Recife's Guararapes Airport is conveniently close to the main tourist and business areas. The cost of getting to your destination depends on where you are headed, what time you arrive, and which transport you choose.
Prices by Destination (2026 Estimates)
The most common destinations from REC and what you can expect to pay:
Boa Viagem (7 km, 15-25 min):
- Pre-booked transfer: R$70-120
- Official taxi: R$60-90
- Uber/99: R$30-60
- Pre-booked transfer: R$90-150
- Official taxi: R$80-120
- Uber/99: R$45-80
- Pre-booked transfer: R$120-180
- Official taxi: R$110-160
- Uber/99: R$70-120
- Pre-booked transfer: R$250-350
- Official taxi: R$220-300
What Affects the Price
Traffic in Recife is heavy during weekday mornings (7-9 AM) and evenings (5-8 PM). Ride-hailing fares surge during these windows, sometimes doubling. Rain — which is frequent in Recife — also triggers surge pricing on apps.
During Carnival season (February/March) and major holidays, expect inflated prices across all transport types. Pre-booked transfers with fixed pricing are particularly valuable during these periods.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Official airport taxis use a voucher system with zone-based pricing, so you know the cost before getting in. However, some unofficial drivers outside the terminal may approach you with higher rates. Always use the official taxi stand.
Ride-hailing apps show the price upfront, but tolls (if any) are added to the final fare. The route from the airport to most destinations in Recife does not involve tolls, but trips to Porto de Galinhas may include one.
Pre-booked transfers include all fees in the quoted price — no surprises at the end.
The Budget Option
The Recife Metro Line Sul connects the airport to the city center for R$4.50. It is clean, air-conditioned, and runs every 10-15 minutes during the day. The catch: it stops running around 11 PM, stations are not close to beach hotels, and it is impractical with more than a carry-on bag.
What We Recommend
For most travelers arriving at REC, a pre-booked transfer offers the best balance of convenience and value. You know exactly what you will pay, and there is no fumbling with apps or language barriers after a long flight. If budget is the top priority and you are traveling light during daytime, the metro is hard to beat at R$4.50.