How to Get to Florianopolis. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN), commonly known as Florianópolis Airport, serves as the main gateway to the island.

Airlines & Routes

LATAM, GOL, and Azul: Main Brazilian airlines.
Numerous daily flights to major Brazilian cities (São Paulo, Rio, Brasília).
Limited direct international flights; connect via São Paulo (GRU) or Rio (GIG).

Flight Connections

All travelers from North America, Europe, Asia, or Africa require at least one connection, usually through São Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG) in Brazil.

Connect Through These Hubs

São Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG) are main connection points.
Occasional connections via other prominent South American hubs.
Seasonal direct flights from nearby From South america cities (Ba, Santiago, Montevideo).

Seasonal Flights

International flights from nearby South American countries see significant increases during high season (December-February).

Airport Amenities

The modern terminal (opened 2019) features shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, ATMs, currency exchange, and duty-free options.

Airport Transfers

Taxis, ride-sharing apps (Uber/99), and public buses connect the airport to various parts of the city and main bus terminal.

Transfer Options

Quick & Easy Transfers

Taxi: Readily available outside the terminal.
Ride-sharing Apps (Uber/99): Generally more economical.
Designate pickup point through the app for ride-sharing.
Official taxis operate with fixed rates or meters.

Budget & Flexible Transfers

Public Bus: Lines 183 plus FOUR31 connect the airport to TICEN.
Transfer from TICEN to other bus lines across the island.
Car Rental: Agencies like Localiza, Movida, Unidas at airport counters.
Book car in advance, especially during high season.

Booking & Arrival

Flight Search

Skyscanner assists with flight searchs.

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club offers flight deal notifications.

Car Rental

DiscoverCars.com supports finding car rental options.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Florianópolis features a well-connected intercity bus terminal (Rodoviária de Florianópolis) in the city center.

Bus Companies & Routes

Major companies: Auto Viação Catarinense, Eucatur, Itapemirim, Penha.
Frequent services connect to major Brazilian cities (São Paulo, Rio, Curitiba).
Comfort: Options from conventional to executive, semi-bed, and full-bed.

Self-Driving

Driving offers flexibility for exploring. Carry your valid driver's license from home.

Driving Rules

International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended.
Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.

Road Conditions

Major highways, like BR-101, are generally in good condition. Roads on the island range in quality.

Traffic & Tolls

Expect heavy traffic during high season, especially on bridges.
Be prepared for toll roads (pedágios) on major highways.
Drive defensively and continue to be aware of other drivers.

Parking & Safety

Finding parking can present a challenge and be expensive in popular beach areas and the city center.

Parking Tips

Look for paid parking lots ("estacionamento").
Utilize street parking, often paid via "Zona Azul" system.
Avoid parking in off-limits areas to prevent towing.

Important Notes

Details about border crossings is not directly applicable to Florianópolis.
Florianópolis does not feature passenger train services.
Brazil upholds a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption while driving.

Non-stop flights to FLN are limited from global hubs outside South America.
No direct flights connect Florianópolis to North America, Europe, Asia, or Africa.
Roads leading to some secluded beaches or rural areas might be unpaved.

Sea & River Arrivals

Cruise & Ferry

Florianópolis features a relatively new cruise terminal located at the old downtown port area (Terminal de Passageiros do Porto de Florianópolis).

Water Routes

The terminal welcomes cruise ships, especially November-April.
Passengers disembark directly into the city center.
A local vessel services operate for tours to Ilha do Campeche or Fortaleza of Saint (feminine) Cruz.

Terminal Connectivity

The cruise terminal's location in the city center supplies convenient access to local transportation.

Easy Access to Land Transport

Main bus terminal is close by.
Taxis are readily available.
Ride-sharing services operate from the area.

Immigration

Federal authorities handle international cruise immigration either onboard the ship or upon disembarkation.

River Transport

River transportation is not applicable to Florianópolis, which is a coastal city.

No Major Ferries

No regular passenger ferry services connect Florianópolis to other major cities.

Departure Information

Exit Formalities

You generally face no specific exit fees or taxes charged to passengers at airports or ports.

Departure Check

Fees are already included in your airline ticket or cruise fare.
No extra payment upon departure is typically needed.
Look over your ticket details for any included charges.

Departure Timing

Plan your airport or bus terminal arrival with sufficient time to spare.

Recommended Times

Flights (domestic): Arrive at FLN at least 2 hours prior.
Flights (international): Arrive 3 hours prior (for connections via FLN).
Buses: Arrive at the terminal 30-60 minutes before departure.

Terminal Facilities

Airport FLN

Hercílio Luz International Airport features check-in counters, baggage drop-off, security checkpoints, shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free options.

Bus Terminal

The main bus terminal offers waiting areas, snack bars, and small shops for departing travelers.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport terminal for passenger use.

Smooth Departure

Confirm your flight or bus schedule and terminal details to avoid last-minute rush.

How to Get to Florianopolis