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Getting there

Getting to João Pessoa

Short answer

The reference airport is Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA), in João Pessoa, about 11 km (7 mi). By car, it is 120 km (75 mi) from Recife, a 2h drive costing about R$ 68 in fuel and tolls.

Most reviewed activity in João PessoaDay Trip to Tambaba & Coqueirinho Beaches★ 9 · 27 reviews · from US$ 26 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →

Flying to João Pessoa

The gateway is Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA), in João Pessoa, about 11 km from the center. From there, taxis and ride-hailing apps reach the waterfront quickly. Routes and airlines change often; the safest approach is to check them when planning your trip.

By road, João Pessoa is 120 km from Recife (about 2 hours), 185 km from Natal (about 2.5 hours) and 125 km from Campina Grande (about 1.5 hours).

Nearest airport
JPAPresidente Castro Pinto International Airport
João Pessoa · about 11 km (7 mi)

Driving to João Pessoa

These are the driving routes to João Pessoa from the main cities of origin, with distance, travel time and estimated fuel cost for a car that gets 11 km per liter. Amounts are in Brazilian reais (R$).

From Recife
120 km (75 mi) · 2h
~R$ 68 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Natal
185 km (115 mi) · 2h30
~R$ 104 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Campina Grande
125 km (78 mi) · 1h30
~R$ 70 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
Tours and tickets

Tours and activities in João Pessoa

booking on Civitatis
Day Trip to Tambaba & Coqueirinho Beaches
9· 27 reviews

Day Trip to Tambaba & Coqueirinho Beaches

Come with us and enjoy a relaxing day trip to the coast of João Pessoa. We'll explore the stunning Tambaba, and Coqueirinho Beaches.

8 h 30 min
from US$ 26
Book →
Carapibus, Tabatinga & Bela Beach Day Trip
8.9· 9 reviews

Carapibus, Tabatinga & Bela Beach Day Trip

Take a day trip to Carapibus, Tabatinga, and Bela Beach as we experience three paradisiacal spots in southern João Pessoa. Soak up dreamlike landscapes!

8 h 30 min
from US$ 26
Book →
Praia Bela Day Trip
8.8· 5 reviews

Praia Bela Day Trip

Fall in love with the southern Brazilian coast with this tour through the south of Paraíba. You'll visit the beautiful Praia Bela, a real paradisical location.

10 h
from US$ 30
Book →
Areia Vermelha Island Catamaran Trip
8.4· 5 reviews

Areia Vermelha Island Catamaran Trip

In João Pessoa, there is a mysterious islet that only appears at low tide... Discover it with this catamaran trip to Areia Vermelha Island!

6 h
from US$ 30
Book →
See all activities in João Pessoa
Where to stay

Hotels in João Pessoa

Compare hotels and places to stay in João Pessoa on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

Bessa Beach Hotel in João Pessoa 8.8 ★★★★ · 41 reviews Bessa Beach Hotel See on Booking → Hotel Village Premium Joao Pessoa in João Pessoa 9.1 ★★★★ · 3 reviews Hotel Village Premium Joao Pessoa See on Booking → LS Hotel in João Pessoa 8.3 ★★★★★ · 3 reviews LS Hotel See on Booking →
See all hotels in João Pessoa

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest airport to João Pessoa?
The nearest airport to João Pessoa is Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA), in João Pessoa, about 11 km (7 mi) away.
How do you get to João Pessoa by air?
Fly to Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA), in João Pessoa, about 11 km (7 mi), and cover the rest of the way overland. Flight routes and schedules change often: check them when you plan your trip.
Is it better to drive or fly to João Pessoa?
It depends on where you start. From Recife, the drive is 120 km (75 mi) and takes about 2h, costing about R$ 68 in fuel and tolls. From distant origins, flying usually saves time; from nearby cities, driving gives you more freedom. Compare the cost of the drive with the price of a plane ticket before you decide.
Is João Pessoa easy to get to?
Yes: you can drive to João Pessoa from Recife, Natal, and Campina Grande, and its reference airport is JPA. See the driving routes on this page.
Can I book transfers and activities in João Pessoa in English?
Yes. On this page you will find activities in João Pessoa that you can book in English on Civitatis, with the price updated when you book.
Complete guide to João Pessoa Best time to visit Driving routes