Getting Around Campo Grande
Campo Grande was planned in the middle of a vast green space, with wide streets and tree-lined avenues, and that layout shapes how visitors move around it. The city is the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul and the largest city in the state, and its public transit is built around a network of buses rather than rail. Practical, qualitative guidance for each mode follows.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Campo Grande has no metro or tram system for visitors to use, and its railway is not an option for getting around. The city is served by a railway administered by the Novoeste company, which interconnects with other cities in the state along a line running from Bauru and São Paulo state through Campo Grande to Corumbá and on toward Bolivia. Today, however, no passenger services are operated on it — only freight trains. Plan your trip around buses, taxis and ride-hailing instead.
Buses and Public Transport
Public transit in Campo Grande is composed of a network of buses. Routes cover major neighborhoods, commercial areas and attractions, and they converge at central transfer points. The main hub is the Terminal Central de Transbordo.
- Integration: You can change buses free of charge at the terminals. Some terminals are as big as a bus station, while others look more like a simple bus stop — such as the one serving the main shopping mall.
- Fares and payment: The fare is a flat rate, and most buses only accept payment made with the city transit card (the rechargeable "Cartão Flex"). Cash may be accepted on some services, but do not count on it.
- If you don't have a card: You can ask someone to pass their card for you — have change ready to pay the person back — or, if you're heading to a terminal, ask the bus driver to drop you at the terminal entrance, where you can pay in cash.
- Hours: Buses run roughly from early morning until around midnight or 1:00 AM.
- Planning and tracking: Real-time tracking and route planning are available through apps such as SiMR and Moovit.
- Accessibility: Newer buses have ramps, but accessibility is not universal — inquire directly about accessible routes if you need them.
- Useful phrase: "Qual ônibus vai para [destination]?"
Interstate buses depart from the city's bus station to numerous destinations, including Corumbá on the border with Bolivia, Bonito, Iguaçu Falls, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The bus terminal is reachable from the city by bus — local lines going downtown depart from the bus stop in front of the new terminal — or by taxi.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are white cars with "TAXIS" signs and meters, and they can be hailed on the street or picked up at stands. Fares are metered, cash is preferred though some drivers accept credit cards, and fares may be higher at night. As a rough guide, a ride between the center and the airport costs around R$ 25 on work days and around R$ 35 on Sundays or at night.
Ride-sharing is also available: Uber and 99 both operate in the city, offering upfront pricing and cashless payment. When using ride-hailing, verify the driver and vehicle details and share your trip details with a contact.
Walking and Cycling
Campo Grande's wide, tree-lined avenues make some areas genuinely pleasant on foot. The most pedestrian-friendly spots include:
- Parque das Nações Indígenas, which has paved paths for walking and jogging.
- The Centro/Downtown area, especially Rua 14 de Julho, with its historic buildings and shops.
- Avenida Afonso Pena, with wide sidewalks and a central median.
Bike lanes are a growing network, especially around parks and major avenues. Helmets are recommended, and heavy traffic on main roads makes caution necessary. Avoid walking or cycling alone at night in isolated or poorly lit areas, and avoid cycling on major highways that lack dedicated bike lanes. Public bicycle sharing is limited, though some hotels and tour operators rent bikes.
Other Options: Car Rental and Tours
Renting a car requires a valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit, a passport and a credit card; the minimum age is typically 21 or 25, with extra fees for younger drivers. Rental companies at the airport include Localiza, Unidas, Movida, Hertz and Avis — book in advance, especially in high season. Motorcycle and scooter rental is uncommon for tourists and requires a license endorsement and an IDP.
If you drive, note that Brazilians drive on the right, seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, cell phone use while driving is illegal, and there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Major urban arteries and federal highways are generally good, but rural roads — notably toward the Pantanal — can be unpaved and challenging; avoid night driving in rural areas and watch for wildlife at dawn, dusk and night. Street parking (Zona Azul) may require payment, while shopping malls and hotels offer parking.
There is no hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus in the city. Pre-arranged tours to Bonito, the Pantanal or around the city use buses and vans, and Pantanal tours use specialized 4x4 vehicles as part of organized packages. There are no boat taxis in Campo Grande itself — river transport belongs to Pantanal tours.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Campo Grande International Airport (CGR), informally known as Antônio João Airport, sits close to the downtown area and is served by Latam, Gol and Azul. The airport's operation is shared with Campo Grande Air Force Base, and it has two runways; operations are mostly domestic, with a few flights to Bolivia and Paraguay.
To reach the city from the airport:
- Bus: There is no shuttle bus service, but you can catch a local bus. The bus stop is about 50 m to the right of the main avenue, right in front of the airport as you go from the airport to the avenue.
- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport and are metered; expect roughly R$ 25 to the center on work days and around R$ 35 on Sundays or at night.
- Ride-hailing: Uber and 99 operate in the city, giving you a cashless alternative with upfront pricing.
- Car rental: Rental desks for Localiza, Unidas, Movida, Hertz and Avis are available at the airport if you prefer to drive yourself.
Practical Safety and Payment Tips
- Keep your phone charged for navigation and ride-sharing apps.
- Avoid displaying valuables, wear your daypack on the front in crowded areas, and be watchful on crowded buses and at busy terminals and ATMs.
- Have your destination written down to avoid miscommunication, especially if you don't speak Portuguese.
- Remember that most city buses require the transit card, so plan how you'll pay before you board.