How to Get to Joinville. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Joinville

Major Airports & Airlines

Air travel is the most common way to reach Joinville, especially for international visitors.

Airports

Joinville–Lauro Carneiro de Loyola Airport (JOI): Main domestic airport, 13 km (8 miles) from city center.
Navegantes–Ministro Victor Konder International Airport (NVT): Larger hub, 85 km (53 miles) south of Joinville.
Florianópolis–Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN): Largest airport in Saint Catarina, 190 km (118 miles) south.

Flight Connections & Prices

Airlines serving JOI include Azul, LATAM, and Gol. Common paths connect to major Brazilian hubs.

Direct & Seasonal Flights

No direct international flights operate to JOI. All international arrivals require a connection through a major Brazilian city.
Flight prices tend to be higher during Brazilian national holidays, school vacations (July, Dec-Feb), and the Festival de Dança (July).
Book Flights well in advance during peak periods for better pricing. Check Skyscanner for options.

Airport Facilities JOI

JOI is a small airport with basic facilities including cafes, car rental agencies, taxi stands, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfers from JOI

Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Uber, 99) are available. Car rental agencies like Localiza and Movida operate counters. Limited public bus service is available.

Transfers from NVT/FLN

Long-distance buses offer routes to Joinville. Pre-book shared/private shuttles for direct transfers. Car rental is also an option.

Airport Travel Tips

Choosing Your Arrival Airport

Consider flying into Navegantes (NVT) or Florianópolis (FLN) if you find better international connections or prices.
From NVT or FLN, you can then take a bus or rent a car to Joinville.
Factor in the additional travel time from these airports to Joinville.
Compare overall costs (flight + ground transfer) before booking.

Seamless Airport Experience

Allow ample time for transfers, especially if connecting flights.
When renting a car, book in advance to secure your car. DiscoverCars.com is a good resource.
Download ride-sharing apps (Uber, 99) before you get there for convenience.
Explore DiscoverCars.com for rental car alternatives.

Airport Summary

JOI Domestic

Small airport with connections to major Brazilian cities. Close to Joinville city center.

NVT Regional Hub

Larger airport near Joinville, more flight options for the region. Ground transfer is necessary.

FLN State Hub

Largest airport in Santa Catarina. Most extensive flight network, requires longer ground transfer.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Brazil possesses an extensive intercity bus network, making land travel a viable option. Joinville has a large plus up-to-date bus terminal (Rodoviária de Joinville) with extensive connections.

Bus Routes & Companies

Major Bus Companies: Catarinense, Viação Cometa, Expresso São Pedro, Itapemirim.
Routes: Frequent connections to cities in Santa Catarina (Florianópolis, Blumenau), Paraná (Curitiba), São Paulo, and other states.
Book tickets in advance, especially for popular routes or during holidays.

Self-Driving in Brazil

Consider self-driving for flexibility, but be aware of requirements plus road quality.

Requirements & Safety

Requirements: Valid national driver's license AND an International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed for foreign visitors.
Road Conditions: Main highways (BR-101, BR-280) are generally well-maintained. Secondary roads vary. Toll roads are common.
Safety Concerns: Driving standards differ. Be aware of aggressive drivers. Avoid driving at night on unlit roads.

Border & Train Travel

Joinville's placement signifies border crossings and train travel are not direct options for tourists.

Connectivity

Border Crossing: Not applicable directly for Joinville. The city is inland in Santa Catarina.
Train Connections: No passenger train services run to or from Joinville. Freight lines exist but are not for public use.
Focus on air and bus travel for arrival and departure from Joinville.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sea or river arrivals are not standard for general tourist travel to Joinville.

Water Transport

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports: The Port of São Francisco do Sul, a major commercial port, does not typically handle passenger ferry or cruise ship arrivals for tourism directly to Joinville.
River Transportation: No significant river transportation options exist for tourist arrival. Local recreational boats or small tours operate.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for tourist arrivals to Joinville.

Driving Requirements Reminder

Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip if you intend to hire a car.
An IDP is a legal requirement for foreign drivers in Brazil.
Carry your national driver's license alongside your IDP.

The minimum age for renting a car is typically 21-25.
Be aware of aggressive drivers and motorcyclists, especially in urban areas.
Avoid driving at night on unlit or unfamiliar roads due to potential hazards.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Joinville by understanding local procedures and timing.

Timing & Fees

Exit Fees/Taxes: No specific exit fees or taxes apply to departing passengers in Brazil beyond airfare inclusions.
Airport: Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights. 3-4 hours before international flights (if connecting through a major hub).
Bus Terminal: Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Facilities for Departing Travelers

The Joinville Airport (JOI) and the main bus terminal offer basic amenities for your comfort.

Amenities

JOI Airport: Offers basic amenities like cafes, restrooms, and waiting areas.
Joinville Bus Terminal: Provides restaurants, shops, restrooms, and luggage storage (Guarda-volumes).
Wi-Fi is typically available at both locations.

Check-in Efficiency

Online check-in for flights saves time at the airport. Have all your boarding passes ready.

Document Readiness

Keep your passport, boarding pass/ticket, and any necessary travel documents easily accessible.

Schedule Confirmation

Confirm your flight or bus schedule 24-48 hours before departure. Check for any last-minute changes or delays.

Post-Travel Compensation

Flight Delay/Cancellation

If your flight experienced delays or cancellations, you might be eligible for compensation.

Claiming Compensation

Companies like AirHelp concentrate on helping passengers receive up to €600 in compensation.
This applies to flights delayed by 3 hours or more, or canceled flights, under certain regulations.
Keep all flight documentation (boarding passes, confirmations of your bookings) as proof.

Travel Insurance Claims

If you purchased travel insurance, check your policy for covered incidents.

Filing a Claim

For medical emergencies, lost baggage, or trip interruptions, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Provide all necessary documentation, like medical reports, police reports for theft, or airline confirmations.
Keep your insurance policy number and emergency contact details handy.

How to Get to Joinville