Recife can beat a cheaper fare to São Paulo plus a domestic flight.
Leave time at your first airport
You clear immigration and customs where you first land in Brazil, then re-check your bags. Allow at least three hours.
Visiting several cities?
A Brazil Airpass bundles your domestic flights into one fare and is bought together with your international ticket.
When to fly
Highest fares
December to February
Brazilian summer, school holidays, New Year and Carnival. Book several months ahead.
Busy
July
Winter school holidays in Brazil push up domestic fares, especially to the Northeast.
Best value
April to June, August to November
Lower fares and fewer crowds, with good weather in much of the country.
Before you fly
- US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-Visa, applied for online before travel. Check the Visa to Brazil page
- Make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay
- Traveling with 10 or more people? See group travel for group fares
- Check each airline’s baggage allowance if your route mixes carriers
Want help finding the right flight?
Our travel partner Brol compares airlines and routes and can add an airpass or domestic flights to the same booking. Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6 pm (US Eastern).
Routes and schedules change often; confirm current flights with the airline before booking. BrazilianAirlines.com is an independent editorial site and is not affiliated with any airline.