How to Get to Macapa. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Macapá

Macapá International Airport MCP

Macapá International Airport (IATA: MCP, ICAO: SBMQ), officially named Aeroporto Internacional de Macapá – Alberto Alcolumbre, serves as of the city main airport.

Airlines and Routes

Major Brazilian airlines like Azul, LATAM, and Gol operate flights.
Typical routes connect Macapá to major Brazilian hubs (Belém, Brasília, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Recife).
Macapá has no direct international flights; connect through a Brazilian hub.

Airport Facilities and Transfers

The airport possesses basic facilities including check-in counters, baggage claim, limited food and beverage options, car rental desks, and taxi stands. Recent renovations have improved its services.

Transfers to City

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, offering fixed or metered rates.
Ride-sharing apps (Uber, 99) are available and often more economical.
Limited public bus services connect the airport to parts of the city.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices fluctuate based on demand, Brazilian holidays, and school vacation periods.

Booking Advice

Booking domestic flights within Brazil well in advance secures better prices and availability. Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Price Fluctuation

The drier season (July-November) might see higher demand and prices. Use Skyscanner for comparisons.

Departure Checklist

Before Heading to Airport

Reconfirm your flight departure time the day before.
Ensure all required travel documents are readily accessible.
Plan your airport transfer method and allow sufficient time.
No specific exit fees apply for departing Brazil by air or river.

Airport Arrival Times

Arrive at MCP at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
Allow 3 hours for international connections from Brazilian hubs.
For river travel, arrive at the port at least 1 hour before departure.
This allows ample time for check-in and luggage loading.

Airport & Port Facilities

Dining Options

Macapá International Airport has limited food and retail options in the departure area.

River Port Kiosks

The river port offers basic waiting areas and kiosks for last-minute snacks or drinks.

Duty-Free

No extensive duty-free shopping available at Macapá Airport.

Land Transportation to Macapá

Border Crossing Information

Amapá shares a border with French Guiana (Oiapoque) and Suriname (Laranjal do Jari). A land border crossing exists between Oiapoque (Brazil) and Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock (French Guiana).

Border Crossing Details

Travelers need appropriate visas for French speakers Guiana, if applicable.
This crossing is remote from Macapá and involves a bus trip to Oiapoque.
Requires a boat trip across the Oyapock River to French Guiana.

Bus and Train Services

There are no passenger train services to or from Macapá. A freight railway transports minerals but does not offer public passenger use. Macapá's geography makes direct road access to other large Brazilian states challenging.

Bus Options

No direct long-distance bus connections to major Brazilian cities outside Amapá state without combining with river transport.
Bus services operate within Amapá state, connecting Macapá to towns like Oiapoque and Mazagão.
The BR-156 highway connects Macapá south to Laranjal do Jari, from where river transport is typical.

Self-Driving Considerations

Car rental is possible in Macapá. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended in conjunction with your valid home country driver's license.

Road Conditions

Road conditions vary. BR-156, the main highway, has paved and unpaved sections.
Some parts can be challenging, especially during the wet season when they may become muddy or impassable.
Night driving is generally discouraged due to poor lighting and unmarked obstacles.

Car Rental Resources

Rental services are available at Macapá International Airport and in the city center. Major companies include Localiza, Unidas, and Movida.

Booking & Comparisons

Book through DiscoverCars.com for competitive rates.
A major credit card in the driver's name is needed for the deposit.
Minimum age for rental is typically 21 or 25.

Land Travel Warnings

Macapá's isolation severely limits direct road access to other Brazilian states.
No long-distance passenger train services are available.
Unpaved sections of highways can become impassable during the monsoon.

Night driving outside the city is discouraged due to poor conditions and safety concerns.
Potential for crime on poorly maintained roads.
Consider renting a 4x4 if venturing onto unpaved roads.

Sea and River Arrivals to Macapá

Ferry Services and River Travel

River journeys is a traditional and immersive way to experience the Amazon, connecting Macapá with other riverine cities. Macapá operates as a major river port on the Amazon rainforest River estuary.

Options for River Travel

Regular passenger ferry services connect Macapá to Belém (Pará state).
Journeys are typically overnight, lasting 18-24 hours.
Select from hammock space or private cabins.

River Transportation & Cruises

Passenger boats (Barcos) are the main means of transport to and from Macapá and other cities in the Amazon region, notably Belém, offering an experience of Amazonian life.

Types of Boats

Smaller boats (Lanchas) provide faster connections to closer towns.
Macapá is not a common port for large international cruise ships.
Smaller, specialized river cruises might include stops in the region.

Immigration Procedures

For domestic travel by river (e.g., from Belém), standard identification (Brazilian ID or passport) is sufficient.

International Crossings

For international river crossings (e.g., from French Guiana), full immigration procedures apply at the border town.

Land Connections

Upon arrival at the Macapá river port, taxis and ride-sharing services transfer you to the city center.

Departure Information from Macapá

Exit Fees and Taxes

No specific exit fees apply for departing Brazil by air or river. These costs are typically included in your ticket price.

Cost Inclusions

Check your flight or boat ticket for all included fees.
Typically, what you pay for your ticket covers all departure-related charges.
This helps avoid unexpected expenses at departure.

Departure Procedures and Timing

Arrive at Macapá International Airport (MCP) at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights. If you possess an international connection from a Brazilian hub, allow 3 hours to account for check-in and potential transfers at the connecting airport.

River Departure

For river travel, arrive at the river port well in advance of departure (at least 1 hour).
This allows ample time to secure your hammock space, check-in, and load any luggage onto the vessel.
Reconfirm your flight or boat departure times the day before you leave.

Airport & Station Facilities

Macapá Airport

Limited food and shopping options in the departure area.

River Port

Basic waiting areas and kiosks for last-minute snacks or drinks.

No Extensive Duty-Free

Do not expect extensive duty-free shopping at Macapá Airport.

Local Schedule Changes

Local the schedule can sometimes change, so reconfirming your details about your departure is always a good practice.

How to Get to Macapa