Salvador Bahia, Brazil Travel Guide
For domestic travel within Brazil, major airlines like GOL, LATAM, and Azul operate frequent flights to and from Salvador. These airlines connect Salvador to Brazil's largest cities.
International flight options mainly connect Salvador to Europe and other South American countries. Direct flights from North America are not regularly available on commercial airlines.
Book flights to Salvador well in advance, especially during high season (Dec-Mar) or major festivals like Carnival. Prices can increase significantly.
High season sees stronger demand and increased prices. The low season (May-Jun, Oct-Nov) generally offers lower prices and more availability.
Salvador Bahia The airport has duty-free shops, restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange, car rental, Wi-Fi, and lounges.
Dollar Flight Club for flight deals. Skyscanner for flight comparisons.
World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Insubuy for travel insurance options.
While air travel is often the quickest way to reach Salvador from distant locations, land transportation offers connections to neighboring regions and other Brazilian cities. Bus travel is the main land-based long-distance transportation option for travelers.
A valid driving's license from your home country is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended and often required by rental companies and for insurance purposes. You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car.
Road quality changes across Brazil. Major highways connecting cities are generally paved and in decent condition, though some can have potholes or poor signage. Streets inside cities, especially in historic areas like Pelourinho, can be congested and narrow.
Brazil shares land borders with ten countries, making overland travel relevant for those journeying from neighboring South American nations. Standard immigration procedures apply at these land borders, similar to airport arrivals.
Salvador de Bahia, with its expansive All Saints Bay, offers sea and river arrival options, especially through its cruise port and ferry services. Salvador boasts a dedicated cruise terminal, the Terminal Marítimo de Passageiros, situated close to the Mercado Modelo.
Ferry services offer important connections to nearby islands and coastal towns. The Salvador-Itaparica Ferry connects Salvador to Bom Despacho on Itaparica Island. For direct access to the popular car-free island of Morro de São Paulo, fast catamaran services depart from Salvador’s Terminal Náutico da Bahia.
Cruise and ferry docks are well-connected to the city center by taxis, ride-sharing services, and local buses for smooth onward travel.
DiscoverCars.com for car rental options in Salvador.
AirHelp for flight delay/cancellation compensation services.
Brazil does not impose a separate exit fee for departing international passengers; this cost is typically included in your airfare. Therefore, no additional fee is budget for when leaving the country by air.
Departure procedures involve check-in, where you obtain your boarding pass and drop off any checked luggage. Proceed to security screening, where you and your carry-on belongings will be inspected. For international flights, you will also complete immigration exit procedures.
Offers dining, shops (duty-free), lounges, and Wi-Fi for departing travelers.
Bus terminal provides basic amenities: snack bars, small shops, restrooms.
Check flight status before leaving for the airport. Delays or gate changes can occur.
Ensure your passport and boarding pass are widely available at all departure checkpoints. Arriving early will allow a stress-free departure.
