✈️ How to Get from Recife Airport (REC – Brazil): transport, prices and tips
The Recife/Guararapes – Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) is the main gateway to Pernambuco and one of the busiest in the Northeast of Brazil. Located about 12 km from downtown Recife, it offers different transportation options to reach the city or nearby tourist destinations such as Olinda and Porto de Galinhas.
This guide shows you all options: transfer, taxi, ride-hailing apps, metro and buses — with average prices, travel times, safety advice and accessibility tips.
1. Transfer estimates by destination 💰
| Destination | Economy | Executive | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recife Downtown | R$ 25–30 | R$ 35–45 | R$ 80+ |
| Olinda | R$ 45–55 | R$ 60–80 | R$ 120+ |
| Jaboatão dos Guararapes | R$ 25–35 | R$ 40–55 | R$ 90+ |
| Porto de Galinhas (Ipojuca) | R$ 90–110 | R$ 130–160 | R$ 200+ |
| TIP Bus Station | R$ 35–45 | R$ 50–70 | R$ 120+ |
2. Ride-hailing apps (Uber and similar) 📊
- Uber operates normally at Recife Airport.
- The official pick-up point is outside the terminal, at the departure level.
- Average waiting time is 5 to 10 minutes.
- UberX fare estimates:
- Recife Downtown: R$ 21–30
- Olinda: R$ 40–55
- Porto de Galinhas: R$ 90–110
- Premium categories (Black, Comfort) are also available, with prices up to 50% higher.
3. Official / licensed taxi 💵
- Taxi stands operate 24/7 at both North and South terminals.
- “Special taxis” (larger and adapted vehicles) are also available.
- Fare estimates:
- Recife Downtown: R$ 60–80
- Olinda: R$ 70–100
- Porto de Galinhas: R$ 180–220
- Night or weekend surcharges may apply.
4. Public transport (metro and bus) 🚇🚌
Metro
- The airport is connected to the Aeroporto Station of the South Line.
- Operating hours: 5 am to 11 pm.
- Train frequency: every 4 to 8 minutes.
- Fare: R$ 4.80.
- Travel time to downtown: about 15 minutes.
Bus / integration
- The Integrated Airport Terminal connects to several urban bus lines.
- It provides access to residential areas, downtown and the TIP bus station.
- Travel time to downtown: 30–40 minutes.
5. Quick comparison ⚖️
| Option | Time | Average fare | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uber / apps | 15–25 min | R$ 21–30 | Door-to-door, comfortable | Surge pricing |
| Taxi | 12–20 min | R$ 60–80 | 24/7, official | More expensive |
| Metro | 15–20 min | R$ 4.80 | Cheap and fast | Limited hours |
| Bus | 30–40 min | R$ 4.80 | Very cheap | Slower, can be crowded |
6. Safety tips ⚠️
- Always use licensed and official transport.
- Avoid offers from unlicensed drivers inside the airport.
- On ride-hailing apps, check the driver’s name and license plate before boarding.
- At night, taxis or apps are safer than public transport.
7. Accessibility ♿
- The airport has elevators, ramps and adapted restrooms.
- The metro station has accessibility for wheelchair users.
- Special taxis and adapted ride-hailing vehicles can be requested.
8. Where to buy a SIM card at the airport 📱
- In the arrivals hall there are stores and kiosks of national operators (Claro, Vivo, Tim).
- Prepaid SIM cards with 5 to 15 GB data packages cost on average R$ 30 to R$ 60.
9. Conclusion: best transport option 🎯
- Lowest cost 💰: metro or integrated bus.
- Fastest ⚡: UberX to downtown (15–25 minutes).
- Most comfortable 👥: licensed taxi or Uber Comfort/Black.
- Most flexible 🚗: private transfer or premium apps.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Uber work at Recife Airport?
Yes, there is an official pick-up point at the departure level.
2. How much is the metro to downtown?
R$ 4.80 per trip, about 15 minutes.
3. Which is better at night: taxi or Uber?
Licensed taxis may be more reliable when demand is low; Uber can have surge pricing.
4. Does the metro run overnight?
No, it operates from 5 am to 11 pm only.
5. Are private transfers available?
Yes, they can be booked in advance, including executive cars or vans for groups.
