Brasilia Airport (BSB) is about 12 km from the central Plano Piloto area where most hotels, government buildings, and tourist sites are located. Transfers are affordable and the distances are short.
Cost breakdown by destination
| Destination | Uber | Taxi | Private Transfer | |-------------|------|------|------------------| | Setor Hoteleiro Sul/Norte | 25-45 BRL (5-8 EUR) | 40-70 BRL (7-13 EUR) | 25-50 EUR | | Asa Sul | 30-50 BRL (5-9 EUR) | 45-75 BRL (8-14 EUR) | 25-50 EUR | | Asa Norte | 30-55 BRL (5-10 EUR) | 50-80 BRL (9-15 EUR) | 30-55 EUR | | Lago Sul | 40-70 BRL (7-13 EUR) | 60-100 BRL (11-18 EUR) | 35-60 EUR | | Taguatinga | 50-80 BRL (9-15 EUR) | 70-120 BRL (13-22 EUR) | 40-70 EUR | | Rodoviaria (bus station) | 20-35 BRL (4-6 EUR) | 35-55 BRL (6-10 EUR) | 20-40 EUR |
The cheapest option
Public bus to the Rodoviaria costs just 5 BRL (~1 EUR). The ride takes 30-45 minutes and drops you at the central bus station, which is well-connected to other parts of the city. However, with luggage it is uncomfortable — buses can be crowded during commuting hours.
Uber is the practical budget choice. A ride to the Hotel Sector typically costs 25-40 BRL (5-7 EUR) — not much more than a bus when you consider the convenience and door-to-door service.
What affects the price
- Rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM weekdays): Uber surge can push prices up 30-50%. Taxis are metered so the increase is smaller but traffic extends the journey time.
- Rain: Brasilia's rainy season (October-March) brings sudden downpours that spike Uber demand dramatically. A normally 30 BRL ride can become 60-80 BRL during a storm.
- Destination distance: The Plano Piloto is compact, but satellite cities like Taguatinga or Ceilandia are much farther and more expensive.
Taxi meter rates
Brasilia taxis use meters. The base fare is around 5 BRL with a per-km rate of approximately 3.50 BRL/km. A standard trip to the Hotel Sector runs 40-60 BRL on the meter. Taxis do not negotiate — the meter determines the fare.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Brazilian taxis or Uber. Rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 BRL is a kind gesture but not obligatory.
Bottom line
Brasilia is one of the cheapest major-city airport transfers in South America. Uber to the hotel sector costs less than 8 EUR in most cases. Even a private transfer rarely exceeds 50 EUR. The short distance and good roads keep prices low.