How to get to Montes Claros

Located in the northern part of the state of Minas Gerais, Montes Claros is a dynamic regional centre in Brazil, renowned for its universities, folklore traditions, and proximity to natural parks. When planning a trip to Montes Claros, you will find that thanks to its developed infrastructure, the question of how to reach the city is easily resolved: you can fly here comfortably by plane, travel by intercity bus, or arrive by car.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is by air. Montes Claros Airport receives regular flights from the country's major transport hubs, allowing for significant time savings compared to ground transport.

The terminal is located in immediate proximity to the city limits, so the journey to the centre after landing will not take much time. To travel into the city, travellers can use taxi services or ride-hailing apps, which are available directly at the exit of the arrivals area.

There is no direct passenger railway service to Montes Claros. Currently, the local railway infrastructure does not serve tourist routes, so arriving in the city by train is not possible.

The railway network in this part of Brazil is developed specifically for industrial cargo transport. Travellers are advised to plan their route using car transport or intercity buses, which provide reliable and convenient connections with other regions.

Bus services connect the city with many regions, allowing travellers to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Brazilian countryside along the way. For example, the popular route from Guanambi takes about 8 hours; during this time, the transport covers a distance of approximately 378 kilometres, crossing state administrative borders.

Routes within the state of Minas Gerais, connecting the regional centre with neighbouring municipalities, are equally in demand. Travellers often choose comfortable buses departing from Salinas or Teófilo Otoni, which arrive at the main bus terminal, conveniently located in relation to the main city highways.

Travelling by car to Montes Claros offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the scenic landscapes of the state of Minas Gerais. One of the fastest routes leads from the city of Salinas: a distance of 217 kilometres can be comfortably covered in approximately 3.5 hours. The road from Guanambi will take about 5.5 hours, covering 370 kilometres.

For those departing from Teófilo Otoni, the journey will be longer — about 503 kilometres, which is approximately 7.5 hours of driving. To cover such distances, renting a car is recommended, as using taxis for intercity trips often proves to be economically impractical and difficult to organise.

Preparing for your trip to Montes Claros will help make your stay as comfortable and safe as possible. We have compiled useful recommendations that will come in handy during your journey through this colourful region of Brazil.

1. Clothing and Climate: The region has a hot tropical climate, so the foundation of your wardrobe should be lightweight items made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen). The sun here is very strong, so it is essential to bring a head covering, high-quality sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF.
2. Getting Around the City: For tourists, the most convenient method of transport is taxi apps (such as Uber or 99), which operate reliably and allow you to see the cost of the trip in advance. City buses are also available, but their routes can be confusing for those who do not speak Portuguese.
3. Financial Matters: The national currency is the Brazilian Real. Cards from international payment systems are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. However, it is strongly recommended to carry a small amount of cash in small denominations for payments at markets, in small shops, or for tipping.
4. Health and Safety: Drink only bottled water and avoid drinks with ice in street cafes if you are unsure of the water quality. Regarding safety, adhere to standard rules: do not display expensive gadgets or jewellery on the street and keep an eye on your bags in crowded places, such as the Municipal Market.
5. Language Barrier: The main language of communication is Portuguese; English is not widely understood here. It is recommended to install an offline translator on your smartphone and learn a few basic polite phrases ("Bom dia" — good day, "Obrigado" — thank you), which will be very well received by the locals.
6. Local Etiquette: The residents of Minas Gerais are famous for their hospitality and openness. It is customary to greet staff in shops and bus drivers. The popular "thumbs up" gesture (joinha) is used everywhere and means "thank you", "good", or "hello".
7. What to Avoid: Do not walk alone on deserted streets after dark, especially on the outskirts. Also, try not to photograph local residents without their permission, although most will respond to a request in a friendly manner.
8. Gastronomic Advice: Be careful when tasting the local delicacy — the pequi fruit, which is often added to rice and chicken dishes. A pit with many small spines is hidden inside the pulp, so this fruit must be carefully nibbled from the outside; never attempt to bite into it.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and focus on experiencing the unique culture and atmosphere of the city. May your journey be smooth and leave only pleasant impressions!