Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Caldas Novas. Nelson Ribeiro Guimarães Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 35 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Before heading into Caldas Novas, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Brazil vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Caldas Novas is roughly 35 minutes from CLV via Taxi/Ride-sharing apps. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in BRL. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From CLV, the Taxi/Ride-sharing apps gets you to Caldas Novas in around 35 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 55 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Ride-sharing apps offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Caldas Novas layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$6 |
| Meal | ~$12 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$28 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Caldas Novas.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Caldas Novas, two standouts are:
- Di Roma Acqua Park — Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
- Lagoa Quente Thermas Parque Hotel — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside CLV — 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:
- CLV Airport Waiting Area
- Aeroporto Souvenirs & Convenience
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Caldas Novas: Nonno Mio Restaurante e Pizzaria and Churrascaria Boi na Brasa. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Lanchonete Aeroporto Caldas Novas or Cafe no Terminal CLV. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Bag Storage Near CLV
Luggage storage options at CLV can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Caldas Novas for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and CLV is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Caldas Novas and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Sleep & Lounge Options at CLV
Long overnight layover? Your options at CLV 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
A layover in Caldas Novas doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 35 minutes from CLV, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.