Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport

Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport, named after Professor Eribelto Manoel Reino, is the key air gateway to the northwestern region of the state of São Paulo. Being one of the busiest airports managed by ASP (Aeroportos Paulistas), it plays a vital role in the economic and tourism life of Brazil. This modern and compact airport serves as a departure point for thousands of passengers travelling for both business and leisure, connecting the region with the country's largest cities.

Features and Advantages

The main advantage of the airport is its close proximity to the city centre — a trip by taxi or car takes just a few minutes. Despite its compact size, the airport offers all necessary services for a comfortable journey: there are check-in counters, cafes, and waiting lounges here. Thanks to its efficiency and good organisation, the airport ensures rapid completion of all pre-flight formalities. It serves as an important transit node, offering convenient connections to flights to other regions of Brazil through major hubs such as São Paulo.

To obtain up-to-date information regarding airport operations, flight schedules, and services, you may use the following contact details:

• Official Website: aeroportosasp.com.br/sjp
• Help Desk Phone: +55 (17) 3233-1466
• Airport Address: Av. dos Estudantes, 3505 - Jardim Aeroporto, São José do Rio Preto - SP, 15025-310, Brazil
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news on the official pages of the operator ASP (Aeroportos Paulistas) on Instagram (@aeroportos_asp) and Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal, please contact the airport administration via the phone number listed above. In case of luggage loss during a flight, it is necessary to contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general inquiries, you can contact the help desk by phone. For issues related to tickets, check-in, or special assistance on board, you should contact your airline directly.

Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport (SJP) is conveniently located relative to the city centre, ensuring easy access for travellers. You can get from the city to the airport and back in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the time you have available.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. City buses run to the airport. This is not the fastest method, but it allows for significant savings. A trip from the centre of Sao Jose do Rio Preto will take approximately 30-45 minutes. The ticket price is very affordable and usually costs just a few Brazilian reais. We recommend checking route numbers and the current schedule in advance, as it may change.

Taxi and Transfer are the most comfortable and fastest ways to get to the airport. A taxi ride from the city centre will take about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The estimated cost will be 30-50 Brazilian reais. Ride-hailing apps are also popular in Brazil, which can be slightly cheaper than official taxis. This option is ideal if you are travelling with heavy luggage or simply value convenience.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore not only the city but also its surroundings. Offices of several rental companies are located at and near the airport. Having your own transport gives maximum freedom of movement. To get the best prices and guarantee vehicle availability, it is recommended to book in advance online.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, parking is provided. There are options for both short-term and long-term parking. The cost depends on the duration of the stay. This is a convenient solution if you are flying away for a few days or have simply come to meet or see off friends and relatives.

If your route does not involve a direct flight to Sao Jose do Rio Preto, it is worth considering alternative air hubs in the region. Among the nearest airports are Araçatuba Airport (ARU), located approximately 112 km away, and Bauru-Arealva Airport (JTC) at a distance of about 153 km. Also within reach are Dr. Leite Lopes Airport (RAO) in Ribeirão Preto (173 km), which serves a large number of passengers, and airports in Marília (162 km) and Araraquara (172 km).

Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport (SJP) is a modern and compact aviation hub serving domestic flights. Its structure is designed for maximum passenger convenience, making navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which unites all necessary zones and services under one roof. Such organisation eliminates the need to transfer between buildings and saves travellers' time. All infrastructure — from check-in counters to boarding gates — is within walking distance.

The terminal layout is quite simple. The ground floor houses the arrival and departure zones. Upon entering the building, you find yourself in the main hall, where airline check-in counters and self-service kiosks are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, followed by a comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is equipped with baggage claim belts and counters for car rental companies.

Thanks to the airport's compact size, completing all formalities typically does not take much time. Check-in and security screening usually last about 20-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance — 1.5-2 hours before departure, especially during peak hours, to avoid rushing. To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are clearly visible and easy to understand.

The history of Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport, officially known as Professor Eribelto Manoel Reino State Airport (Aeroporto Estadual Professor Eribelto Manoel Reino), began on 19 March 1959. It was on this day that it was opened to meet the growing needs of one of the most prosperous regions of the state of São Paulo. Initially, it was a modest airfield intended to improve transport connections with major cities in Brazil and support the local economy, which was primarily agrarian.

