Getting There & Away: Ilha Grande

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Ilha Grande has no airport. All air travel to the region funnels through mainland Brazilian cities, mainly Rio de Janeiro.

Gateways to Ilha Grande

Rio de Janeiro - Galeão International Airport (GIG): Brazil's second-busiest international airport and main international gateway.
Rio de Janeiro - Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): mainly serves domestic flights, closer to Rio's city center.
International Airlines: LATAM, Azul, GOL, American Airlines, Delta, United, TAP Air Portugal, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Airfare prices to Rio de Janeiro peak during Brazil's high season (Dec-Feb, holidays). Shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) often offer more competitive prices.

Tips for Flights

Booking flights well in advance for high season travel often secures better rates.
For flight deals, explore services like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.
GIG and SDU offer extensive facilities: duty-free shops, restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange, SIM card kiosks.

Private Transfers

Direct van or car services offer the fastest and most convenient option from airports to mainland piers.

Shared Van/Bus

Companies like Easy Transfer Brazil offer services from GIG/SDU directly to Conceição de Jacareí, balancing cost with comfort.

Public Bus

The most economical option. From Rio's main bus terminal (Rodoviária Novo Rio) to Mangaratiba, Conceição de Jacareí, or Angra dos Reis.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Costa Verde is the main bus company from Rio's Rodoviária Novo Rio to coastal towns.
Buses depart frequently throughout the day.
Brazilian long-distance buses generally offer comfortable rides with amenities like A/C and reclining seats.
Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times.

Self-Driving Considerations

A valid driver's license from your home country (with an International Driving Permit) is accepted.
From Rio, drive south along the BR-101 highway (Rio-Santos highway) to reach departure points.
Secure, paid parking lots are available near ferry/flexboat terminals on the mainland.
Road conditions vary; traffic can be heavy. Exercise caution, especially at night.

Car Rental Options

On Mainland

Car rental procedures are standard. Major companies operate at Rio airports. Explore options with DiscoverCars.com.

On Ilha Grande

Not applicable. Private vehicles are prohibited on the island. You will not need a car there.

Motorcycles & Bicycles

Motorcycles and scooters are not permitted on Ilha Grande. Bicycle rentals are minimal and only for short, flat village rides.

Sea/River Arrivals

Main Public Ferry

The slowest but most economical and stable option for reaching Ilha Grande is the public ferry operated by CCR Barcas.

Mangaratiba to Vila do Abraão

Schedule: One departure daily from Mangaratiba (Mon-Fri 8:00 AM; Sat, Sun, holidays 8:00 AM and 1:30 PM).
Return ferry from Abraão departs daily at 5:30 PM. Schedules can vary.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Cost: Approximately R$ 20 per person. This is a large, stable vessel.

Flexboats Fast Boats

Flexboats represent the most popular and efficient option, offering faster travel times and more frequent departures.

Mainland to Vila do Abraão

From Conceição de Jacareí to Abraão: Most common, departs every 30-60 minutes (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM).
Duration from Conceição de Jacareí: Approximately 15-25 minutes. Cost: R$ 80 - R$ 100.
From Angra dos Reis to Abraão: Less frequent. Duration: 30-40 minutes. Cost: R$ 60 - R$ 80.

Booking

Book flexboat tickets online in advance or directly at the piers. Advance booking is highly recommended.

River Transport

Not applicable. Ilha Grande is ocean-surrounded; no rivers are utilized for transport.

Seamless Connections

All mainland ferry/flexboat terminals are near bus stations or secure parking, simplifying transfers from land to sea.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing Brazil beyond those already included in international airline tickets.

Departure Guidelines

Book your return flexboat or ferry ticket in advance, especially during peak season.
Arrive at the Abraão pier 15-30 minutes prior to departure for boarding.
For international flights from GIG, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Departing airports (GIG/SDU) offer standard facilities, catering to traveler needs for a comfortable wait.

Amenities for Departing Travelers

Check-in counters and security checkpoints.
Duty-free shops and various retail outlets.
Restaurants and cafes for dining options.

Traffic & Buffer Time

Mainland Travel

Once on the mainland, allow ample travel time to reach your departure airport. Traffic in Rio can be unpredictable.

Domestic Flights

For domestic flights from SDU, allow 1.5-2 hours at the airport. This accounts for check-in and security processes.

Buffer Time

Build in buffer time to your travel schedule. This helps accommodate potential delays on roads or at terminals.

Final Check

Verify all ferry and flexboat schedules upon arrival in Ilha Grande. They can sometimes change due to weather or demand, specifically during low season.

Getting There & Away