International access to Northeast is mainly via Salvador (SSA, Bahia), Recife (REC, Pernambuco) and Fortaleza (FOR, Ceará) airports. Rare direct flight from Europe: TAP Lisbon serves SSA, REC and FOR direct (5-7h depending on city), often cheaper than via Rio or São Paulo. Otherwise, Air France/Latam Paris-Rio flight (11h) then domestic Rio-Salvador (2h, €100-250).
Domestic flights to discover Northeast: Latam, Gol, Azul. Salvador-Lençóis (Chapada Diamantina) 50 min €100-180, Salvador-Porto Seguro (Trancoso) 1h €80-150, Salvador-Recife 1h30 €80-200, Salvador-Fortaleza 2h €100-250, Recife-São Luís (Lençóis Maranhenses) 2h €150-300. Book 3-6 months ahead in high season for best prices.
From Salvador to Chapada Diamantina (Lençóis, 4h drive), three options: Azul Salvador-Lençóis flight (50 min, €100-180, 1-2 flights/day by season), Real Expresso night bus (6-7h, 80-120 BRL, decent comfort), private transfer (€300-500, up to 4 people).
From Salvador to Morro de São Paulo (Tinharé island), only by catamaran (2h, €40-70 return, several daily departures from Terminal Marítimo) or taxi-plane (15 min, €80-150).
From Salvador to Praia do Forte (80 km, 1h transfer), Linha Verde public bus (15 BRL, 1h30, several daily departures), private transfer (100-200 BRL, 1h), car rental (€30-50/day).
From Salvador to Trancoso (1,100 km, 12h drive), only by air: Salvador-Porto Seguro (1h, €80-150, Latam, Gol, Azul) then 1h30 transfer (taxi 200-300 BRL, shared shuttle 50-80 BRL).
In Salvador, urban travel via Uber and 99 (reliable, €5-15 per ride, favour over street taxi), metro (lines 1 and 2, 6 BRL, safe by day), buses (5 BRL, avoid evening and centre). The Pelourinho is entirely pedestrian — walking visit only, ideally with guide by day.
In Chapada Diamantina, base in Lençóis (main tourist centre). 4WD rental useful but not essential. Most excursions organise from pousadas with local guides (€30-80/person/day). Vale do Pati trails require mandatory guide.
On Bahian beaches, transfers by local buses or moto-taxi. In Morro de São Paulo and Boipeba, no cars — luggage pulling on foot or by cart, relaxed tropical vibe.
Read also
- Salvador da Bahia — UNESCO Pelourinho, capoeira, candomblé and Carnival — the Afro-Brazilian soul.
- Chapada Diamantina — Spectacular national park: waterfalls, caves, turquoise Poço Encantado.
- Brazil — Complete country-continent guide: regions, formalities, best time.
- Rio and Southeast — Combine with Salvador (1h flight) for a complete Rio + Bahia trip.