Last checked: October 2026
Brazil has many international airports, but most visitors arrive through Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro and then fly domestically. This guide explains the main airports, the airlines we could confirm, and planning tips. Most details come from a travel airports directory and the Rio Times, so check timetables with the airline for your dates before you pay. We did not find official route lists from North America, so we do not list specific routes from there.
Main Airports
- Sao Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU): Flights to 113 destinations from over 40 international carriers, according to Alternative Airlines.
- Rio de Janeiro-Galeao (GIG): 42 destinations, including 16 intercontinental routes.
- Brasilia (BSB): 48 destinations, largely international, served by LATAM Brasil, GOL and Azul.
- Salvador (SSA): 33 destinations, domestic and international, with seasonal international charters.
- Recife (REC): 38 destinations, with links to Madrid, Buenos Aires and Lisbon.
- Porto Alegre (POA): 21 destinations and a gateway to neighbouring South American countries.
- Campinas-Viracopos (VCP): 66 destinations, mostly low-cost, served by Azul.
- Belo Horizonte-Confins (CNF): 51 destinations, almost all domestic, with LATAM, GOL, Azul and Copa.
Fortaleza (FOR) is also listed as an international airport, but we found no details.
Airlines
LATAM, GOL and Azul are the Brazilian carriers named by our sources, and they serve domestic routes between regions. Many international carriers serve Sao Paulo, including Star Alliance members and LATAM, a Oneworld member. Check which airline is cheapest and most convenient for your route and dates, because schedules change.
From Europe and the Americas
Our sources confirm that GRU and GIG have intercontinental service, and that Recife links to Madrid and Lisbon. They do not give specific routes from North America. Use a flight search tool for your departure city and compare connections.
Domestic Flights
Flights inside Brazil, trains, buses and city transport are covered in our guide to getting around Brazil. This page covers international arrivals only.
Busy Periods
- December to March: The peak season, including Christmas, New Year and Carnival.
- July: School holidays fill flights and hotels.
- 24 June to 25 July 2027: The FIFA Women’s World Cup, which the Rio Times expects to behave like a second high season.
Checklist Before You Book
- Check whether you need a visa or e-visa. See the Brazil visa guide.
- Check your passport validity. The UK says it must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
- Declare cash of US$10,000 or more online, as the UK advises.
- Book domestic legs early for holiday periods.
- Leave generous connection times between international and domestic flights.
- Confirm your arrival-day transport, preferably a licensed taxi or pre-booked transfer at night.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
See also our flight deals page for current offers.
Official Safety Advice
The US State Department rates Brazil at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution (issued 31 August 2026). The UK says theft is common at busy transport hubs such as Brasilia’s central bus station. See the Brazil travel guide.
Booking Tips
Compare itineraries on more than one search tool and check the total price with bags and taxes. For multi-region trips, price a route that arrives in one city and leaves from another, such as arriving at Sao Paulo and leaving from Rio, against a return to the same airport, because it may save a domestic backtrack. Allow at least a few hours between an international arrival and a domestic connection, especially if you must clear immigration and collect bags. Keep your visa or e-visa confirmation and passport details handy for check-in, because airlines may check them.
Arriving in Brazil
After landing, have your passport ready for the border officer, who should stamp it, according to the UK government. Declare anything that may be prohibited, taxed or subject to duty. At night, use a licensed taxi or a pre-booked transfer instead of accepting offers from strangers, and keep your phone and valuables out of sight in busy terminals and bus stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into?
Sao Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU) has the widest international network. Rio de Janeiro-Galeao (GIG) suits trips focused on Rio.
Which airlines fly within Brazil?
LATAM, GOL and Azul serve domestic routes, according to our sources.
Should I book domestic flights in advance?
Yes. The Rio Times says fares rise around holidays and multi-region trips need advance booking.
Are there direct flights from Europe?
Some European cities connect directly. Recife links to Madrid and Lisbon, according to Alternative Airlines. Check current timetables.
What documents do I need at check-in?
A valid passport and any required visa or e-visa. Airlines check for a valid e-visa for some nationalities, according to Wego.
