A long layover in Caxias Do Sul is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Hugo Cantergiani Regional Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 60 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Before You Step Outside CXJ
Before heading into Caxias Do Sul, 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: Caxias Do Sul is roughly 60 minutes from CXJ via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in 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 Caxias Do Sul from the Airport
From CXJ, the local transport gets you to Caxias Do Sul 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 local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
Two recommendations for your time in Caxias Do Sul:
Start with Praça Dante Alighieri. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Caxias Do Sul. Then, if time allows, make your way to National Monument to the Immigrant. A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at CXJ, check out Café do Aeroporto CXJ or Loja de Conveniência CXJ to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Dolce Itália Restaurante and Churrascaria Galpão Crioulo are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Caxias Do Sul.
- At the airport: Lanchonete Aeroporto CXJ and Salgados e Sucos CXJ will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Caxias Do Sul might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Luggage Storage at CXJ
Dedicated luggage storage at CXJ may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Caxias Do Sul’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.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at CXJ for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Caxias Do Sul or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CXJ, 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 Caxias Do Sul is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Caxias Do Sul.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.