How to get to Pipa from Salvador: Avoid this common mistake!
- Rachel
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
Traveling to the surf town of Pipa on the coast, to the Bahia's capital city of Salvador is a fairly long trip, but can be made quicker and cheaper - if you take the correct route.
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is to take a bus from Salvador to Natal - the closest capital city to Pipa. If you've done this, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we'll show you how to get from Salvador to Pipa, the mistakes to avoid (do not travel via Natal), and how to get from Salvador to Pipa the fastest and cheapest way.
Ready to plan your trip? > Book cheap accommodation in Pipa > Book cheap bus tickets from Salvador to Recife
The Common Mistake: Going Through Natal
Many travelers, seeing that Natal is the closest major city to Pipa, mistakenly think that they need to travel through Natal to get to Pipa. But here’s the problem: Natal is a couple of hours past Pipa when you travel from Salvador, so traveling through Natal actually adds travel significant time to your trip.
Avoid this mistake. Do not travel through Natal. You’ll lose hours in transit that you could’ve spent exploring Pipa, surfing, or relaxing with a coconut by the sea.
The Fastest Route: How to get from Salvador to Pipa via Recife
1. Bus from Salvador to Recife
Duration: Approximately 13.5 hours
What to Search: Look for bus tickets from Salvador to Recife (tickets & timetable).
Providers: Several bus companies operate this route, and tickets can be booked in advance online or purchased at the Salvador bus terminal. I highly recommend the overnight Expresso Guanabara bus, which saves you from spending a full day on the bus and will also save you paying a nights accommodation. It's an extremely comfortable bus with big seats, and the best part, is that for solo travellers who don't like to sleep next to a stranger, there is a row of single seats available. Book early to make sure you get one.
Cost: Around USD $40 depending on the bus company, time, and high/low season.
2. Bus from Recife to Goianinha
When you get off the bus in Recife, take a minute to stretch your legs, grab a snack, then head to the counter for the Progresso bus company. Here you can buy a ticket on the next bus to Goianinha. Make sure you tell the driver that you will get off at Goianinha - the bus will pull over at the entrance to the town of Goianinha to let you off.
Destination: Goianinha, on the main highway between Recife and Natal
Frequency: Approximately every 1.5 hours
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: R$95
Alternative travel option: It may be possible to take a BlaBlaCar directly from Recife to Pipa, which will further shorten your trip and often will be cheaper. Check the website to see available trips and if they align with your travel schedule.
3. Minivan or Uber from Goianinha to Pipa
When you get off the bus in Goianinha, walk a few minutes to the church Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres (map). The minivan to Pipa leaves from behind the church.
Destination: Pipa
Frequency: Approximately every 30 minutes
Duration: 40+ minutes, depending on traffic
Cost: R$5.50 (2025) - bring small bills to pay in cash
It is also possible to take an Uber or 99 from Goianinha directly to Pipa.
The Alternative Route: Salvador to Pipa via Natal
If you choose to travel to Pipa via Natal, you will fist have to take a bus from Salvador to Natal, taking around 22-24 hours depending on the bus company. From Natal, you then need to transfer to the bus to Pipa and travel for another two hours. This bus departs hourly.
Comparing the two routes:
Traveling via Recife is the most efficient way to reach Pipa from Salvador as it avoids unnecessary backtracking.
Route 1: Salvador > Recife > Pipa Total travel time: Around 19+ hours including transfers
Route 2: Salvador > Natal > Pipa Total travel time: Around 27+ hours including transfers
Final Travel Tips
Buy your overnight bus ticket early: If you are travelling alone, book your overnight bus ticket early so you can get a good single seat
Don't book the second bus: You don't need to book the bus to Goianinha in advance, and in fact, it's best not to just in case any travel delays prevent you from making your chosen bus on time. Head to the counter when you arrive and book the next available.
Carpooling: It is possible to book a BlaBla Car from Recife directly to Pipa, for those who prefer to carpool. Bring the correct cash to pay for your ride (don't expect the driver to have change), and never pay for your ride in advance.
More resources for planning your trip
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!
Comments