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Road trip

Driving from Natal to Fortaleza

Short answer

From Natal to Fortaleza it is about 527 km and 9 h of driving. In a car that gets 11 km/L, with gas at R$ 6.20/L, fuel costs about R$ 297 and tolls about R$ 0: in total, about R$ 297 one way (R$ 594 round trip).

Amounts are in Brazilian reais (R$), with no conversion to another currency. Gas uses the reference price from the ANP, Brazil's National Petroleum Agency.
Sources: ANP (fuel) · OpenStreetMap (route) · updated on October 19, 2026
Most reviewed activity in FortalezaMorro Branco, Fontes & Canoa Quebrada Beaches Tour★ 8.7 · 94 reviews · from US$ 20 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →
Distance
527 km
Average time
9 h
Fuel
R$ 297
Tolls
R$ 0
Calculate with your car
Total one way: R$ 297 · R$ 594 round trip
+ accommodation in Fortaleza: average nightly rate of about R$ 369. Book before you leave See hotels on Booking →

Estimate covers fuel and tolls only, not parking, food or wear on the car. Distance and time calculated on OpenStreetMap; the gas price is a reference price (ANP).

Tours and tickets

Things to do in Fortaleza

booking on Civitatis
Morro Branco, Fontes & Canoa Quebrada Beaches Tour
8.7· 94 reviews

Morro Branco, Fontes & Canoa Quebrada Beaches Tour

Discover Ceará's most beautiful beaches all in the same day. Enjoy the spectacular shores of Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes & Canoa Quebrada.

9 h
from US$ 20
Book →
Cumbuco Beach Day Trip
8.9· 58 reviews

Cumbuco Beach Day Trip

Fall in love with Cumbuco on this full-day trip from Fortaleza. In this paradise, you can relax next to the intense blue sea or adventure deep into the dunes.

9 h
from US$ 11
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Fortaleza Guided Tour
9.7· 47 reviews

Fortaleza Guided Tour

Want to learn more about the history and culture of Ceará? Don't miss this guided tour of Fortaleza. 18th-century monuments & a centenary baobab tree await!

3 h 30 min
from US$ 15
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Aguas Belas Beach Day Trip
8.4· 24 reviews

Aguas Belas Beach Day Trip

Enjoy the beaches of Aguas Belas, to the east of Fortaleza. Its white sand and warm, crystal-clear waters will make this beach trip an unforgettable experience.

11 h
from US$ 15
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Lagoinha Beach Day Trip
9.3· 15 reviews

Lagoinha Beach Day Trip

White sands, coconut palms, and crystalline waters all await you in Lagoinha. Discover this beautiful paradise with our trip to Fortaleza.

11 h
from US$ 17
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Beach Park Day Trip + Tickets
9.2· 15 reviews

Beach Park Day Trip + Tickets

Enjoy a full day at Beach Park, a popular coastal resort with a waterpark, restaurants, shops, and idyllic beaches. Admission tickets included!

8 h
from US$ 89
Book →
See all activities in Fortaleza
Where to stay

Hotels in Fortaleza

With 9 h of driving, it is a good idea to arrive with your hotel already booked: the average nightly rate in Fortaleza is around R$ 369. If you are driving, confirm that the hotel has parking before you book.

Hotel Gran Marquise in Fortaleza 9 ★★★★★ · 83 reviews Hotel Gran Marquise See on Booking → Hotel Sonata de Iracema in Fortaleza 9.1 ★★★★ · 41 reviews Hotel Sonata de Iracema See on Booking → Holiday Inn Fortaleza By IHG in Fortaleza 8.7 ★★★★ · 35 reviews Holiday Inn Fortaleza By IHG See on Booking → Afago Mareiro Hotel in Fortaleza 8.6 ★★★★ · 24 reviews Afago Mareiro Hotel See on Booking →
See all hotels in Fortaleza

Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

Torn between Fortaleza and another destination?

Before you set out, see Fortaleza side by side with other destinations competing for the same trip: weather, driving cost, ideal days and profile.

Fortaleza or Jericoacoara? Fortaleza or Arraial d'Ajuda? Fortaleza or Arraial do Cabo?
see all comparisons →
Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the trip to Fortaleza

How much does it cost to drive from Natal to Fortaleza?

From Natal to Fortaleza it is about 527 km and 9 h of driving. In a car that gets 11 km/L, with gas at R$ 6.20/L, fuel costs about R$ 297 and tolls about R$ 0: in total, about R$ 297 one way (R$ 594 round trip).

How long does the drive from Natal to Fortaleza take?

It takes roughly 9 h by car to cover the 527 km, not counting stops. On public holidays and high-season weekends, the time can increase considerably because of traffic leaving and arriving.

Are there tolls on the way from Natal to Fortaleza?

No. On the route considered on this page there are no tolls between Natal and Fortaleza.

Can you drive from Natal to Fortaleza in one day?

You can, but it is about 9 h behind the wheel, not counting stops to refuel and eat. Drivers who prefer to take it easy split the trip into two days and spend the night in a city along the way.

Complete guide to Fortaleza Getting to Fortaleza Best time to visit