Recife – Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre Airport (REC) is a modern airport, and one of the most important serving Brazil’s Northeast Region. It is located about 11 kilometres (7 miles) from central Recife.
Recife Airport has direct scheduled flights to major Brazilian cities and to international destinations, such as Lisbon on TAP, Madrid on Iberia, and Miami on American Airlines.
When you arrive at Recife Airport, you have a few ways to get from the airport to the city. Here are the options.
By bus (ônibus)
Taking a bus is one of the cheapest ways to travel between Recife Airport and the city centre. There are several regular lines that run to and from the airport.
Bus 033
Bus 033 takes 15 minutes from the airport to Praia de Boa Viagem (main tourist area), and about 30 minutes from the airport to the the historic centre (Avenida Dantas Barreto).
Bus 042
This bus is actually the most interesting option for tourists. It goes through Shopping Recife, Praia de Boa Viagem, and the historic centre (Recife Antigo). Note that bus 042 runs only on weekdays and Saturdays during the day.
Other options include bus 152 (Jordão de Baixo via Boa Viagem), bus 153 (Brigadeiro Ivo Borges) and bus 163 (Cajueiro Seco).
Buses run from 4am to 11.50pm, and stops are outside the Arrivals Terminal. Fares range from R$ 3.45 to R$ 4.30.
By subway (mêtro)
The mêtro’s Airport station actually turns out to be about 500 metres outside the airport. Fortunately, there’s a footbridge opposite boarding gate B6 making it easier to drag your luggage on your way there. You do have to pay the R$ 3.70 metrô fare to cross it. The subway runs every 4-8 minutes (depending on the line) from 5am to 11pm. Take the South (Sul) line to central Recife.
By taxi
Taxis are readily available outside the Arrivals Terminal. Prices are regulated by the municipality, and vary according to the distance. The following prices are estimates: R$ 20 to Boa Viagem, R$ 30 to downtown Recife, and R$ 60 to the historic town of Olinda.
By Uber
You can take an Uber in Recife. You need a smartphone to access the Uber app. Depending on your destination, there’s a chance an Uber ride may cost less than a cab ride.
