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Getting there

Getting to Fortaleza

Short answer

The reference airport is Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR), in Fortaleza, about 6 km (4 mi). By car, it is 527 km (327 mi) from Natal, a 9h drive costing about R$ 297 in fuel and tolls.

Most reviewed activity in FortalezaMorro Branco, Fontes & Canoa Quebrada Beaches Tour★ 8.7 · 94 reviews · from US$ 20 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →

Flying to Fortaleza

The gateway from abroad is Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR), about 6 km from the center. A taxi or ride-hailing app gets you to the seafront quickly.

To explore the urban seafront you do not need to rent a car: between Beira-Mar, Iracema and Mucuripe you can get around on foot and by ride-hailing app. For the farther beaches, such as Cumbuco or Porto das Dunas, and for the coast to the east and west, a rental car or a tour helps.

Nearest airport
FORPinto Martins International Airport
Fortaleza · about 6 km (4 mi)

Driving to Fortaleza

These are the driving routes to Fortaleza 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 Natal
527 km (327 mi) · 9h
~R$ 297 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Recife
780 km (485 mi) · 11h
~R$ 440 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation

Transfers to and from Fortaleza

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

8.7 · 72 reviews

Transfer to Jericoacoara

8 h
from US$ 32
Book →
Tours and tickets

Tours and activities in Fortaleza

booking on Civitatis
Morro Branco, Fontes & Canoa Quebrada Beaches Tour
8.7· 94 reviews

Morro Branco, Fontes & Canoa Quebrada Beaches Tour

Discover Ceará's most beautiful beaches all in the same day. Enjoy the spectacular shores of Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes & Canoa Quebrada.

9 h
from US$ 20
Book →
Cumbuco Beach Day Trip
8.9· 58 reviews

Cumbuco Beach Day Trip

Fall in love with Cumbuco on this full-day trip from Fortaleza. In this paradise, you can relax next to the intense blue sea or adventure deep into the dunes.

9 h
from US$ 11
Book →
Fortaleza Guided Tour
9.7· 47 reviews

Fortaleza Guided Tour

Want to learn more about the history and culture of Ceará? Don't miss this guided tour of Fortaleza. 18th-century monuments & a centenary baobab tree await!

3 h 30 min
from US$ 15
Book →
Aguas Belas Beach Day Trip
8.4· 24 reviews

Aguas Belas Beach Day Trip

Enjoy the beaches of Aguas Belas, to the east of Fortaleza. Its white sand and warm, crystal-clear waters will make this beach trip an unforgettable experience.

11 h
from US$ 15
Book →
See all activities in Fortaleza
Where to stay

Hotels in Fortaleza

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

Hotel Gran Marquise in Fortaleza 9 ★★★★★ · 83 reviews Hotel Gran Marquise See on Booking → Hotel Sonata de Iracema in Fortaleza 9.1 ★★★★ · 41 reviews Hotel Sonata de Iracema See on Booking → Holiday Inn Fortaleza By IHG in Fortaleza 8.7 ★★★★ · 35 reviews Holiday Inn Fortaleza By IHG See on Booking → Afago Mareiro Hotel in Fortaleza 8.6 ★★★★ · 24 reviews Afago Mareiro Hotel See on Booking →
See all hotels in Fortaleza

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest airport to Fortaleza?
The nearest airport to Fortaleza is Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR), in Fortaleza, about 6 km (4 mi) away.
How do you get to Fortaleza by air?
Fly to Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR), in Fortaleza, about 6 km (4 mi), 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 Fortaleza?
It depends on where you start. From Natal, the drive is 527 km (327 mi) and takes about 9h, costing about R$ 297 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 Fortaleza easy to get to?
Yes: you can drive to Fortaleza from Natal and Recife, and its reference airport is FOR. See the driving routes on this page.
Can I book transfers and activities in Fortaleza in English?
Yes. On this page you will find transfers and activities in Fortaleza that you can book in English on Civitatis, with the price updated when you book.
Complete guide to Fortaleza Best time to visit Driving routes