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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

The South, Brazil

Air Travel

Airport & Flights

Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) is the main airport serving Curitiba.

Details

  • Located approximately 18 km (11 miles) southeast of the city center in São José dos Pinhais.
  • Domestic Airlines: LATAM, GOL, Azul connect CWB to major Brazilian cities. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.
  • International Airlines: Limited direct international flights. Most international travelers connect via São Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), or other major South American hubs. TAP Air Portugal offers direct flights to Lisbon.

Airport Transfers

Options for getting from CWB to your accommodation.

Choices

  • Airport Bus Executive (Ligeirinho Aeroporto): Connects directly to downtown Curitiba (Rodoferroviária). Frequent and affordable.
  • Public Bus (Linha Ligeirão): Cheaper but less direct, requiring transfers within the integrated bus system.
  • Taxis: Readily available outside arrivals. Fixed-rate airport taxis and metered taxis.
  • Ride-sharing Apps: Uber and 99 are widely available, often more economical. Pick-up points are clearly designated.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices are higher during Brazilian peak holiday periods (July, Dec-Feb, major public holidays). Booking several months in advance is advisable for peak travel for better rates.

Airport Facilities

Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) offers ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, car rental agencies, free Wi-Fi, and airline lounges.

Private Transfers

You can pre-book private transfers through hotels or independent tour operators for maximum convenience, especially for groups or late arrivals. This offers a door-to-door service.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

  • Serra Verde Express: Mainly a scenic tourist train to Morretes and Paranaguá, known for views of the Atlantic Forest. No other significant long-distance intercity passenger train services.
  • Long-Distance Buses: The Rodoferroviária de Curitiba is a major hub. Companies like Eucatur, Itapemirim, Viação Cometa, Catarinense, Kaissara, and Garcia operate routes.
  • Regular and frequent bus services connect Curitiba to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, Porto Alegre, Foz do Iguaçu, and many other cities throughout Brazil.
  • Buses range from conventional to executive, semi-sleeper, and full-sleeper, offering varying levels of comfort and amenities. Sleeper buses provide comfortable overnight travel.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

  • Requirements: A valid driver's license with an International Driving Permit (IDP). Minimum age for rental is typically 21 (sometimes 25), with a major credit card. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.
  • Road Conditions: Major highways connecting Curitiba to other states (e.g., BR-116 to São Paulo) are generally well-maintained. Roads within the city are generally in good condition.
  • Safety: Driving in Brazilian cities presents challenges due to aggressive drivers and numerous motorcycle couriers. Parking can be difficult and expensive in the city center.
  • Roadside robberies on isolated stretches of highway are rare but possible. Avoid driving at night on unlit or unfamiliar roads.

Sea/River Arrivals

Direct Access

Curitiba's inland location means sea or river arrivals are not direct options for reaching the city.

Closest Port

The closest major port is Paranaguá, approximately 100 km (62 miles) east, mainly functioning as a cargo port. Some cruise lines might use Paranaguá for specific itineraries.

Connections from Port

From Paranaguá, land transport (bus, taxi, or pre-booked transfer) is required to reach Curitiba. Buses run frequently between Paranaguá and Curitiba.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Plan your airport or terminal arrival time for a smooth departure.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights: Arrive at Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) at least 3 hours before your scheduled international departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled domestic departure.
  • Bus/Train Departures: Arrive at the Rodoferroviária at least 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

CWB and Rodoferroviária offer various amenities for departing travelers.

Amenities

  • Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) has duty-free shops, various restaurants and cafes, and lounges in the departures area.
  • The Rodoferroviária has shops, eateries, restrooms, and waiting areas for departing passengers.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available at CWB.

Check-in Procedures

Streamline your departure by understanding check-in options.

Process

  • Online check-in is recommended to save time at the airport.
  • Allow sufficient time for bag drop if you have checked luggage.
  • Have your boarding pass (digital or printed) and identification ready for security checks.

Exit Fees or Taxes

Cost Information

  • No separate "exit fees" for air travel from Brazil typically apply.
  • Airport departure taxes are generally included in the price of your airline ticket.
  • No additional fees are usually charged directly at the airport for standard tourism departures.

Important Reminder: Security

  • Always remain vigilant of your belongings in crowded areas like airports and bus terminals.
  • Keep passports, wallets, and valuable electronics secured and out of sight.
  • Be mindful of strangers offering unsolicited help or distractions.
  • Have emergency contacts readily accessible, including your embassy or consulate.
  • Review airport security guidelines before arriving to streamline your passage.
  • Watch for unusual activity and report any suspicious behavior to airport staff or police.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Curitiba is an inland city and does not have a sea or river port for direct international arrivals.

Closest Port

  • The closest major port is Paranaguá, approximately 100 km (62 miles) east.
  • Paranaguá functions mainly as a cargo port.
  • Some cruise lines might use Paranaguá for specific itineraries, but it is not a main cruise port of entry for general tourism to Curitiba.

River Transportation

No significant river transportation options directly to or from Curitiba exist for tourism purposes.

Immigration & Connections

  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for direct arrival to Curitiba.
  • From Paranaguá, land transport (bus, taxi, or pre-booked transfer) is required to reach Curitiba.
  • Buses run frequently between Paranaguá and Curitiba, serving as the main connection.

Practicality

For practical travel, focus on air and land transport as main means of arrival and departure from Curitiba.

Alternative Routes

If planning to connect from a cruise, confirm disembarkation procedures in Paranaguá and pre-arrange land transfer to Curitiba.

Border Information

If arriving overland from neighboring countries (e.g., Paraguay, Argentina), standard immigration procedures apply at border crossing points like Foz do Iguaçu.

Travel from Curitiba to Other Regions

Regional Bus Travel

Buses serve as the main mode of intercity transport from Curitiba.

Destinations from Rodoferroviária

  • São Paulo: Frequent departures to Brazil's largest city.
  • Rio de Janeiro: Direct routes to the iconic coastal city.
  • Florianópolis: Access to the island capital of Santa Catarina.

Scenic Train Journey

The Serra Verde Express train offers an unique excursion from Curitiba.

Experience & Destination

  • Serra Verde Express: A scenic tourist train to Morretes and Paranaguá.
  • Known for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Forest and Serra do Mar mountains.
  • Operates daily or several times a week, serving as a popular day trip.

Domestic Flights from CWB

São Paulo

Frequent connections to both GRU (Guarulhos) and CGH (Congonhas) airports, acting as Brazil's main air hubs.

Rio de Janeiro

Flights available to GIG (Galeão) and SDU (Santos Dumont), connecting to the country's famous beaches and landmarks.

Brasília

Direct flights to the capital city, serving as a central point for further domestic travel.

Travel Advice for Onward Journeys

Book long-distance bus tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times, to secure your preferred class of service (e.g., leito for overnight comfort).
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