How to Get to Paraty. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Information

Major Airports Nearby

The closest significant international airports are in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Airport Details

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG): ~250 km NE of Paraty.
Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): ~250 km NE of Paraty (domestic).
São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU): ~300 km SW of Paraty.

Airport Facilities & Flights

GIG and GRU are large international airports offering full services. Direct flights to GIG and GRU originate from major global hubs.

Amenities & Airlines

Facilities: Duty-free, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, free Wi-Fi.
Seasonal Prices: Flight prices are higher during Brazilian high season (Dec-Mar, July, major holidays like Carnival, New Year's, Easter, FLIP). Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals.
Airlines: Major Brazilian airlines (LATAM, Gol, Azul) and international carriers employ these airports. Compare flights on Skyscanner.

Bus Transfers

Most common and affordable. From Rio airports, transfer to Rodoviária Novo Rio. From São Paulo airports, transfer to Rodoviária Tietê. Long-distance buses to Paraty take 4-6 hours.

Shared Shuttles

Direct van services from Rio and São Paulo airports/hotels. Higher in price than buses but a more direct, door-to-door option. Popular for convenience.

Private Transfers/Taxis

The most high-end but highest convenience. Pre-book a private transfer. Taxis are available, but pre-reserved transfers are often more reliable and cost-effective for great distances.

Rental Cars & Driving

Car Rental Considerations

Car rental agencies are limited in Paraty. It is more straightforward to rent at Rio or São Paulo airports. DiscoverCars.com for options.
Valid driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are typically a prerequisite.
Driving in Brazil has challenges due to traffic, road conditions, and tolls.
Parking in Paraty’s historic district is limited; paid lots exist on its periphery.

Road Conditions & Safety

The main route to Paraty is the BR-101 (Rio-Santos highway), generally paved but winding.
Be aware of speed cameras and occasional potholes. Heavy rains cause landslides or temporary closures.
Brazilian driving habits can be aggressive. Stay alert, maintain distance, and avoid driving tired.
Plan drives for daylight hours.

Land Transportation Details

Border Crossings

Paraty is within Brazil, so no international border crossings are involved. This section is not applicable to direct travel to Paraty.

Train Services

No commercial passenger train services operate to Paraty. Existing rail lines are for cargo or historical tourism, not intercity travel.

Long-Distance Buses

Costa Verde from Rio (4-5 hrs) and Reunidas Paulista from São Paulo (5-6 hrs) are main bus lines. Book in advance, especially during high season. Buses are generally comfortable.

Sea & Departure Information

Sea Arrivals

Paraty is a popular pause for smaller cruise ships and private sailing vessels. These ships typically anchor inside the bay and tender passengers ashore.

Port Details

Without large commercial ferry terminal for regular passenger services to other significant cities.
River transportation in Paraty mainly supports local tours to waterfalls or access to remote communities.
For international cruise ship arrivals, immigration is typically handled by the cruise ship journey line.

Departure Information

Brazil does not levy a specific departure tax on international flights or bus/sea departures for tourists. Any taxes typically factor into your airline ticket price.

Departure Procedures

Bus: Arrive at Paraty's bus terminal 30-45 minutes before departure.
Airport (GIG/GRU): Arrive 3 hours prior for international flights.
Transfer Time: Allow 4-6 hours for transit from Paraty to Rio/São Paulo airports. Add an extra hour for traffic.

Airport & Station Facilities

Major airports (GIG, GRU) provide comprehensive facilities for departing travelers, including taxes-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and clear signage for check-in and security.

Local Amenities

Paraty's bus terminal possesses basic amenities: waiting areas, restrooms, and small snack shops.
The port zone in Paraty is centrally located, within easy walking distance or a short taxi ride from the bus terminal and historic district.
This allows for transitions from arrivals by boat to land transport simple.

International Cruise Lines

Paraty is a popular destination for cruise itineraries along the Brazilian coast. Confirm with your cruise line for specific arrival and departure protocols.

Private Vessel Guidelines

For private vessels, contacting local port authorities for specific customs and immigration requirements is a consideration.
A local vessels and schooners provide tours around the bay, not intercity transport.
The port area is handily placed for transfers to land transportation.

Driving Laws & Road Safety

Driving Side: Brazilians drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers, front and back seats.
Alcohol: Brazil has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Historic Center: The entire historic center is for pedestrians-only. Automobiles are prohibited.
Parking: Parking garages with fees are available on the periphery. Many pousadas outside the core provide private parking.
Road Conditions: The BR-101 is generally suitable but requires attention. Use navigation apps.

Seamless Travel

Pre-booking transfers, especially shared shuttles or private automobiles, assists a smooth journey to Paraty after a long flight.

How to Get to Paraty