How to get from Recife Airport to Porto de Galinhas

Porto de Galinhas, on the southern coast of Pernambuco, is one of Brazil's best-known beach destinations. The big advantage for anyone flying in is how close it is: Recife International Airport is about an hour's drive away. In this guide you will find the route, your transport options and tips for starting your trip smoothly.

How far is Porto de Galinhas from Recife Airport?

It is about 60 km (37 miles), usually covered in around 1 hour. The route heads south through Recife's metropolitan area and along the highways to the municipality of Ipojuca, where Porto de Galinhas is located.

Travel time can increase in the late afternoon, on Fridays and on public holidays, when many locals also head to the coast.

Where the hotels and resorts are

Porto de Galinhas is more than its central village. Hotels are spread across different beaches, so it is important to know which one your accommodation is on:

• Porto de Galinhas village: the centre, with restaurants, shops and the famous natural pools.
• Muro Alto: a calm beach protected by reefs, with several resorts.
• Cupe: between Muro Alto and the village, with beachfront hotels.
• Maracaípe and Serrambi: to the south, quieter, with waves and mangroves.

What are the transport options?

Private transfer

The driver tracks your flight, waits at arrivals and takes you straight to hotel reception in an exclusive, air-conditioned vehicle. It is the most comfortable option for families, couples and groups.

Taxi or ride-hailing app

As the distance is shorter than to Maragogi, it is usually easier to get a ride. Even so, prices vary depending on the time and demand.

Buses and vans

There are lines between Recife and Porto de Galinhas, but with fixed schedules, stops and no drop-off at the door of the more remote resorts.

Rental car

Useful if you want to explore other beaches on the southern coast, such as Carneiros, but you need to consider parking and returning the car at the airport.

What to do in Porto de Galinhas

• Visit the natural pools by jangada (traditional raft) at low tide, with colourful fish in shallow water.
• Watch the sunset at Pontal de Maracaípe.
• Take a buggy tour along the region's beaches.
• Visit Praia dos Carneiros, further south, famous for its little church by the sea.

Porto de Galinhas and Maragogi on the same trip

A popular combination is spending a few days in Porto de Galinhas and then moving on to Maragogi. The drive between the two follows the coast and can be done by private transfer, with no need to return to the airport. Read more in how to get from Recife Airport to Maragogi and see the Recife → Porto de Galinhas route.