Brasília International Airport serves as a gateway to Brazil’s capital city, known for its modernist architecture and planned layout. Opened in 1960 alongside the city itself, it handles both domestic flights and some international routes connecting to major hubs across South America and beyond. The terminal features spacious halls with natural light, clear signage and areas for dining or shopping basic supplies. Runways accommodate a range of aircraft sizes, making travel efficient during peak hours. Public transport links the airport directly to central Brasília via bus services.
| Power Grid: |
127 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type C , Type N
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Brazilian Real (BRL) £1 ≈ R$7.11 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in urban areas but less so in remote regions.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in Brazil. Restaurants often include a 10% service charge. Additional tips are optional. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Brazil, and it is common in social settings. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, with designated outdoor areas. |
| Carnival (February/March) |
Expect parades and heavy crowds. |
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| Independence Day (September) |
National celebrations occur. |
| Christmas (December) |
Family gatherings and public celebrations are common. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 190 (Police), 192 (Ambulance), 193 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | 99, Uber, Cabify |
| Other: | Brazil is known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and Carnival celebrations. Avoid travelling alone in remote areas for safety. |
Brasília International Airport is located about 11 kilometers from downtown Brasília and features a large, modern terminal designed by Oscar Niemeyer’s firm. It is one of the busiest airports in Brazil, handling both international and domestic flights with cutting-edge facilities and extensive passenger services.
The airport offers a wide range of amenities including numerous restaurants, duty-free shops, lounges, business centers and free Wi-Fi. Its spacious design allows smooth passenger flow, but during peak travel times, such as holidays, expect substantial crowds and longer wait times.
Transportation options include taxis, ride-sharing and airport shuttles, though traffic to and from the city center can be congested during rush hours. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly. English is moderately spoken, with most staff fluent in Portuguese, so basic language preparation is helpful.
The airport is a gateway to the unique urban planning and cultural landmarks of Brasília, including its modernist architecture, government buildings and expansive green spaces, all reflecting Brazil’s optimistic vision for its capital.
Located in the domestic terminal, this lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, and a relaxed environment. It's accessible to Gol Airlines premium passengers, frequent flyers, and accessible through paid entry.
This lounge provides a quiet space for international travellers with amenities such as Wi-Fi, refreshments, and newspapers. Access is limited to premium passengers or by payment.
Brasília offers a range of lodging options spanning luxury hotels, boutique stays and budget accommodations, mostly concentrated near the city center or Asa Sul district. The airport is well connected to these areas by road, making transfers straightforward.
To Brasília City Center:
About 11 km from the airport, the city centre is accessible by taxis, which take 20-30 minutes and cost R$40 – 60 (£5.94 – 8.91), depending on traffic. An airport shuttle service operates regularly with affordable prices, and ride-sharing apps provide convenient alternatives. Public bus options also exist but are less frequent and can complicate luggage transport.
To Planaltina:
Approximately 30 km from the airport, Planaltina can be reached by taxi or private car within 40-50 minutes. Public transport involves a combination of buses and is less popular among tourists.
To Taguatinga:
Taguatinga is about 20 km away and accessible via taxi or shuttle. The journey takes about 30 minutes with fares similar to those to the city centre.
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