Brazil is among South America's most accessible destinations from Europe — numerous direct flights, simplified formalities (no visa), modern airports (Rio Galeão GIG, São Paulo Guarulhos GRU, Brasília BSB, Recife REC, Salvador SSA).
By air, the country has several international gateways. Paris-Rio Galeão (GIG) is served direct by Air France (daily night flight, 11h, A350-900), Latam (3-5 weekly), with extra connections in high season. Return fares: €700-900 in low season (April-June, September-November outside holidays), €900-1,500 in high season (December-March, New Year, Carnival, July-August). Paris-São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) direct by Air France and Latam (11h30, similar frequencies), equivalent fares.
Other European gateways exist with stopover: Madrid (Iberia to GIG, GRU, REC, SSA), Lisbon (TAP to ten Brazilian cities — Portuguese airline very well established for historical and linguistic reasons), Amsterdam (KLM via GIG, GRU), Frankfurt (Lufthansa via GRU), London (British Airways via GRU). These indirect flights (1-3h stopover) are sometimes cheaper (€500-700 low season via Lisbon notably).
On arrival, no paper immigration card — the procedure is fully digital. 90-day entry stamp on passport. No visa, no tourist tax to pay. The yellow fever vaccination certificate may be requested if arriving from a risk country or indicating Amazon, Pantanal or Mato Grosso as destination — anticipate 10 days before departure.
From airport to centre. At Rio Galeão (GIG, 20 km from centre), official taxi (Coopatur, BB Táxi) to Copacabana 100-130 BRL (€17-22), 45-60 min depending on traffic. Uber and 99 cheaper (60-90 BRL, €10-15). Premium bus (BRT) to centre 22 BRL (€4). At São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU, 30 km), taxi 130-180 BRL, Uber 90-130 BRL, Airport Service bus 50 BRL.
Once on site, domestic flights are nearly essential for any multi-region itinerary given distances. Three main airlines: Latam (best rated, former TAM, international network), Gol (historic low-cost), Azul (youngest, serves remote regions including Manaus, Iguazu, Pantanal). Fares: Rio-Iguazu €100-200 return, Rio-Manaus €250-400, Rio-Salvador €100-250, Rio-Recife €150-300. Book 3-6 months ahead in high season (December-March, July) for best prices.
Long-distance buses (Cometa, Itapemirim, Penha, Util companies) link cities of the Southeast, Centre and Northeast — comfortable (leito models with reclining seats), air-conditioned, economical (Rio-São Paulo 6h 60-90 BRL, Rio-Salvador 28h 250-400 BRL, book on ClickBus or directly at bus stations). Avoid for very long distances (Rio-Manaus by bus = 60h, impractical).
Car hire (Hertz, Localiza, Movida, €30-50/day) is useful for exploring the Southeast coast (Rio-Búzios-Paraty), the South (Florianópolis), the Lençóis Maranhenses region. Unnecessary in big cities (prefer Uber). Right-hand drive, beware of potholes and sometimes aggressive local driving. No rentals in the Pantanal or Amazon (lodges include transfers).
Read also
- Rio and Southeast — Rio de Janeiro, Búzios, Paraty: Christ the Redeemer, Carnival, mythical beaches and colonial heritage.
- Salvador and Northeast — UNESCO Pelourinho, capoeira, candomblé, Chapada Diamantina — the authentic Afro-Brazilian soul.
- Brazilian Amazon — Manaus, Belém, Rio Negro lodges: the world's largest rainforest, endemic wildlife.
- Pantanal — The world's largest wetland, global capital of wild jaguar observation.
- Iguazu and South — UNESCO Iguazu Falls Brazilian side, Curitiba, Florianópolis and its beaches.