Passing through Tancredo Neves International Airport? A layover in Belo Horizonte is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 110 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at CNF:
First, verify that you can enter Brazil — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Conexão Aeroporto Bus takes about 110 minutes into Belo Horizonte, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — BRL is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some BRL in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Spend Your Time in Belo Horizonte
Two recommendations for your time in Belo Horizonte:
Start with Praça da Liberdade. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Mercado Central de Belo Horizonte. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Belo Horizonte.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside CNF, you can spend time at Ambaar Club Lounge or try Duty Free Shop Dufry. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
In Belo Horizonte
If you make it into town, Cantina do Lucas is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Cozinha de Minas (Restaurant).
Inside CNF
If you’re staying in the terminal, McDonald’s is your main option. Café do Aeroporto works too if you want something quick.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From CNF, the Conexão Aeroporto Bus gets you to Belo Horizonte in around 110 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 130 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Conexão Aeroporto Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Belo Horizonte might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$6 USD
- A meal: ~$12 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$28 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage is available at Ground floor of the passenger terminal, in front of the car rental area.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Belo Horizonte.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CNF, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Belo Horizonte 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.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CNF, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Belo Horizonte with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Belo Horizonte may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.