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How to Get to Rio Branco

How to Get to Rio Branco

Rio Branco Acre, Brazil Travel Guide

Air Travel

Flights to Rio Branco

Air travel is the most common way to reach Rio Branco, connecting the city to Brazil's major hubs. Presidente Médici International Airport (RBR) serves Rio Branco, Acre. Despite its "International" name, it mainly handles domestic flights.

Airlines & Routes

  • LATAM, Gol Linhas Aéreas, Azul Linhas Aéreas operate to RBR.
  • Direct flights connect to Brasília (BSB), São Paulo (GRU), Manaus (MAO), Porto Velho (PVH).
  • Flight availability is consistent, but prices fluctuate with demand.

International & Transfers

No direct international flights operate to Rio Branco (RBR). International travelers must fly into a major Brazilian city first. São Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), or Brasília (BSB) are common entry points. From there, you will connect via a domestic flight to Rio Branco.

Airport Facilities

  • RBR features basic facilities: food kiosks, car rental, ATMs, limited shops.
  • Free Wi-Fi may be available.
  • Book domestic flights in advance via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Taxi Services

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, operating on a meter or fixed fare.

Ride-Sharing

Uber and 99 operate in Rio Branco, offering convenient and transparent pricing.

Car Rental

Agencies like Localiza, Movida, Unidas have counters; Renting a car gives flexibility.

Airport Transfers

Options from RBR

  • Taxis are readily available outside the terminal.
  • Uber and 99 apps operate in Rio Branco for convenient booking.
  • Car rental agencies are available at the airport for flexibility.
  • Public bus connections to the central area are limited.

Tips for Arrival

  • Pre-book transfers if arriving late or with extensive luggage.
  • Possess some local currency (BRL) for immediate expenses.
  • Confirm your accommodation address and directions in advance.
  • Have translation tools ready if you are not fluent in Portuguese.

Travel Tip: Flight Booking

Book in Advance

Secure better prices and accessibility for domestic flights.

Consider Holidays

Prices fluctuate during national holidays and school vacation periods.

Flexibility

Flexible travel dates can often yield more economical fares.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Land transportation holds alternative routes to Rio Branco, especially for regional travel or border crossings. These options present another angle on the landscape.

Border Points

  • Brazil-Bolivia: Via Epitaciolândia/Brasiléia to Cobija (230 km south).
  • Brazil-Peru: Via Interoceanic Highway near Assis Brasil to Iñapari.
  • A current passport and necessary visas are needed for the destination country.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses ("ônibus") are a main mode of intercity and interstate travel in Brazil. Rio Branco's main bus terminal serves paths to other cities in Acre and neighboring states like Rondônia and Amazonas.

Bus Information

  • Companies: Eucatur and Viação Andorinha.
  • Buses range from conventional to full sleeper, with varying comfort levels.
  • Routes connect to Brasília and São Paulo.

Self-Driving

Renting a car (from DiscoverCars.com) gives flexibility, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the city. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended to bring alongside your valid home country driver's license.

Requirements & Roads

  • Minimum age for rental is typically 21 (some companies 25).
  • Streets inside Rio Branco are paved; BR-364 to Porto Velho can vary.
  • Expect potholes, especially during wet season; unpaved roads are common for rural access.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions can be challenging, especially outside urban centers and during the rainy season. Sudden floods can damage roads or bridges. Driving at night on intercity roads is not recommended.

Driving Safely

  • Traffic accidents are common; be aware of aggressive local driving.
  • Wildlife crossing roads presents a hazard.
  • Security issues exist on isolated stretches; drive defensively.

Border Crossing Reminders

  • Verify latest visa and entry requirements for the destination country.
  • These requirements can change, so check well in advance.
  • Immigration procedures are necessary on both sides of the border.
  • Allow extra time for potential delays at the border.
  • For when buses leave, arrive early at the bus terminal.
  • No passenger train services operate to or from Rio Branco.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Transportation

River transportation is a role in connecting communities along the Amazonian waterways, but it is not a main mode of arrival for international tourists to Rio Branco.

Options & Usage

  • No primary ferry services or cruise ports serve Rio Branco as a key arrival point.
  • The city does not sit on the main Amazon River, but on the Acre River.
  • Mainly for local travel, specific river excursions, and ecotourism excursions.

Arrival Procedures

Rio Branco does not possess a seaport. All international arrivals occur via air or land border crossings, making seaport immigration procedures not applicable.

Connecting to Land

  • River arrivals connect to local land transportation at river ports or docks.
  • From there, use taxis or ride-sharing services to reach your accommodation.
  • These are more for local travel or specialized tourism rather than general arrival.

Airport Departure

Arrive at RBR at least 2 hours before your domestic flight for check-in and security.

Land Departure

Allow extra time for border delays if departing by bus or private vehicle.

Facilities

RBR and the bus terminal have basic facilities for departing travelers.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Taxes

Brazil does not generally charge specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing the country.

Payment Details

  • These are typically part of your air ticket price.
  • No separate payment is expected at the airport for departure.
  • Always review your ticket details for any included fees.

Departure Procedures

Be certain you experience a smooth departure out of Brazil.

Timing Recommendations

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at RBR at least 2 hours before departure.
  • Land Departures: Allow extra time for potential delays at the border.
  • Have all your departure documents, including your passport and entry/exit card (if issued), ready.

Airport & Station Facilities

RBR Airport

Basic facilities, including check-in counters, waiting area, and a few food options.

Bus Terminal

Waiting areas, box offices, and basic amenities for travelers.

Last-Minute Needs

Limited shops for souvenirs or forgotten travel items.

Flight Compensation Advice

If your flight experiences a delay or cancellation, check your eligibility for compensation. Services like AirHelp may assist in claiming as much AS €600.

How to Get to Rio Branco. Flights, Transportation, Airlines