International Flights
Brazil has several international airports. The three most important for travelers from German-speaking countries:
São Paulo — Guarulhos (GRU)
Brazil's largest airport and international hub. Direct flights from Frankfurt with LATAM and Lufthansa (approx. 11.5–12h). Also from Munich (Lufthansa/LATAM). Connecting flights via Lisbon (TAP), Paris (Air France), Amsterdam (KLM), Madrid (Iberia), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). The airport is located 25 km northeast of the center.
Transfer: Uber/99 to the center (approx. 80–120 BRL / 14–20€, 40–90 min depending on traffic). Airport Express Bus to Paulista Avenue (approx. 55 BRL). GRU Airport Shuttle to hotels.
Rio de Janeiro — Galeão/Tom Jobim (GIG)
Rio's international airport on Ilha do Governador, 20 km north of Copacabana. Direct flights from Europe with less frequency than GRU, but good connecting flights. Many long-haul flights first land in São Paulo and then continue to Rio.
Transfer: Uber to Copacabana approx. 60–100 BRL (10–17€, 30–60 min). BRT bus "Transolímpica" to the metro (cheap, but cumbersome with luggage).
Other Airports
- Salvador (SSA): Good connections via Lisbon (TAP). 28 km north of the center.
- Brasília (BSB): Capital airport, important domestic hub.
- Recife (REC): Brazil's closest airport to Europe, good TAP connections via Lisbon.
Flight Prices (Guidelines from Germany)
| Period | Price (Round Trip) |
|---|---|
| Low Season (Mar–May, Aug–Nov) | 500–700€ |
| Shoulder Season (Jun–Jul) | 600–850€ |
| High Season (Dec–Feb, Carnival) | 750–1,200€ |
💡 Tipp
TAP Portugal via Lisbon often offers the cheapest flights to Brazil — and the layover time in Lisbon is short. LATAM and Lufthansa fly directly from Frankfurt. Book at least 3 months in advance, for Carnival even 6 months!