Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Aracatuba gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from ARU to the city takes roughly 50 minutes by Local Bus / Taxi, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of ARU:
- Can you legally enter Brazil? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by Local Bus / Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the BRL. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
How to Spend Your Time in Aracatuba
Two recommendations for your time in Aracatuba:
Start with Parque da Fazenda (Araçatuba Zoo). Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Shopping Praça Nova Araçatuba. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ARU, you can spend time at ARU Terminal Relaxation or try Aircraft Observation Point. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near ARU
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Aracatuba: Restaurante da Fazenda and Churrascaria Terra do Boi. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for ARU Terminal Cafe & Snacks or ARU Grab & Go. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Getting from ARU to Aracatuba
From ARU, the Local Bus / Taxi gets you to Aracatuba in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Bus / Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Aracatuba Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Aracatuba, budget roughly $24 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $9 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at ARU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Aracatuba itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at ARU, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Aracatuba itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Brazil that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at ARU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Brazil also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Aracatuba genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.