How to get to Rondonopolis

A journey to Brazil reveals a multitude of interesting destinations, and many tourists wonder how to reach Rondonópolis — a key agro-industrial hub in the state of Mato Grosso. This city serves as a dynamic transport node, attracting both business professionals and travellers exploring the region's colourful hinterland. You can travel to Rondonópolis in various ways: by taking domestic flights to save time, or by choosing an overland route via bus or car to enjoy the scenery.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the city is by air. Rondonópolis has its own municipal airport, Maestro Marinho Franco (ROO). This air hub serves domestic flights, connecting the city with Brazil's major transport centres. The most popular route is the flight from Campinas (Viracopos Airport), which allows travellers to reach here relatively easily from various corners of the country.

If a direct flight does not suit your schedule or budget, an excellent alternative is a flight to Cuiabá. The airport of the Mato Grosso state capital (CGB) is located approximately 185 kilometres from Rondonópolis and receives significantly more flights from major cities. Upon arrival in Cuiabá, tourists can use a rental car or an intercity bus to cover the remaining part of the journey along a picturesque highway.

Reaching Rondonópolis by train is not an option for the ordinary tourist. Although railway tracks approach the city, they are used exclusively for freight trains transporting agricultural produce to ocean ports. There is no passenger station here, and this mode of transport in this region of Brazil is not designed for civilian travel.

Nearby major cities, including the state capital Cuiabá, also lack regular passenger railway connections to this municipality. To plan your trip, it is better to consider intercity buses or road transport, as the railway in this part of the country remains a strictly industrial artery.

The bus network in Brazil is excellently developed, so travelling overland to Rondonópolis is a comfortable and budget-friendly solution. The most popular route runs from the state capital — the city of Cuiabá; buses depart frequently, covering the distance of 215 kilometres in just 3–4 hours on a good highway.

For travellers heading from the east, it is convenient to take a direct route from Barra do Garças: the journey of about 370 kilometres will take approximately 5–6 hours. For those coming from more remote areas, such as Água Boa, the journey of nearly 600 kilometres will require about 9 hours; however, modern bus cabins equipped with air conditioning make even such a long trip untiring.

Travelling behind the wheel allows you to plan your own schedule and enjoy the landscapes of Mato Grosso state. The most popular route is from the state capital, Cuiabá: the distance of 218 kilometres by road is usually covered in 3.5 hours. The road surface on this section is of sufficiently high quality, making the trip comfortable and smooth.

For tourists heading from other cities, the journey will take more time: the road from Barra do Garças, spanning 407 kilometres, will require nearly 6 hours. If you are departing from the municipality of Água Boa, be prepared to spend about 7.5 hours driving to cover the distance of 521 kilometres. In the region, you can use intercity taxi services, but due to the large distances, the cost of the trip will be comparable to the price of renting a car for several days.

Preparing for a trip to Rondonópolis requires considering local specifics to ensure your journey through Brazil goes as smoothly as possible. We have compiled useful recommendations to help you feel comfortable in this dynamic city in the state of Mato Grosso.

1. Clothing and Climate: The region is dominated by hot weather, so prefer lightweight clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. The sun here is very strong, so a head covering and sunscreen are mandatory, and during the rainy season (from October to March), a compact umbrella or raincoat will be useful.
2. Transport: For moving around the city, it is most convenient to use popular taxi apps (such as Uber or 99), as navigating local bus routes without knowledge of the language can be difficult. Car rental is suitable for those who feel confident driving in heavy traffic.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Brazilian Real. Bank cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels; however, it is always worth keeping a small amount of cash for buying small items at kiosks or paying for street food.
4. Health and Hygiene: It is strongly advised not to drink tap water; buy only bottled water. Also, do not forget to bring or purchase a quality insect repellent locally, as mosquitoes can carry diseases in the tropical climate.
5. Communication: English is not widely spoken in Rondonópolis outside of major hotels. We recommend downloading an offline translator on your smartphone in advance and learning a few basic phrases in Portuguese ("obrigado" — thank you, "bom dia" — good morning).
6. Local Etiquette: Brazilians are open and expressive people. Greetings are often accompanied by a handshake or a light embrace. The "thumbs up" gesture (joinha) is universal here: it can be used to say hello, say thank you, or confirm agreement.
7. Safety: Do not display expensive smartphones, cameras, or jewellery on the street to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. After dark, try to avoid walking on deserted streets and in the outskirts of the city.
8. Additional Tip: Rondonópolis is a major agro-industrial centre, so there are always many heavy trucks on the highways around the city; take this into account when planning travel time. In terms of gastronomy, be sure to try the local churrasco (barbecue), as the region is famous for excellent meat.

By following these simple practical tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and focus on exploring the city and its surroundings. May your visit be safe, organised, and leave only positive impressions.