Brasília Airport – Presidente Juscelino Kubstichek (BSB) is one of Brazil’s busiest airports, with flights to all the state capitals and to several international destinations in the United States and Europe.
The airport is located about 12 kilometres (7 miles) south of central Brasília. When you arrive at the airport, you have a few ways to transfer to your hotel.
By bus (ônibus)
The Executive Bus (Ônibus Executivo) is your best option price/quality wise. This is a comfortable top-class bus service, with air conditioning, free WiFi, and luggage space. Lines 113, 113.1 and 113.2 run between the airport and the North and South Hotel Sectors (SHS and SHN), as well as the Brasília Convention Centre. You’ll find a clearly marked bus stop located outside the arrivals hall.
The service operates from 6.30am to midnight on weekdays, and from 6.30am to 11pm on weekends, running every half an hour. Each passenger pays R$ 12, and tickets can be bought on board from the driver in cash only.
A cheaper option is to take a regular bus, even though the frequency and stops in the centre are somewhat limited. Still, here are the most useful bus lines to travel between the airport and downtown Brasília:
- Line 11: Airport – Esplanada stopping at the mêtro stations 114 Sul, Asa Sul (eixo), Rodoviária do Plano Piloto and Esplanada dos Ministérios;
- Line 30: Airport – W3 Norte Sul stopping at the Hotel Sectors;
- Line 102: Airport – Rodoviária (the main bus terminal). From here you can catch the mêtro (subway) to other parts of the city and coaches to several destinations in Brazil, such as Taguatinga, Ceilândia, Sobradinho and the state of Goiás (Águas Lindas de Goiás, Formosa, Valparaiso de Goiás).
Regular buses run from 7am to 8pm. Stops at the airport are located just outside the arrivals level. Fares are between R$ 3 and R$ 4. Check out Brasília bus timetables.
By taxi
Taking a taxi is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel to central Brasília, but also the most expensive. Regular taxis run on meters. A 20-minute ride to your hotel should cost about R$ 30–40.
In Terminal 1, taxis are readily available on the access road in front of the exit of Domestic Arrivals, while in Terminal 2 they are outside the main entrance.
By car
Attractions in Brasília are spread apart, so hiring a car might be a good idea to get around. Since the city has large avenues, driving is not difficult. All major car rental companies have desks on the arrivals ground level, namely Avis, Hertz, Localiza, Movida and Unidas.
