Passing through Coronel Altino Machado de Oliveira Airport? A layover in Governador Valadares is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 40 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.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of GVR:
- Can you legally enter Brazil? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by Local Taxi / Rideshare, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the BRL. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting to Governador Valadares from the Airport
From GVR, the Local Taxi / Rideshare gets you to Governador Valadares in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 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 Taxi / Rideshare offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Governador Valadares, budget roughly $25 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $10 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Governador Valadares, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Bag Storage Near GVR
Specific locker facilities at GVR aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Governador Valadares itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What’s Worth Seeing in Governador Valadares
For a layover visit to Governador Valadares, we’d suggest Pico da Ibituruna Viewpoint and Praça dos Pioneiros. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
The views are worth the trip if you have time. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at GVR, check out Terminal Relaxation Zone or Observe Airport Operations to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Restaurante Mineiro and Restaurante Recanto Verde are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Governador Valadares.
- At the airport: Lanchonete do Aeroporto GVR and Airport Coffee Corner will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Sleep & Lounge Options at GVR
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 GVR.
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.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at GVR for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Governador Valadares 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.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Governador Valadares with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Governador Valadares may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.