There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Pelotas into a quick city adventure. From PET, the Local Bus / Taxi can get you into town in around 40 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Before You Step Outside PET
A few things to sort out before you leave PET:
- 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 Pelotas takes about 40 minutes by Local Bus / Taxi. 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.
How to Spend Your Time in Pelotas
If you head into Pelotas, here are two things worth checking out:
Charqueada São João is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Pelotas.
Praça Coronel Pedro Osório & Historic Center is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. You can see the main features in a short visit.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PET, you can spend time at Pelotas Airport Relaxation Zone or try Airport Souvenir & Newsstand. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Getting to Pelotas from the Airport
The most straightforward way into Pelotas is the Local Bus / Taxi, which takes about 40 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 60 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Local Bus / Taxi is usually the smarter call.
Eating Well on a Pelotas Layover
For food in Pelotas, local travelers recommend Mercado Central Food Stalls (Pelotas). If you have time for a second stop, Churrascaria Lobão is another popular pick.
Back at PET, Pelotas Aeroporto Café is the go-to. Doces & Salgados Pelotenses Express rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Pelotas, 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.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Pelotas, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PET, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Pelotas 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.
Bag Storage Near PET
Specific locker facilities at PET aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Pelotas itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Need a Nap? Options at PET
Long overnight layover? Your options at PET 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 Pelotas with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Pelotas 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.