Brazil travel distances — Brazil beyond Salvador

Brazil is a BIG country — larger than either the continental United States or Australia. That comes as a surprise to many visitors, and as such they tend to underestimate Brazil travel times and distances.

To help you smartly plan your trip to and within Brazil, I’ve mapped out distances and travel times between common destinations and Salvador, Bahia.

Cachoeira, Bahia

This small city, with a population of under 50,000, is a great weekend getaway from Salvador. It is known for its São João festival in June, colonial architecture, and as the birthplace of the Candomblé religion.

• Distance: 117 km
• By car: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• By plane: Not available

Itacaré, Bahia

A gorgeous, Bahian coastal town famous for its surfing culture and related laid-back lifestyle.

• Distance: 250 km
• By car: 4 hours and 50 minutes (includes a ferry)
• By plane: 45 minutes. One daily flight via commercial carriers.

Lençóis, Bahia

A great jumping off point for the magical Chapada Diamantina National Park. It’s also an adorable village in its own right with several local hikes.

• Distance: 426 km
• By car: 5 hours and 20 minutes
• By plane: 1 hour. 2-3 flights per week via commercial carrier.

Salvador is a great jumping off point — and so much more

From world-class beaches to gorgeous colonial architecture to sultry dance rhythms, discover the 40 reasons why publications from The Guardian to the New York Times are saying that Salvador is a must-visit destination.

Your no-cost inspiration piece comes as a 16-page PDF -- great for printing and sharing with future traveling companions.

Get the Guide

Recife, Pernambuco

This major port city to the northeast of Salvador is known for its forro-style music, colonial architecture, and amazing carnival.

• Distance: 839 km
• By car: 11 hours
• By plane: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Rio de Janeiro

• Distance: 1,649 km
• By car: 24 hours
• By plane: 2 hours and 10 minutes

São Paulo

• Distance: 1,962 km
• By car: 26 hours
• By plane: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná

Foz do Iguaçu is the city nearest Iguaçu Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, that sits on the border between Brazil and Argentina in the south of Brazil.

• Distance: 2,814 km
• By car: 35 hours
• By plane: 6+ hours (no direct flights)

Manaus, Amazonas

If you are going to the Amazon, odds are Manaus is going to be your jumping off point.

• Distance: 5,009 km
• By car: 65 hours
• By plane: 8+ hours (no direct flights)

Happy travel planning!

Image by Heiko Behn