How to get to Araraquara

If you are deciding how to reach Araraquara, prepare to be introduced to the "Abode of the Sun," located in the central part of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. This cosy and dynamic city is easily accessible for travellers: you can arrive by regional flight, travel on a comfortable bus, or drive along scenic roads. Choosing to visit Araraquara will allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of true Brazilian hospitality, far from the bustling coast.

Reaching the city by air is possible in several ways. Araraquara itself has a small airport, Bartolomeu de Gusmão (AQA), which serves regional flights. Most often, aircraft arrive here from the major hub in Campinas, which is convenient for domestic connections.

For long-haul flights, travellers often choose neighbouring, larger aviation hubs with more frequent schedules. The nearest of these is located in the city of Ribeirão Preto, approximately 80 km from Araraquara. Flights from many Brazilian metropolises arrive here, after which the remainder of the journey can easily be covered by ground transport.

Direct travel by train to Araraquara is not possible, as there is currently no active passenger station in the city. The railway network in this part of Brazil is used primarily for freight transport, so intercity buses and cars remain the main ground transport options for tourists.

If you are planning a complex route through neighbouring regions, it is most convenient to orient yourself towards the nearest major cities. Ribeirão Preto is just 77 kilometres away, and slightly further are Bauru and Piracicaba, from where you can quickly reach your destination via motorways.

Bus services in this region of Brazil are organised to a high standard, offering travellers a reliable and economical way to move around. The most intensive traffic connects the city with neighbouring Ribeirão Preto: buses cover the distance of 80 kilometres in approximately an hour and a quarter. A picturesque journey from Piracicaba will take about an hour and a half, revealing views of the green landscapes of São Paulo state.

No less popular is the route from Bauru, located 120 kilometres to the west; the travel time is about two hours. Most intercity services arrive at the main bus station, Terminal Rodoviário de Araraquara, which is conveniently accessible from central districts and hotels.

Travelling by car across the state of São Paulo will grant you freedom of movement and the opportunity to appreciate Brazil's quality highways. The shortest and most convenient route runs from the neighbouring city of Ribeirão Preto: the distance of 80 kilometres is easily covered in just over an hour. The road from Bauru, located 125 kilometres to the west, will take about two hours and will delight you with views of the region's well-tended agricultural lands.

Equally scenic is the path from Piracicaba, from where it is approximately 140 kilometres or just under two hours' drive to your destination on modern highways. If you do not plan to rent a car, you can use an intercity taxi or transfer service, though be prepared that the cost of such a trip will be significantly higher than a bus ticket. Arriving in Araraquara by private transport is maximally comfortable thanks to the developed road infrastructure around the city.

Preparing for a trip to Araraquara requires a little planning to ensure your holiday is as comfortable as possible. We have compiled useful recommendations that will help you adapt more quickly to the rhythm of life in this sunny corner of Brazil.

1. Clothing and Essentials: Araraquara is famous for its hot climate, so the foundation of your wardrobe should be light garments made from natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). Be sure to bring headwear and high-quality sunglasses. However, evenings can be cool, so a light windbreaker or jumper will also be useful.
2. Transport: To move around the city, it is most convenient and safe to use popular taxi apps such as Uber or 99. City buses run regularly, but navigating their routes without knowledge of the language can be challenging.
3. Finances: The local currency is the Brazilian Real. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere: in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. Nevertheless, it is recommended to carry a small amount of cash for paying for minor services, purchases at street markets, or tips.
4. Health and Safety: Since the city is in a tropical zone, be sure to use insect repellent and sunscreen with a high protection factor. Araraquara is a relatively calm city, but one should not lose vigilance: avoid displaying expensive gadgets and large sums of money in crowded places.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is Portuguese. English is not spoken by all locals, even in the service sector. We recommend downloading an offline translator on your smartphone or learning a few basic phrases of courtesy.
6. Local Etiquette: Brazilians are very open and tactile people. Greetings are often accompanied by a handshake or a light kiss on the cheek (among women). The "thumbs up" gesture (joinha) is universal and used to express agreement, gratitude, or greeting.
7. What to Avoid: It is strictly not recommended to drink tap water; always purchase bottled water. Also, try to avoid walking in poorly lit and deserted areas at night.
8. Additional Tip: The city's name translates as "Abode of the Sun," and there are indeed incredibly beautiful sunsets here. Plan dinners on open terraces or walks in the parks towards the evening to enjoy this spectacle when the daytime heat subsides.

By following these simple rules, you can avoid domestic inconveniences and focus on exploring the culture and atmosphere of the city. May your stay here be filled with vivid impressions and positive emotions!