There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Porto Alegre into a quick city adventure. From POA, the Aeromóvel connecting to Trensurb Metro can get you into town in around 70 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Before heading into Porto Alegre, 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: Porto Alegre is roughly 70 minutes from POA via Aeromóvel connecting to Trensurb Metro. 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.
Exploring Porto Alegre on a Layover
If you head into Porto Alegre, here are two things worth checking out:
Parque Moinhos de Vento (Parcão) 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 Porto Alegre.
Mercado Público de Porto Alegre is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Porto Alegre.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at POA, check out Sala VIP Doméstica Salgado Filho (POA) or Dufry Duty Free Salgado Filho to keep yourself occupied.
Getting from POA to Porto Alegre
From POA, the Aeromóvel connecting to Trensurb Metro gets you to Porto Alegre in around 70 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 90 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Aeromóvel connecting to Trensurb Metro offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Best Bites Near POA
In Porto Alegre
If you make it into town, Churrascaria ZNL is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Dado Bier Bourbon Shopping Wallig.
Inside POA
If you’re staying in the terminal, Oh My Grill POA is your main option. Divino Pão de Queijo POA works too if you want something quick.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Porto Alegre, budget roughly $28 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $12 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $6 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Staying Connected
WiFi at POA should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Brazil and you’re good to go.
Luggage Storage at POA
You can store your luggage at 1st floor of the passenger terminal, in front of the parking lot access.. Rates typically depend on bag size and duration.
If the airport lockers are full or inconveniently located, services like Bounce and Stasher list verified storage spots in and around Porto Alegre as well.
Rest Areas & Lounges
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 POA.
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 Porto Alegre exploring the streets or relaxing at POA, 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.