Florianópolis is one of Brazil’s most accessible island destinations for both domestic and international tourism. Whether you’re flying internationally, road-tripping down the coast, or coming by long-distance bus, getting here is simple once you know your route.
This guide walks you through exactly how to get to Florianópolis by plane, bus, and car, with up-to-date routes, times, and insider travel tips for both local and international visitors.
Where Is Florianópolis?
Florianópolis is the capital of Santa Catarina, a coastal state in southern Brazil, located about 700 km south of São Paulo and 1,150 km from Rio de Janeiro.
The city is uniquely split between the mainland and Santa Catarina Island, which stretches 54 km from north to south and is connected to the continent by the Hercílio Luz Bridge.
Sitting roughly halfway between Porto Alegre and Curitiba along Brazil’s BR-101 highway, (A 4,650 km highway that runs along Brazil’s coastline, connecting the states of Rio Grande do Norte to Rio Grande do Sul),Florianópolis enjoys a prime position on the country’s Atlantic coast, close enough to major urban centers yet surrounded by pristine beaches, lagoons, and Atlantic Forest.
How to Get to Florianópolis by Plane
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the island. The city is served by Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN), located on the south end of Santa Catarina Island, just 12 km (20 min) from downtown.
Domestic Flights
Direct daily flights connect Florianópolis with nearly all major Brazilian cities:
| Origin City | Airline Options | Flight Duration | Typical Price (USD) |
| São Paulo (GRU / CGH / VCP) | LATAM, GOL, Azul | 1 h 10 m | $30–150 |
| Rio de Janeiro (GIG / SDU) | GOL, LATAM | 1 h 40 m | $30–160 |
| Brasília (BSB) | LATAM, Azul | 2 h 15 m | $100–180 |
| Porto Alegre (POA) | 1 h | 1 h | $25–100 |
Tip: Flights from São Paulo operate from all three airports (Guarulhos – GRU, Congonhas – CGH, Viracopos – VCP), and they are far apart. When transiting Sao Paulo MAKE SURE you give yourself plenty of time to transfer airports if needed.
International Flights
FLN has a growing list of direct international routes:
- Lisbon (LIS) – TAP Air Portugal, 10 h 30 m, seasonal direct route (Dec–Mar)
- Buenos Aires (EZE / AEP) – Aerolíneas Argentinas, 2 h 30 m
- Santiago (SCL) – LATAM Chile, 3 h 45 m
- Panama City (PTY) – Copa Airlines, 7 h 40 m (connecting hub to North America & Europe)
Otherwise, most intercontinental travelers connect via São Paulo (GRU) or one of the 2 main airports in Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG) or Santos Dumont (SDU)
Getting from the Airport
- Taxi or Uber to Centro: R$ 30–50 (~USD 6–10) / 15–25 minutes
- Bus 1830 connects the airport to downtown (TICEN terminal) every 30 min.
- Car rentals (Localiza, Movida, Unidas) if you plan to explore beaches independently.
Tip: Car rentals are just outside of the airport, car parks. There are shuttle busses that run regularly which stop just to the right as you exit the main entry/exit. Movida is bright orange, Localiza is green.
How to Get to Florianópolis by Bus
Traveling by long-distance bus is comfortable and economical, ideal for budget travelers or those exploring southern Brazil by land.
Main Bus Station
Terminal Rita Maria (TICEN) is the island’s main terminal, located downtown near the bridge to the mainland.
Major Routes and Travel Times
| Origin | Duration | Approx. Fare (USD) | Bus Companies |
| São Paulo (Terminal Tietê) | 12–13 h | $20–70 | Catarinense, Expresso 1001 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Novo Rio) | 18–22 h | $50–100 | 1001, Eucatur |
| Curitiba | 5–6 h | $25–35 | Catarinense |
| Porto Alegre | 6–7 h | $30–40 | Santo Anjo, Pluma |
| Foz do Iguaçu | 14–15 h | $60–80 | Catarinense |
| Montevideo (Uruguay) | ~19 h | $80–100 | TTL, EGA |
Buses in southern Brazil are generally modern, with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Some busses offer full lay flat beds and sleeper services for longer journeys.
Getting Around After Arrival
From the bus terminal, you can:
- Walk or Uber to downtown hotels (5–10 min)
- Connect to local buses via the integrated terminal system (TICEN ↔ TILAG ↔ TIRIO ↔ TICAN)
- Rent a car near the station if you plan to visit multiple beaches
How to Get to Florianópolis by Car
Driving offers flexibility, perfect for exploring multiple beach regions or stopping in charming towns along the coast.
Primary Route: BR-101
Florianópolis is linked to Brazil’s coastal highway BR-101, one of the country’s best-maintained roads.
- From São Paulo: ~700 km / 9–10 hours via BR-116 → BR-376 → BR-101
- From Rio de Janeiro: ~1,150 km / 13–15 hours via BR-116 → BR-101
- From Curitiba: ~300 km / 4–5 hours via BR-376 → BR-101
- From Porto Alegre: ~475 km / 6–7 hours via BR-101
Exit BR-101 at São José, then follow BR-282 across the Hercílio Luz Bridge onto the island.
Tolls & Parking
Expect 4–5 tolls between São Paulo and Floripa (R$ 4–8 each). On-island, many beaches use informal parking attendants (“flanelinhas”), normally around R$20, carry small bills or coins, or use PIX.
Approximate Distances to Florianópolis
| City | Distance (km) | Drive Time |
| Curitiba | 300 | 5 h |
| Porto Alegre | 475 | 6–7 h |
| São Paulo | 700 | 9–10 h |
| Rio de Janeiro | 1,150 | 13–15 h |
| Brasília | 1,600 | 18–20 h |
| Buenos Aires | 1,500 | ~20 h |
Best Option for International Travelers
If you’re arriving from Europe or North America, the simplest route is:
- Fly to São Paulo (GRU) — main international hub.
- Connect to Florianópolis (FLN) — 1 h 10 m domestic flight.
- Most airlines transfer luggage through automatically.
- Alternative: Seasonal Lisbon → Florianópolis direct flight with TAP Air Portugal (Dec–Mar).
From the airport, taxis or Ubers will get you to most neighborhoods in under 30 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Best time to travel: November–March for warm weather; April–June for cheaper flights and light crowds.
- Avoid driving at Chrismas: Christmas → New Year week; roads can gridlock for hours as people travel for holidays.
- Apps: Uber and 99 are widely used.
- Documents: International drivers can use licenses with English/Portuguese text; bring an IDP if not.
Final Word
Getting to Florianópolis is easy — and the journey is part of the adventure. Whether you’re touching down from Lisbon, cruising down Brazil’s coastal highway, or rolling in from São Paulo by bus, the “Magic Island” is closer than you think.
