Getting oriented
Plano Piloto is the planned central core of Brasília, laid out along the Eixo Monumental, with the Rodoviária (the central bus station) sitting close to the main hotels and sights. That central location makes the Rodoviária a useful reference point: many bus routes converge there, and it connects to the metro at Estação Central. Brasília Airport (BSB) lies a short ride from the city centre — roughly twenty minutes by taxi.
Rail, metro and tram
Brasília's rail-based public transport is the Metrô DF, which runs two lines — the Green (Verde) and Orange (Laranja) lines. Both lines serve Asa Sul and Central stations, so those stops are convenient interchange points whichever line you need. There is no tram network to plan around; the metro is the rail option for visitors.
- Metro tickets cost 5.50 BRL and can be bought from ticket machines at stations.
- A Cartão Flex card makes metro travel cheaper than buying single tickets.
Buses and other public transport
City buses (ônibus regulares) form the backbone of local public transport and are the main way to reach the airport by bus. Regular services leave the airport in all directions, and the airport bus stop is close to International Arrivals.
- Bus line 102.6/102.7 links the airport with Asa Sul metro station in about twenty minutes, which lets you connect onto the metro.
- Bus line 102/102.1 runs between the airport and the Rodoviária de Brasília bus station in Plano Piloto, taking around forty minutes. From there you can transfer to other buses or to the metro at Estação Central.
- Buses to the Rodoviária Interestadual (the interstate bus station) also serve the airport, useful if you are travelling onward to other Brazilian destinations.
- Fares are modest: 3.80 BRL for the bus to the city centre and 2.70 BRL for the bus to Asa Sul metro station.
For a more comfortable ride, executive buses (ônibus Executivo) — lines 113, 113.1 and 113.2 — run every half hour and connect the airport with the north, centre and south of the city, including the Centro de Convenções Ulysses Guimarães. They offer comfortable seats, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and ample luggage space, and are popular with tourists and business travellers. Buy tickets from the driver: 12.00 BRL for a single, with cash preferred and the exact amount advised.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis are a straightforward option, particularly for the airport run: the trip between BSB and the city centre takes about twenty minutes by taxi. For other journeys around Plano Piloto, taxis and ride-hailing apps are practical alternatives to the bus and metro, especially when carrying luggage or travelling outside metro hours.
Walking
Plano Piloto's central sights and hotels cluster around the Eixo Monumental and the Rodoviária, so walking works well for short trips between nearby destinations. For longer hops across the city, or to reach the airport, plan on combining walking with the metro or a bus.
From the airport into the city
You have three practical choices when you land at BSB:
- Regular bus to the centre: line 102/102.1 to the Rodoviária de Brasília (about forty minutes, 3.80 BRL), where you can transfer to the metro at Estação Central or to other buses.
- Regular bus to the metro: line 102.6/102.7 to Asa Sul metro station (about twenty minutes, 2.70 BRL), then continue by metro.
- Executive bus: lines 113, 113.1 or 113.2 every half hour (12.00 BRL from the driver), with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and luggage space — a good choice if comfort matters more than price.
If you prefer a door-to-door trip, a taxi takes around twenty minutes to the city centre. Whichever option you choose, the airport bus stop is close to International Arrivals, so you can pick up a bus shortly after landing.