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How to Get to Belem

How to Get to Belem

Para Brazil Travel Guide

Airport and Routes

Main Airport & Domestic Links

Val de Cans–Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport (BEL) serves Belém, approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center.

Connections

  • LATAM, GOL, and Azul offer frequent flights to major Brazilian cities.
  • Connections to São Paulo (GRU/CGH), Rio de Janeiro (GIG/SDU), Brasília (BSB).
  • Essential links to other Amazonian cities like Manaus (MAO).

International Connections

Direct international flights to Belém are limited but present.

Direct Routes

  • TAP Air Portugal: non-stop flights to Lisbon (LIS).
  • Azul Brazilian Airlines: seasonal non-stop flights to The Venice of america (FLL), USA.
  • Surinam Airways to Paramaribo (PBM) and Azul to Cayenne (CAY).

Booking in Advance

For Círio de Nazaré, 6-12 months ahead is often necessary.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices surge during Brazilian national holidays (Carnival, Easter, New Year's) and school vacations. The Círio de Nazaré event during The month of october causes a dramatic surge.

Flexibility Pays

If your travel dates are flexible, consider visiting during the quiet period (rainy season, January-June) for potentially lower flight prices. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner can help find deals.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Airport Amenities

  • Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs.
  • Wi-Fi generally available throughout the airport.
  • Airline relaxation areas for eligible passengers.
  • Information desks for assistance.

Transfer Options to City

  • Taxis are available outside the terminal (official airport taxis or standard street taxis).
  • Ride-sharing apps (Uber, 99) are typically more economical.
  • Public buses connect the airport to various parts of the city (cheapest option).
  • Private transfers can be pre-booked through your hotel or tour operator.

Other Transportation Considerations

Train Services

Belém does not have intercity passenger train services. Brazil's passenger railway network is limited, and the Northern region is not served by long-distance trains.

Border Crossings

Belém is not directly on an international land border. Overland travel to neighboring countries from Belém often involves long distances and a mix of river transport and flights.

Airport Transfers

Getting from BEL Airport to your accommodation in Belém is straightforward with several options, including taxis, ride-sharing, and public buses.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Long-cross-country buses are a typical mode of intercity travel within Brazil.

Bus Services

  • Belém's main bus terminal is a hub for routes across Pará and to other Brazilian states.
  • Major companies: Guanabara, Expresso Guanabara, Boa Esperança.
  • Services with high frequency to cities within Pará (Castanhal, Marabá) and access to the Northeast (São Luís, Fortaleza).

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car and self-driving in Belém is together with specific considerations.

Requirements & Companies

  • Valid home driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are required.
  • Minimum rental age is typically 21 (some companies 25 for specific classes). A major credit card for deposit.
  • Major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Localiza, Unidas, Movida) have offices at the airport and in the city.

Road Conditions & Safety

Driving in unfamiliar Brazilian cities can be challenging.

Driving Notes

  • The streets within Belém can be congested and poorly maintained in some locations.
  • Reckless driving habits, limited clear signage, and motorcyclists present challenges.
  • For most tourists, using public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing is often recommended over self-driving.

Parking & Security

Parking can be hard, and security precautions are advised.

Best Practices

  • Street parking can be difficult to find and might not always be safe.
  • Use paid parking lots (estacionamentos) or secure hotel parking.
  • Always keep car doors locked and windows up; avoid leaving valuables visible.

Driving Laws & Risks

  • Brazil drives on the correct lane for traffic. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Speed limits are enforced and vary by area.
  • Driving under the influence of drinks with alcohol are strictly illegal and carries severe penalties.
  • GPS navigation is necessary for city driving.
  • Carjackings or break-ins can occur, specifically in isolated areas or at night.
  • Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common and rather than generally recommended for tourists due to safety concerns.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Port

Belém's identity ties deeply to its rivers, and river transportation is an important way to arrive or depart.

Water Travel Options

  • Belém is a major river port, a connection for Amazonian towns and cities.
  • Regular ferry services connect Belém to Manaus (multi-day), Santarém (multi-day), Macapá, and Marajó Island.
  • Belém serves as a common pause for expedition cruises exploring the Amazon rainforest River.

River Transportation Types

Various boat types cater to different travel needs.

Boat Options

  • Slow Boats (Barcos): Traditional, multi-day journeys; passengers often sleep in hammocks on open deck.
  • Fast Boats (Lanchas): Faster, smaller boats to shorter distances (e.g., to Marajó Island, 2-3 hours).
  • River Taxis: Small motorized boats for short urban transfers or excursions to nearby islands.

Immigration at Ports

For international cruise arrivals, immigration procedures are handled onboard or by the port. For domestic river journeys, no formal immigration checks.

Land Connections

The main river port at Estação das Docas is centrally located and well-attached to the city's bus network and taxi services.

Departure Info

No specific exit fees or taxes for tourists departing Brazil by air or land beyond what is included in the price of admission.

Departure Procedures

Air Travel Departure

Arrive at Val de Cans–Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport (BEL) with sufficient time.

Recommended Times

  • International Flights: Arrive at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Domestic Flights: 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Consider online check-in if your airline offers this service.

River Travel Departure

For long-distance river boats, arrive at the port in advance.

Timing & Preparation

  • Arrive 1-2 hours before departure for long-distance river boats.
  • This allows ample time to secure a good spot for your Hammock on deck.
  • Time for luggage loading is also important.

Departure Facilities

Airport BEL

Offers cafes, restaurants, shops, and airline waiting areas for departing travelers. Purchase last-minute souvenirs or get a meal.

Bus Terminal Rodoviária

Provides basic food stalls, small shops, and waiting areas.

River Port Estação das Docas

The modernized Estação das Docas offers restaurants, bars, and shops, a pleasant waiting area. Other ports may have more basic facilities.

Final Departure Note

Always confirm your specific flight or boat information for leaving with your carrier closer to your travel date for any last-minute changes or requirements.