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How to Get to Cuiaba

How to Get to Cuiaba

Mato Grosso Brazil Travel Guide

Airport and Airlines

Marechal Rondon International Airport CGB

This is the key airport serving Cuiabá, located in Várzea Grande, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Cuiabá city center. It functions as the main air hub for the metropolitan region and the entire state of Mato Grosso.

Facts

  • Gateway for the Pantanal and Chapada dos Guimarães.
  • Main air hub for Mato Grosso state.
  • A strategic location for travel within the region.

Airlines and Routes

LATAM, GOL, and Azul operate the majority of flights to and from CGB, providing extensive domestic networks across Brazil.

Flight Information

  • Most flights to Cuiabá are domestic connections.
  • Standard routes go through São Paulo (GRU, CGH), Brasília (BSB), and Rio de Janeiro (GIG, SDU).
  • No direct international flights to CGB from major global hubs. International travelers connect via major Brazilian international airports.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight prices change. Prices usually stay higher when it's not rainy (June-September) and major Brazilian holidays like Carnival, Christmas, and New Year.

Price Fluctuations

Booking flights 2-3 months ahead generally yields better prices. Flexibility with travel dates helps secure more affordable fares. Flight availability becomes limited during peak demand periods.

Connecting Flights

Plan international and domestic connections with sufficient layover time to account for border control and customs procedures in major Brazilian international airports.

Airport Facilities and Transfers CGB

Facilities at CGB

  • Check-in counters and baggage claim.
  • Several restaurants and cafes.
  • Duty-free shops and other retail outlets.
  • Car rental agencies and ATMs. Wi-Wi-fi availability available.

Transfers to City/Accommodation

  • Taxi: Readily available, official airport taxis usually more expensive. Confirm fare.
  • Ride-Sharing: Uber and 99 are low-cost. Request via app at designated pick-up points.
  • Shuttle/Private Transfer: Pre-arranged services from hotels/tour operators. Book in advance.
  • Public Bus: Most budget-friendly, but less convenient having heavy luggage.

Flight Booking Resources

Deal Alerts

Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deal alerts to save money on airfare.

Comparison Sites

Skyscanner for comparing flight prices across various airlines and finding the best deals.

Booking Ahead

Booking flights 2-3 months in advance generally yields better prices and availability.

Land Transportation to Cuiabá

Border Crossings & Trains

Mato Grosso state shares borders with Bolivia and Paraguay. If journeying from these countries, use official border crossings. Ensure you possess a valid passport and any needed visas for Brazil. Ignoring these rules leads to serious legal issues.

Important Notes

  • Official border crossings are mandatory from neighboring countries.
  • No passenger train services to or from Cuiabá; land travel counts on buses or private vehicles.
  • Always adhere to immigration and customs regulations.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Cuiabá features a large bus terminal, the Rodoviária Engenheiro Cássio Veiga de Sá. This terminal presents extensive connections to numerous cities across Brazil, including major capitals and regional towns like Chapada dos Guimarães and Poconé (gateway to the Pantanal).

Bus Companies & Booking

  • Major companies: Eucatur, Viação Andorinha, Gontijo, Itapemirim.
  • Comfort levels range from conventional to Executivo (reclining seats) and Leito (full-reclining beds).
  • Book at the terminal, bus line websites, or aggregators like ClickBus or Buser. Booking ahead for popular routes is suggested.

Self-Driving Considerations

Aspects

  • Requirements: Valid national driver's license (held for 2+ years). International Driving Permit (IDP) highly suggested. Valid passport.
  • Credit card in driver's name for security deposit. Minimum age often 21 (sometimes 25).
  • Road Conditions: Major highways generally paved. Roads to remote areas (Pantanal) can be unpaved, dusty (dry season), or muddy/impassable (wet season).

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions around Cuiabá vary widely, impacting driving safety.

Important Information

  • Major Highways: Federal highways (BR-364, BR-163) generally good surfaces. State roads (MT prefix) variable.
  • Pantanal Roads: Dirt roads (Transpantaneira highway) with narrow wooden bridges. Very challenging or impassable during rainy season due to flooding.
  • Safety: Driving at night beyond major cities is discouraged due to poor lighting, unmarked obstacles, and wildlife crossings. Vehicle recovery service is limited in remote areas.

Driving Safety Reminders

  • Be aware of Brazilian speed limits and local driving habits.
  • Fuel stations can be sparse on some rural routes; plan stops.
  • Use GPS navigation.
  • Check the state of the roads before starting longer journeys, especially to the Pantanal.
  • Exercise caution regarding wildlife on roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Always prioritize personal safety over reaching a destination quickly.

Sea/River Arrivals to Cuiabá

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Cuiabá's geographical location means sea or major river arrivals are not standard for tourism.

No Direct Sea Access

  • Cuiabá is a city not on the coast, located far from the coast.
  • It does not have access to the sea or cruise ports.
  • This section is not applicable for arrival to Cuiabá.

River Transportation Options

While Cuiabá is situated on the Cuiabá River, commercial river transportation for arrival or departure to this urban area is not a standard tourist option.

River Travel Insights

  • River travel is mainly confined to specific tours within the Pantanal.
  • Boats transport visitors between guesthouses or for wildlife viewing excursions from towns like Poconé.
  • Any river-based tourist activities in the Pantanal connect to land transportation at specific embarkation points, usually pre-arranged.

No Seaport Immigration

This section is not applicable to Cuiabá, as it is not a seaport. Immigration procedures only apply at international airports or crossing borders by land.

No Commercial River Transport

Cuiabá does not feature commercial river transport for city arrival or departure. Tours on the river are isolated activities within the Pantanal, typically arranged through tour operators.

Pre-arranged Connections

Any river-based activities you undertake in the Pantanal connect to land transport at designated points. These connections are typically pre-arranged as an element of your tour package.

Departure Information from Cuiabá

Exit Fees & Taxes

Departure taxes for flights abroad from Brazil are typically included in the airline ticket price. You will not pay separate cash exit fees upon departure from Cuiabá for tourists.

Important to Note

  • Departure taxes are usually a portion of your ticket cost.
  • No separate cash fees at CGB for tourists.
  • Confirm with your airline or travel agent if you have concerns.

Departure Procedures & Timing

Proper timing before you leave ensures a stress-free time at Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB).

Timing Guidelines

  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your scheduled departure for check-in and security.
  • International Connections: Allow sufficient transfer time at your connecting Brazilian airport (e.g., GRU, GIG). Factor in potential delays and re-checking luggage.
  • Check-in: Check in online if you can. Confirm baggage allowances to avoid unexpected fees.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

CGB Airport Facilities

Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB) provides standard departure facilities including check-in desks, security screening, departure gates, and waiting areas.

Dining & Retail

Limited restaurants and cafes for last-minute meals or snacks. Stores also serve for any final purchases before your flight.

Bus Terminal Facilities

The Cuiabá bus terminal (Rodoviária Engenheiro Cássio Veiga de Sá) features waiting areas, restrooms, and some snack shops for travelers departing by bus.

How to Get to Cuiaba. Flights, Transportation, Airlines