Car Hire Brasilia International Airport

Car Hire

The capital of Brazil is not Rio de Janeiro, but rather Brasilia. Visitors who land at the city's main gateway, Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport, often come to see the remarkable modernist architecture which has given the city its UNESCO World Heritage tag. Excellent urban planning makes car hire in Brasilia Airport a good idea in order to really see why Brasilia is often considered a global model for modern cities.

Who to Book With
The car hire companies operating at Brasilia International Airport are, for the most part, local brands. Localiza, Locar Alpha, Disbrave and Jarjour have a presence, while Avis is the only global car hire brand at the airport. The desks of these companies can be found at the Rentals Zone (Setor de Locador).

Need to Know Essentials
You will need to show the following documents at vehicle collection:

- International Driving Permit
- Identification (proof of being aged 21 or older)
- Credit card
- Reservation confirmation

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Driving in Brazil can at first be daunting if you are used to European driving standards. Locals tend to violate road rules. On urban roads, the speed limit is 50mph and it is 70mph on motorways. Both driver and passenger/s must wear seatbelts. When driving on urban roads, remember to lock the doors and keep windows up as robberies are common when cars stop at red lights. It is for this reason that local drivers and even local buses tend to run red lights when they see that there is no incoming traffic. Before driving outside the cities, make sure you have a reliable map and local knowledge on travel time to your next destination. Brazil is a huge country and adequate preparation must be done before setting off.

See our guide to Brazil for more information on driving here.

Transport

Even though transport to and from Brasilia International Airport is limited to taxis and buses, the fares are relatively cheap for both options. Excellent urban planning makes driving to the airport an easy task. From the Hotel Zone, simply take the DF085 local highway, follow the road east and south onto the DF002 and continue on to the DF047, which is the airport's access road.

Trains
Brasilia International Airport is not connected to any railway lines, but the city features the Metro network, which offers service from 06:00 to 23:30 to a limited number of places in the city. Small change is necessary to pay the less than £1 single fare.

Taxis
Unlike at many other airports, taxis are actually the fastest and most convenient way to get to some destinations from the airport. A one-way ride to the city centre only takes around 15 minutes. Cabs here are relatively cheap when compared with those of other Brazilian cities. The taxi rank is found outside the terminal, right near the Baggage Claim area.

Taxi prices:
Brasilia International Airport to the Hotel Zone is about £15
Brasilia International Airport to the Commercial Zone is about £20
Brasilia International Airport to the Embassies Zone is about £10

Buses
Buses from the airport depart from outside the terminal, near the Baggage Claim area. The main airport bus is the Executive Line (113), which is operated by the Sociedade de Transportes Coletivos de Brasilia. It takes passengers to the Hotel Zone and Brasilia's central areas from the airport. A one-way fare costs £2. Other buses at the airport are operated by the Transporte Urbando do Distrito Federal. Bus 102 travels to the city centre’s Rodoviária Bus Terminal. From here, travellers can make onward bus connections to other parts of the city. Bus number 31, meanwhile, travels to Q. 716 North/W3 North South and bus number 11 to Q. 716 North/Esplanade. Fares are cheap, beginning at around £0.50.

Facilities

Terminals
Brasilia International Airport has two terminals. Most of the airlines operating at the airport use Terminal 1. Terminal 2 is only currently used by two domestic airlines: SETE Linhas Aéreas and Azul Brazilian Airlines. A free shuttle service transports passengers between the two terminals. The airport is one of the busiest in the country. Airlines operating here are mostly domestic and regional airlines, with a few flying to North America and one to Lisbon, Portugal.

Parking
More than 1,000 parking slots are available at Brasilia International Airport. Short-stay parking and long-stay parking are available. The car parks can be easily accessed by a short walk from the terminal. Parking for an hour costs around £1.50. The second hour is charged at £0.80, the third hour at £0.60 and then £0.30 per hour for any additional hours thereafter. The airport offers a daily rate of less than £10.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi internet access is provided with applicable charges.

Information Services
An information desk is present within the Departures area. It offers not only airport information assistance, but tourist information about Brasilia.

Useful Numbers
Airport Contact: +55 61 3364 9000

Accessibility
Around 80 parking spaces have been specially allotted for disabled travellers. Other facilities for passengers with reduced mobility include toilets, ramps and lifts. Wheelchair services can also be provided. Travellers can simply inform the airport staff of their needs at the information desk in the Departures hall.

Restaurants and Bars
There are many food options available to passengers at Brasilia International Airport. Many of them can be found in the Departures area near the boarding gates. Restaurants here include fast food places such as McDonald's, sit-down restaurants such as Restaurante Viena and Casa do Pão de Queijo, and a number of snack bars.

VIP Lounges
HSBC Premier Lounge

Money and ATMs
The airport currently has three banks: Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica and Banco Real. There is also a currency exchange desk called Confidence Câmbio. ATMs scattered throughout the airport include those operated by Rede Banco, Unibanco and HSBC.

Shopping
Around 140 stores can be found within Brasilia International Airport. They sell gift items, clothing, books, music and many other products. The airport's Departures area, close to the boarding gates, has most of the shops. Shops here include Aero Sports (sporting goods), Voyeur and Republica (clothing and accessories), Aero Music (CDs and DVDs) and Estação da Criança (children's toys).