A layover in Joinville is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Lauro Carneiro de Loyola Airport sits just 60 minutes from the city center by Local Bus, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave JOI:
- 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 Joinville takes about 60 minutes by Local Bus. 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.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Joinville, we’d suggest Rua das Palmeiras & Catedral Diocesana and National Museum of Immigration and Colonization. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at JOI, check out Relaxing in the Main Terminal or Aeroporto Shop (Souvenir & Convenience) to keep yourself occupied.
How to Get Into Joinville
The most straightforward way into Joinville is the Local Bus, which takes about 60 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 80 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Local Bus is usually the smarter call.
Eating Well on a Joinville Layover
For food in Joinville, local travelers recommend Churrascaria Nono Bepe. If you have time for a second stop, Bierkeller Choperia is another popular pick.
Back at JOI, Restaurante e Lanchonete Aeroporto Joinville is the go-to. Café com Letras rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Joinville, budget roughly $27 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $11 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $6 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Joinville, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at JOI, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Joinville 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.
Luggage Storage at JOI
Luggage storage is available at Not available. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Joinville.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
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 JOI.
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
Whether you spend your layover in Joinville exploring the streets or relaxing at JOI, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.