How to get to Maceio

Picturesque Maceió, often referred to as the "Brazilian Caribbean," is situated on the sunny northeastern coast of Brazil and serves as the capital of the state of Alagoas. This city is renowned for its stunning urban beaches with emerald waters, rich colonial history, and the relaxed atmosphere of a tropical resort.

You can reach this destination in various ways: a modern international airport receives flights from around the world, while a developed network of highways connects the resort to neighbouring states, making it accessible for travel by bus or car.

The most convenient way to begin your holiday is to fly into Maceió — Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport (MCZ). This modern terminal, located near the city, serves millions of passengers and offers excellent connections to the country's key hubs.

If direct tickets are unavailable, travellers often choose to fly into the major airport of the neighbouring city, Recife (REC), located 200 km to the north. Additionally, for planning complex routes through the region, you might consider flights via the cities of Caruaru (CAU) or Garanhuns (QGP).

Currently, there is no direct passenger rail service to the city of Maceió, and there is no standard station for long-distance trains here. The railway in this region of Brazil is used primarily for cargo transport or local suburban connections.

Tourists wishing to travel by land are advised to use buses or cars from nearby major cities, such as Recife or Caruaru. These are more reliable and faster options for moving around the state of Alagoas.

Bus travel is a popular and budget-friendly way to reach the coast. Services from the major city of Recife run regularly: comfortable coaches cover the distance of 280 km in approximately 6.5 hours, allowing you to enjoy the views from the window.

There is also a connection with the city of Garanhuns. The journey from there takes about 3–4 hours, as the distance between the cities is around 180 km. This is a convenient option for those travelling within the region.

Travelling by car offers the freedom to choose your route and stops. The fastest route is from the city of Garanhuns: the distance of 179 km can be comfortably driven in approximately 2.9 hours on local roads.

The drive from the city of Caruaru (195 km) will take a little longer — about 3.1 hours. If you are departing from Recife, expect to spend about 3.9 hours on the road to cover the distance of 257 km along the scenic coastline.

To ensure your trip to Maceió is perfect, it is worth preparing in advance for the local climate and pace of life. Here are some useful recommendations for guests of the city:

1. Clothing and Protection. Summer reigns here eternally, so pack light clothing made from natural fabrics. The sun is very strong — high SPF sunscreen and a hat are mandatory, even in cloudy weather.
2. Transport. For moving around the city and trips to the beaches, it is more convenient and safer to use taxi apps (such as Uber) rather than public transport.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Brazilian Real. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is better to carry some cash for purchasing fresh coconuts on the beach or souvenirs.
4. Safety. As elsewhere in Brazil, remain vigilant. Do not display expensive jewellery and avoid deserted areas after dark.
5. Language. The primary language is Portuguese. English is understood in hotels, but it is less common in the city, so downloading an offline translator is recommended.
6. Tides. The famous natural pools (piscinas naturais) are accessible only during low tide. Be sure to check the "Tide Table" (Tábua de Marés) before planning your excursion.

Following these simple rules will help you relax and get the most out of the hospitality and beauty of this amazing region.