Passing through Vila Rica Airport? A layover in Vila Rica is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 30 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.
Before You Step Outside VLP
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at VLP:
First, verify that you can enter Brazil — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Rideshare takes about 30 minutes into Vila Rica, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — BRL is the currency here. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Vila Rica, here are two things worth checking out:
Praça Central de Vila Rica is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora Aparecida is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at VLP, check out VLP Waiting Area Comfort or Airport Refreshment Kiosk to keep yourself occupied.
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Vila Rica: Restaurante e Churrascaria Boi Preto and D’Gust Pizzaria e Restaurante. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Aeroporto Cafe e Lanchonete or Basic Grab-and-Go Counter. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
How to Get Into Vila Rica
From VLP, the Taxi/Rideshare gets you to Vila Rica in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Rideshare offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Vila Rica might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$10 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$25 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Vila Rica, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at VLP 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 Vila Rica for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
WiFi at VLP 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.
Taking a Break at VLP
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at VLP, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Vila Rica genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.