If you’ve got a layover in Brasilia, don’t let it go to waste sitting at BSB. The city, in Brazil, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by Public Bus System. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave BSB:
- 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 Brasilia takes about 60 minutes by Public Bus System. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is BRL. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
The Best Way Into Brasilia from BSB
From BSB, the Public Bus System gets you to Brasilia in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Public Bus System offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Brasilia Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Brasilia layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$7 |
| Meal | ~$13 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$30 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Brasilia.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at BSB aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Brasilia itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Exploring Brasilia on a Layover
If you head into Brasilia, here are two things worth checking out:
Torre de TV de BrasÃlia is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Brasilia.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BSB, you can spend time at Sala VIP Club (Aeroporto de BrasÃlia) or try Dufry Duty Free BSB. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
In Brasilia
If you make it into town, Manzuá Restaurante is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Fogo de Chão BrasÃlia.
Inside BSB
If you’re staying in the terminal, Starbucks Aeroporto de BrasÃlia is your main option. Casa do Pão de Queijo (BSB) works too if you want something quick.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at BSB, 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.
Staying Connected
WiFi at BSB 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 Brasilia count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave BSB. 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.