How to get to Brazil: from the USA, Europe, Peru, or Colombia
- Rachel
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Brazil is a vast, diverse country with numerous entry points accessible by air, land, and river. Whether you're traveling from North America, Europe, or one of Brazil’s many neighboring South American nations, there are convenient routes to reach this country.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to get to Brazil from various locations around the world.
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How to Get to Brazil from the USA
Flying is the most convenient way to get to Brazil from the United States. Multiple airlines offer direct flights from major U.S. cities to Brazilian destinations.
Direct Flights: São Paulo (Guarulhos International Airport - GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (Galeão International Airport - GIG) are the primary hubs for international flights. Direct services are available from cities like Miami, New York, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta.
Airlines: American Airlines, Delta, and United operate regular routes, along with Brazil's LATAM Airlines and GOL Linhas Aéreas.
Travel Time: Direct flights typically range from 8 to 10 hours depending on the departure city.
Travelers are advised to check visa and vaccination requirements, especially for yellow fever depending on the areas they plan to visit.
How to Get to Brazil from Europe
Western Europe has multiple non-stop flight options to Brazil, with several airlines serving key Brazilian cities.
Major Routes: European travelers can fly directly from cities such as Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Frankfurt, and London to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador.
Airlines: TAP Air Portugal, Air France, Lufthansa, and British Airways are major carriers. TAP is particularly popular due to its frequent flights and connections from Lisbon to multiple Brazilian cities in the Northeast, including Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, as well as the capital city of Brasília.
Travel Time: Direct flights from Western Europe typically take 8–12 hours.
How to Get to Brazil from Argentina
Overland travel from Argentina to Brazil is straightforward and popular among regional travelers.
Most Common Route: The border crossing from Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) to Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) is well-developed and frequently used.
By Bus: Long-distance buses from Buenos Aires take around 20 hours to reach Puerto Iguazu, the Argentinian side of the falls. Crucero del Norte and other companies offer cama (bed) or semi-cama services - reclining seats, onboard meals, and air conditioning. From Puerto Iguazu, it's easy to cross to Foz do Iguaçu by bus, taking around 45 minutes.
Tips: Pack water, a blanket or sweater (buses are often cold), and check bus schedules in advance.
Traveling this route also provides an opportunity to visit the stunning Iguazu Falls, a major tourist site shared by both countries.
How to Get to Brazil from Colombia
Colombia’s southernmost town, Leticia, borders the Brazilian town of Tabatinga in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.
Boat to Manaus: From Tabatinga, travelers can take a riverboat up the Amazon to Manaus, Brazil's largest Amazonian city. The trip takes about three days.
Accommodations: Passengers sleep in hammocks. Bring your own hammock, food, and water. Bathrooms are basic, so prepare accordingly.
Cultural Note: This journey offers a unique experience through remote rainforest communities and a chance to witness daily life on the Amazon River.
This is one of the most adventurous and scenic routes into Brazil, especially popular with backpackers and eco-tourists.
How to Get to Brazil from Peru
Peru shares a remote Amazon border with Brazil, offering land crossings through the rainforest.
Route: The road from Puerto Maldonado (Peru) to Rio Branco (Brazil) is the most direct. This 10-hour bus ride crosses through the jungle.
Bus Services: Conditions vary from modern coaches to older, less comfortable vehicles. Choose reputable operators and confirm service standards before booking.
What to Bring: Food, drinks, and motion sickness medication are recommended. Border formalities are straightforward, but bring necessary identification and proof of onward travel.
This lesser-traveled route is ideal for those exploring the Amazon region and interested in entering Brazil from the west.
Air Travel Within Brazil
Once inside Brazil, domestic flights offer the most efficient way to travel across the country's vast distances.
Key Airports: Besides São Paulo and Rio, major airports include:
Brasília International Airport (BSB) – Brazil's capital city
Salvador (SSA) – Capital of Bahia, northeast coast
Recife (REC) – Capital of Pernambuco, northeast coast
Belo Horizonte (CNF) – Capital of Minas Gerais, southeast region
Manaus (MAO) – Capital of Amazonas, the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest
Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) – The gateway to Iguazu Falls
Regional Connectivity: Smaller airports connect to remote beach towns like Fernando de Noronha, Jericoacoara, or other Amazonian destinations. Airlines like Azul, GOL, and LATAM offer domestic routes.
Final Tips for Entering Brazil
Documentation: All travelers will need a valid passport with a minimum of 6-months validity after the date of entry. Visa policies vary by nationality and some do require a Tourist e-Visa.
Health Requirements: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers entering from risk zones, especially if traveling to the Amazon Rainforest.
Currency: Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted and cash is not often needed in cities. However, it's best to carry some if travelling in remote areas. It's best
Whether flying from across the globe or arriving via land or river, Brazil is an accessible destination that rewards visitors with diverse landscapes and unforgettable adventures.
More resources for planning your trip to Brazil
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.
Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone
Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil
Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!
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