Getting Around Camboriú
Camboriú is a municipality in the state of Santa Catarina, in Brazil's South region, sitting just inland from Balneário Camboriú, the well-known beach destination next door. Because the two are so closely linked, many visitors treat Camboriú as part of a Balneário Camboriú trip — and much of the practical transport advice for the area applies to both.
How Tourists Move Around
For most visitors, getting around the Camboriú–Balneário Camboriú area is done by road. The region's transport is built around buses, taxis, and private cars rather than trains, and the practical choices a visitor will make are usually between these road-based options.
Rail, Metro and Trams
There is no rail, metro, or tram network serving Camboriú or the surrounding area. Visitors should not plan on using trains or trams to get around; the available modes are road-based.
Buses and Public Transport
Buses are a genuine option for reaching the area and for getting around once you are there. If you are arriving by air, it is possible to travel from the airport to Balneário Camboriú by bus. Longer-distance buses are also a practical way in: there are plenty of options for getting into the city by bus from elsewhere.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are a straightforward option in the area. From the airport to Balneário Camboriú, a taxi "will not cost that much," which makes it a reasonable choice for a visitor arriving with luggage or without local knowledge. Ride-hailing apps are widely used in Brazil and are a common way for visitors to get around, though for airport transfers the taxi option is specifically noted as affordable.
Walkability
Walking is a realistic way to cover short distances in the built-up parts of the area, but the wider region is spread out and the main connections between towns and to the airport are by road. For anything beyond a short local trip, plan on a bus, taxi, or car rather than on foot.
Getting There from the Airport
The nearest airport is Ministro Victor Konder in Navegantes (NVT), which serves the area and has direct flights to and from São Paulo, Campinas, Ribeirão Preto, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, and Florianópolis. These routes are operated by LATAM, GOL, and Azul.
From Navegantes airport you have several ways to reach the city:
- Bus — a bus connection is available from the airport to Balneário Camboriú.
- Taxi — a taxi from the airport is affordable and a convenient option.
- Rental car — you can rent a car at the airport. Localiza is the biggest Brazilian rent-a-car company. Consider adding a GPS to the rental, since driving in Brazil is not always easy and signage is not that good.
As an alternative, Florianópolis International Airport (FLN) is another option for reaching the area and has more route options, including Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre. It is farther away than Navegantes, so it is worth weighing the extra travel time against the wider choice of flights.
Arriving by Car
If you are driving in, the route is straightforward: get onto the BR-101 and pay attention to the signs — you will usually need to head south. This makes the area easy to reach by car from other cities in the region and beyond.
Practical Tips
- Base your transport plans on road travel — buses, taxis, and cars — since there is no rail or metro network.
- For airport arrivals, Navegantes (NVT) is the closest airport; a taxi is affordable and a bus is also available.
- If you want more flight options, consider Florianópolis (FLN), accepting the longer onward journey.
- If you rent a car, add a GPS — signage in Brazil is not always clear.
- Driving in from elsewhere usually means joining the BR-101 and following signs south.