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Getting there

Getting to Natal

Short answer

The reference airport is Natal International Airport (São Gonçalo do Amarante) (NAT), in São Gonçalo do Amarante, about 26 km (16 mi) from Natal. By car, it is 185 km (115 mi) from João Pessoa, a 2h30 drive costing about R$ 104 in fuel and tolls.

Most reviewed activity in NatalPipa Beach Day Trip★ 8.9 · 14 reviews · from US$ 24 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →

Flying to Natal

The gateway from abroad is Natal International Airport (NAT), in São Gonçalo do Amarante, about 26 km from the city. The last leg is by road. Routes and airlines change often; the safest approach is to check them when planning your trip.

By road, Natal is 185 km from João Pessoa (about 2.5 hours, on the BR-101) and 284 km from Recife (about 4 hours).

Nearest airport
NATNatal International Airport (São Gonçalo do Amarante)
São Gonçalo do Amarante · about 26 km (16 mi) from Natal

Driving to Natal

These are the driving routes to Natal 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 João Pessoa
185 km (115 mi) · 2h30
~R$ 104 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Recife
284 km (176 mi) · 4h02
~R$ 160 in fuel, not counting tolls
see the calculation
Tours and tickets

Tours and activities in Natal

booking on Civitatis
Pipa Beach Day Trip
8.9· 14 reviews

Pipa Beach Day Trip

Visit Pipa, home to some of the beaches in all of Brazil. This trip will take you to the golden sands of Madeiro and Love Beach.

9 h 30 min
from US$ 24
Book →
Natal Buggy Ride
9.5· 12 reviews

Natal Buggy Ride

Explore Natal’s beautiful urban beaches and let your adrenaline run wild as you take a buggy ride along the famous Genipabu sand dunes.

7 h
from US$ 57
Book →
Genipabu Day Trip
8.7· 6 reviews

Genipabu Day Trip

In this exciting day trip to Genipabu from Natal, we'll visit an incredible paradise of dunes, crystalline waters, and nature.

7 h
from US$ 22
Book →
Maracajaú + Snorkeling on the Reefs Day Trip
10· 5 reviews

Maracajaú + Snorkeling on the Reefs Day Trip

Explore the Brazilian Caribbean and let yourself be captivated by its coral reefs as you join us on this snorkeling day trip to Maracajaú, departing from Natal.

9 h
from US$ 53
Book →
See all activities in Natal
Where to stay

Hotels in Natal

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

Majestic Ponta Negra Beach, WorldHotels Elite in Natal 9.3 · 18 reviews Majestic Ponta Negra Beach, WorldHotels Elite See on Booking → Manary Praia Hotel in Natal 9.3 ★★★★ · 13 reviews Manary Praia Hotel See on Booking → Wish Natal in Natal 9.1 ★★★★★ · 18 reviews Wish Natal See on Booking → Golden Tulip Natal Ponta Negra in Natal 9.5 ★★★★ · 7 reviews Golden Tulip Natal Ponta Negra See on Booking →
See all hotels in Natal

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest airport to Natal?
The nearest airport to Natal is Natal International Airport (São Gonçalo do Amarante) (NAT), in São Gonçalo do Amarante, about 26 km (16 mi) away.
How do you get to Natal by air?
Fly to Natal International Airport (São Gonçalo do Amarante) (NAT), in São Gonçalo do Amarante, about 26 km (16 mi) from Natal, 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 Natal?
It depends on where you start. From João Pessoa, the drive is 185 km (115 mi) and takes about 2h30, costing about R$ 104 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 Natal easy to get to?
Yes: you can drive to Natal from João Pessoa and Recife, and its reference airport is NAT. See the driving routes on this page.
Can I book transfers and activities in Natal in English?
Yes. On this page you will find activities in Natal that you can book in English on Civitatis, with the price updated when you book.
Complete guide to Natal Best time to visit Driving routes