Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Santa Maria gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from RIA to the city takes roughly 50 minutes by Local Bus / Taxi, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave RIA:
- 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 Santa Maria takes about 50 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.
The Best Way Into Santa Maria from RIA
From RIA, the Local Bus / Taxi gets you to Santa Maria in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 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 Bus / Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Santa Maria:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $9 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $24 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Santa Maria, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at RIA can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Santa Maria for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Exploring Santa Maria on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Santa Maria, two standouts are:
- Parque Itaimbé — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Santa Maria.
- Royal Plaza Shopping — It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside RIA — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Main Terminal Waiting Area
- Aeroporto Convenience Store
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Santa Maria: Churrascaria Bovinus and The Park Food + Bar. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Lanchonete Aeroporto Santa Maria or Cafeteria Express. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Sleep & Lounge Options at RIA
Long overnight layover? Your options at RIA 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.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and RIA is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Santa Maria and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Santa Maria with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Santa Maria 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.