Getting Around Pelotas
Pelotas is a compact, walkable city in southern Rio Grande do Sul, and most of what a visitor wants to see is concentrated in the historic centre. The city sits on a low plain near the Lagoa dos Patos, with the São Gonçalo Channel to the south separating it from Rio Grande. That geography shapes how you move around: the centre is best explored on foot, while outlying spots such as the Laranjal beach district call for a taxi or a ride-hailing app.
On Foot
Walking is the best way to explore Pelotas. Many of the city's main attractions sit in a relatively small area, and the downtown district — known as the Centro Histórico — is particularly pleasant to explore on foot, thanks to its well-preserved collection of historic buildings and squares. If your itinerary centres on the historic centre, you may not need any other form of transport at all.
For anything beyond that core, though, you will want wheels. To reach Pelotas' natural attractions, such as Praia do Laranjal on the coast of the Lagoa dos Patos, taxis and ride services are readily available.
Rail, Metro and Trams
Pelotas has no rail, metro or tram network for visitors to use. Getting around the city relies on walking, buses, taxis and ride-hailing services.
Buses and Public Transport
Buses are the main form of public transport within the city. For intercity travel, Expresso Embaixador operates the route between Porto Alegre and Pelotas using comfortable executive buses. The Pelotas Bus Terminal sits a short distance from the city downtown, and taxis are available in front of the station when you arrive.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride services are the practical choice for trips that are too far to walk, including reaching the Laranjal beach area. Taxis are also the reliable option at the two main arrival points: they are available at the entrance and exit of the airport, and in front of the bus terminal.
Getting from the Airport into the City
João Simões Lopes Neto International Airport (PEL) is the only airport serving Pelotas, located a short drive from the city downtown. It is a small airport with a single room handling both departures and arrivals, so do not expect extensive amenities such as a food court.
On the flight side, Azul flies from Porto Alegre to Pelotas from Monday to Friday, while VoePass serves the same route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights from Guarulhos on Gol are also available on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Once you land, taxis are available at the entrance and exit of the airport — the straightforward way to cover the short distance into the centre.
Arriving by Car
If you are driving in, the only access route from Porto Alegre and other cities in the south is the BR-116 highway. The stretch has several tolls, but despite them the asphalt quality is not very good and few sections have a duplicate lane. Be mindful of traffic conditions, especially during long holidays when the roads can be busy, and check the weather before setting out, as heavy rain can affect visibility and grip on the road.