Over the years, the airport has played an increasingly important role in the region's development. The main stages of its growth were associated with a gradual increase in passenger traffic and the arrival of new airlines. For a long time, it was managed by the Department of Air Navigation of the State of São Paulo (DAESP). During this period, the infrastructure was maintained at a proper level, but a real breakthrough occurred in the 21st century, when it became obvious that large-scale modernisation was required for further growth.

A key event in the airport's recent history was a major reconstruction completed in 2017. During the works, the passenger terminal was significantly expanded — its area more than doubled, from 2,200 m² to 6,600 m². New jet bridges were installed, the runway was updated, and navigation systems were modernised. These changes allowed the airport to handle a greater number of flights and serve passengers at the level of modern standards of comfort and safety.

Another significant historical turn occurred in 2022, when the management of the airport was transferred to the private consortium Aeroportos Paulistas (ASP). This step marked the beginning of a new era focused on attracting private investment for further development and increased efficiency. Today, Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport is one of the busiest regional airports in the country, serving hundreds of thousands of passengers annually and remaining the key gateway to the northwestern part of São Paulo state.

Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport (SJP) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat, drink coffee, or enjoy refreshments. There are also small shops selling souvenirs, newspapers, books, and travel essentials. This is a convenient place for last-minute shopping before departure.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting lounges. Although there may not be large VIP lounges in the airport, some airlines may offer their own rest areas for business class passengers. It is recommended to check the availability of such services with your carrier.

The airport has ATMs for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange points in regional airports in Brazil may be absent or have limited operating hours, so it is better to plan financial operations in advance. For emergencies, a medical post operates within the terminal. Passengers with children can use mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables. The airport also provides services for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and special assistance during boarding, which is recommended to be requested in advance through the airline.

There are no hotels on the airport territory itself, but many hotels to suit any budget are located in the immediate vicinity, just a few minutes' drive away. There are no specialised conference halls or business centres provided in the terminal building. For holding business meetings, it is better to use the conference services offered by hotels in the city of Sao Jose do Rio Preto.

At Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport (SJP), passengers will find several cosy establishments to have a snack or drink coffee before departure. Since this is a regional hub, most cafes are concentrated in the public area of the terminal (landside), before security control, which is convenient for those seeing someone off and those who have arrived early.

For a quick and authentic snack, visit Casa do Pão de Queijo. This is the ideal place to try the famous Brazilian cheese buns pão de queijo, as well as other traditional snacks, such as hearty coxinha pastries. If you want to enjoy quality coffee, Grão Espresso Cafeteria is suitable for you, serving espresso, cappuccino, sandwiches, and fresh pastries. Both establishments are excellent for both a light breakfast and a substantial snack.

Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city: be prepared to pay about 25-40 Brazilian reais for a coffee and a snack. regarding operating hours, most catering establishments align with the flight schedule. As a rule, they open two hours before the first departure and close after the departure of the last flight, so you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself at any time.

Passengers with special dietary needs should note that the selection may be limited. Vegetarians will easily find options, such as cheese pastries or salads. However, finding meals for vegans, gluten-free diets, or specific requirements like Halal might be difficult. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is safer to bring food with you to avoid inconvenience.

To ensure your journey through Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. For domestic flights within Brazil, which make up the bulk of this airport's schedule, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate. Always check your airline's recommendations, as times may increase during peak seasons.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which usually opens 24-48 hours before departure. This allows you to choose a seat and receive your boarding pass in advance. When passing through security, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage, as well as present your bag of liquids. Quick preparation for screening is the key to passing control calmly.

The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences. A window seat will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat is more convenient if you plan to stand up during the flight. Seats at emergency exits offer more legroom but often require an extra payment and have certain restrictions for passengers.

In hand luggage, liquids are permitted in containers of up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Be sure to check the current baggage and hand luggage rules on your airline's website to avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport.

If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage at Sao Jose do Rio Preto Airport. In most cases involving domestic flights with a single airline, luggage is transferred automatically. Follow the signs for "Conexão" (Connection) to quickly find the terminal or boarding gate you need.

Customs control is relevant mainly for passengers arriving on international flights. If you are arriving from another country, keep your passport and completed customs declaration ready if required. Familiarise yourself with duty-free import allowances in advance to avoid delays and fines.

To save money, book airline tickets and transfers from the airport in advance online. Prices are generally lower with early booking. Bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security control, and light snacks — this will help save on purchases at the airport.

In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative at the information desk or via the mobile app. Clarify the reason for the delay and the estimated departure time. Depending on the duration of the wait, the airline may be obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for expenses that may be subject to compensation.