Marcelo OliveiraFrom the plane to the hotel, without overpaying or wasting hours
Transfer, bus, metro or app: on each route, what to choose, how much it costs and where to catch it after landing.
Arrived during the day, with light luggage, in a capital with good public transit: take the metro or bus (Lisbon and Buenos Aires). Beach destination in the Northeast: transfer, shared if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, private with family, lots of luggage or a red-eye flight. Jericoacoara: book the whole trip to the village, with the final 4×4 included.
✓ Verified on 10/01/2026: prices and times for each route checked against the guides below, the companies’ websites and Kiwitaxi. Navegantes–Balneário Camboriú: July 2026 rates.
Choose your route
Tap a route to see the full table, the step-by-step inside the terminal and tips for arriving at night or with kids.
NortheastRecife → Porto de GalinhasBest option: Shared (solo or couple); private (family)⏱ ~50 min by car💰 from R$136 per adultSee full guide ›
NortheastRecife → Maragogi and São Miguel dos MilagresBest option: Shared (solo or couple); private (family or Milagres)⏱ ~2h to Maragogi💰 from R$187.50 per adultSee full guide ›
NortheastSalvador → Praia do Forte, Imbassaí and Costa do SauípeBest option: Shared (solo or couple); private (3 people or more)⏱ ~1h to 1h30 to Praia do Forte💰 from R$139 per adultSee full guide ›
NortheastPorto Seguro → Trancoso, Arraial d’Ajuda and CaraívaBest option: Shared (solo or couple); private (3 people or more)⏱ ~1h15 to Trancoso💰 from R$266.65 per adultSee full guide ›
NortheastMaceió → Maragogi and Natal → PipaBest option: Shared (solo or couple); private (family)⏱ ~2h50 to Maragogi💰 from R$290 per adult to MaragogiSee full guide ›
NortheastFortaleza → JericoacoaraBest option: Shared with 4×4 to the village⏱ ~6h💰 from R$164.50 per personSee full guide ›
SouthNavegantes → Balneário CamboriúBest option: Ride app⏱ 30 to 50 min💰 from R$60 to R$90 on the app (Jul/2026)See full guide ›
EuropeLisbon → city center, Porto and CascaisBest option: Metro (light luggage); private (family or late night)⏱ 20 min by metro💰 from €1.92 on the metroSee full guide ›
South AmericaEzeiza → downtown Buenos AiresBest option: Tienda León bus; private for families⏱ ~1h by bus💰 from ARS16,500 on the busSee full guide ›
NortheastSalvador → Morro de São PauloBest option: Catamaran (morning); semi-land route (from airport or if prone to seasickness)⏱ ~2h20 by catamaran💰 from R$172.51 one way (Oct/2026)See full guide ›Plan your arrival
Sort it out before you board: a car waiting and internet working the moment the plane door opens.
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How to choose between transfer, bus and app
For solo travelers or couples heading to Northeast beaches: cheaper than private and drops you at the inn, but waits for other passengers and stops at several hotels.
With family, a child seat, lots of luggage or a red-eye flight. The price is per car: split between three or four people, it usually comes close to the shared option.
Good when your hotel is near a station and you can handle your own luggage, like in Lisbon. In the Northeast, the bus drops you somewhere in town and you still have to reach the inn.
Handy for short trips, like Navegantes–Balneário Camboriú. In Jericoacoara it won’t work: regular cars can’t enter the village.
Before you land: 5 things to sort out
- Give your flight number when booking the transfer so the driver can track delays.
- Get your internet ready before boarding. Without data you can’t call the app or reach the driver. See eSIM vs. physical SIM and how much it costs.
- Request a child seat when booking. There’s almost never one available on arrival.
- Check the currency. Abroad, the transfer may be charged in dollars and the bus in local currency, as in Buenos Aires.
- Only take taxis at the official stand or counter and turn down offers in the arrivals hall.
After you arrive: getting around the city
HotelAs soon as you have datesCompare neighbourhoods and guest ratings.See hotels ↑
Frequently asked questions
Shared or private transfer: which is more worth it?
For one or two people, shared usually works out cheaper, since the price is per person. From three people up, or with kids and lots of luggage, the private option charged per car tends to even out in price and gets you there faster, with no stops at other hotels.
Does the transfer wait if the flight is delayed?
With companies that ask for your flight number, like Kiwitaxi, the driver tracks the arrival and adjusts the time. Confirm when booking how much waiting time is included after landing.
Can you take an Uber from the airport to the beach in the Northeast?
On short trips, yes. On long routes like Maceió–Maragogi, there isn’t always a driver willing to take the trip, and for Jericoacoara regular cars can’t enter the village: you need a 4×4 for the final stretch.
What’s the cheapest way out of Lisbon airport?
The metro: €1.92 per trip paying with a bank card, or €1.90 plus €0.50 for the rechargeable card. The station is in Terminal 1, and those arriving at Terminal 2 first take the free shuttle between terminals.