There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Caruaru into a quick city adventure. From CAU, the Taxi / Ride-share can get you into town in around 45 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Before heading into Caruaru, 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: Caruaru is roughly 45 minutes from CAU via Taxi / Ride-share. 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.
What’s Worth Seeing in Caruaru
For a layover visit to Caruaru, we’d suggest Feira de Caruaru (Caruaru Fair) and Museu do Barro de Caruaru – Espaço Zé Caboclo. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside CAU, you can spend time at Terminal Waiting Area or try Airport Kiosk & Souvenirs. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
In Caruaru
If you make it into town, Restaurante Boi e Brasa is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Casa de Mainha.
Inside CAU
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Coffee Corner is your main option. Terminal Snack Bar works too if you want something quick.
Getting from CAU to Caruaru
From CAU, the Taxi / Ride-share gets you to Caruaru in around 45 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 65 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-share offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Caruaru, 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.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at CAU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Caruaru 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 CAU, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Caruaru 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
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at CAU.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Caruaru doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 45 minutes from CAU, 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.