Passing through Atlas Brasil Cantanhede Airport? A layover in Boa Vista is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 50 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.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave BVB:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Brazil. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Boa Vista takes about 50 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Boa Vista from the Airport
From BVB, the local transport gets you to Boa Vista 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 transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Boa Vista:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage at BVB
Dedicated luggage storage at BVB may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Boa Vista’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Exploring Boa Vista on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Boa Vista, two standouts are:
- Orla Taumanan — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Monumento aos Garimpeiros — A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside BVB — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Relaxation Zone & Free Wi-Fi
- Local Crafts & Souvenirs
Where to Eat
- In the city: Ponto da Chuleta and Restaurante Gato Preto are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Boa Vista.
- At the airport: Restaurante e Cafeteria do Aeroporto and Grab-and-Go Counter will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at BVB 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.
Staying Connected
WiFi at BVB should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Brazil and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Boa Vista count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave BVB. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.