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Getting there

Getting to Arraial do Cabo

Short answer

The reference airport is Cabo Frio International Airport (CFB), in Cabo Frio, about 20 km (12 mi) from Arraial do Cabo. By car, it is 585 km (364 mi) from São Paulo, a 7h30 drive costing about R$ 394 in fuel and tolls.

Most reviewed activity in Arraial do CaboArraial do Cabo Boat Trip★ 8.7 · 20 reviews · from US$ 56 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →

Flying to Arraial do Cabo

The nearest airport is Cabo Frio International Airport (CFB), about 20 km from Arraial do Cabo, with few scheduled flights. Tom Jobim International Airport, known as Galeão (GIG), in Rio de Janeiro, is about 165 km away (around 2 h 30 min) and has a much larger network of connections.

The final stretch is by land, over the Rio-Niterói Bridge, the BR-101 and the Via Lagos. From Rio de Janeiro it is 165 km (about 2 h 40 min), from Búzios 38 km (about 55 min) and from São Paulo 585 km (about 7 h 30 min). There are also buses from Rio and São Paulo.

Routes and airlines change often; the safest approach is to check them when planning your trip.

Nearest airport
CFBCabo Frio International Airport
Cabo Frio · about 20 km (12 mi) from Arraial do Cabo
Alternative
GIGTom Jobim International Airport (Galeão)
Rio de Janeiro · about 165 km (103 mi) from Arraial do Cabo

Few scheduled flights. Galeão (GIG), in Rio, is about 165 km away (2 h 30 min) and has a much larger network.

Driving to Arraial do Cabo

These are the driving routes to Arraial do Cabo from the main cities of origin, with distance, travel time and estimated fuel cost for a car that gets 11 km per liter. Amounts are in Brazilian reais (R$).

From São Paulo
585 km (364 mi) · 7h30
~R$ 394 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Rio de Janeiro
165 km (103 mi) · 2h42
~R$ 113 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Búzios
38 km (24 mi) · 0h54
~R$ 21 in fuel, not counting tolls
see the calculation

Transfers to and from Arraial do Cabo

If you would rather not drive, Civitatis offers transfers you can book in English to get to Arraial do Cabo or get around the area.

7.3 · 3 reviews

Transfer to Ilha Grande

6 h
from US$ 101
Book →
Tours and tickets

Tours and activities in Arraial do Cabo

booking on Civitatis
Arraial do Cabo Boat Trip
8.7· 20 reviews

Arraial do Cabo Boat Trip

On this boat trip around Arraial do Cabo you'll discover places such as the Ilha do Farol, Praia do Forno or the Blue Grotto.

4 h
from US$ 56
Book →
Arraial do Cabo Quad Tour
6· 4 reviews

Arraial do Cabo Quad Tour

If you're in Arraial do Cabo and you want to check out its main natural attractions in a fun and original way, don't miss this quad tour. You'll have a blast!

2 h
from US$ 99
Book →
Arraial do Cabo Buggy Tour
5· 2 reviews

Arraial do Cabo Buggy Tour

On this buggy tour of Arraial do Cabo, we'll drive through the charming spots of this coastal city of Rio de Janeiro and admire breathtaking landscapes!

2 h
from US$ 34
Book →
Arubinha Buggy Tour
10· 1 review

Arubinha Buggy Tour

Looking for an adrenaline rush? In this buggy tour in Arubinha we'll ride through the beautiful natural area of Arraial do Cabo next to Araruama Lagoon.

4 h
from US$ 118
Book →
See all activities in Arraial do Cabo
Where to stay

Hotels in Arraial do Cabo

Compare hotels and places to stay in Arraial do Cabo on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

Sophia 2 Residence Inn in Arraial do Cabo 9.5 ★★★★★ · 12 reviews Sophia 2 Residence Inn See on Booking → Mediterrane Hotel by Castelo Itaipava in Arraial do Cabo 8.4 ★★★★ · 42 reviews Mediterrane Hotel by Castelo Itaipava See on Booking → Pousada Porto Praia in Arraial do Cabo 8.4 ★★★ · 17 reviews Pousada Porto Praia See on Booking → Pousada da Prainha in Arraial do Cabo 10 ★★★★ · 1 review Pousada da Prainha See on Booking →
See all hotels in Arraial do Cabo

Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest airport to Arraial do Cabo?
The nearest airport to Arraial do Cabo is Cabo Frio International Airport (CFB), in Cabo Frio, about 20 km (12 mi) away. Alternative: Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) (GIG), in Rio de Janeiro, about 165 km (103 mi) away. Few scheduled flights. Galeão (GIG), in Rio, is about 165 km away (2 h 30 min) and has a much larger network.
How do you get to Arraial do Cabo by air?
Fly to Cabo Frio International Airport (CFB), in Cabo Frio, about 20 km (12 mi) from Arraial do Cabo, and cover the rest of the way overland. Flight routes and schedules change often: check them when you plan your trip.
Is it better to drive or fly to Arraial do Cabo?
It depends on where you start. From São Paulo, the drive is 585 km (364 mi) and takes about 7h30, costing about R$ 394 in fuel and tolls. From distant origins, flying usually saves time; from nearby cities, driving gives you more freedom. Compare the cost of the drive with the price of a plane ticket before you decide.
Is Arraial do Cabo easy to get to?
Yes: you can drive to Arraial do Cabo from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Búzios, and its reference airport is CFB. See the driving routes on this page.
Can I book transfers and activities in Arraial do Cabo in English?
Yes. On this page you will find transfers and activities in Arraial do Cabo that you can book in English on Civitatis, with the price updated when you book.
Complete guide to Arraial do Cabo Best time to visit Driving routes