How to get to Barreirinhas

Barreirinhas is a vibrant city in the state of Maranhão, widely known as the "gateway" to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park with its unique dunes and lagoons. This region in the northeast of Brazil attracts travellers with its distinctive atmosphere and stunning natural landscapes, offering both a relaxing holiday and active adventures. You can reach this destination in various ways: by using the local airport, taking a bus trip from major cities, or embarking on a scenic journey by car.

The fastest way to reach the region is by air transport. The city is served by its own airport, Barreirinhas (BRB), which accepts small aircraft and charters, ensuring a convenient connection with major hubs. This is an excellent option for those who wish to save time and immediately find themselves in the centre of the action.

For international travellers or those flying on scheduled flights with major airlines, it is most convenient to use the airport in the city of São Luís (SLZ), located approximately 166 km away. You can also consider flying via Parnaíba (PHB) or Jericoacoara (JJD), although the transfer from there will take more time.

At the moment, there is no direct railway connection to the city of Barreirinhas, as passenger trains are not the main mode of transport in this region of Brazil. Tourists will not be able to get here by rail, as there is no train station in the city.

The nearest major transport hubs, such as São Luís and Parnaíba, also focus primarily on road and bus connections. Therefore, when planning your route, it is recommended to choose alternative modes of transport, such as a bus or a rental car.

Travelling by bus is a popular and affordable way to reach the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses. The most sought-after route runs from the state capital, the city of São Luís: the distance is about 262 km, and the journey takes approximately 7 hours. Buses on this route are generally comfortable and equipped with air conditioning, making the trip pleasant.

There are also travel options from other tourist centres, such as Parnaíba and Jericoacoara. Although the exact schedule and travel time may vary depending on the season and the carrier, these routes allow you to create a rich tour along the coast of northeast Brazil.

A trip by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the landscapes of the state of Maranhão. The road from the city of São Luís to Barreirinhas, covering a distance of about 257 km, will take approximately 3.8 hours on a paved highway. This is one of the most comfortable routes for independent travellers or those booking a taxi.

If you are driving from the direction of the state of Piauí, the journey from the city of Parnaíba (about 181 km) will take just over 3 hours. For lovers of long road trips, a route is available from Jericoacoara: the distance of 386 km can be covered in roughly 6.2 hours, however, the quality of the road surface on some sections should be taken into account.

To ensure your journey to the dunes is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, it is worth preparing for the region's specifics in advance. Here are a few useful recommendations for a trip to Barreirinhas.

1. Clothing and Footwear. The climate here is hot and tropical. Bring light clothing made of natural fabrics, swimwear, a hat, and sunglasses. Sandals or flip-flops are best suited for walking on the sand.
2. Transport. For trips into the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, specially equipped 4x4 jeeps are necessary. Ordinary passenger cars cannot pass through there, so it is better to book excursions through agencies.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Although hotels and restaurants accept cards, it is recommended to carry cash for paying for small services, souvenirs, or boat crossings.
4. Health. The sun here is very strong, so a cream with high SPF is mandatory. Also, do not forget insect repellents, especially if you plan evening walks by the river.
5. Language. The main language is Portuguese. In the tourism sector, staff may speak basic English, but knowing a few phrases in the local language or having an online translator will greatly simplify communication.
6. Seasonality. The best time to visit is the period from June to September, when the lagoons between the dunes are filled to the maximum with rainwater after the rainy season.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on the beauty of the unique nature of Brazil.