How to get to Brazil from the USA

Starting April 10, 2025, citizens of the USA, Canada, and Australia need an e-visa ($80.90) for tourist entry into Brazil. So, there is one question left: how do I get to different Brazilian cities? We’ve covered this matter for you, just keep reading.

Flights to Brazil

Here are five examples of how you can organize your journey to Brazil from some American cities. Note that flight prices fluctuate — treat the figures below as approximate reference points and check current fares before booking.

Miami to Rio de Janeiro

Say, you want to fly to Rio de Janeiro from Miami. The cheapest option will be the Latin American airline Avianca — $573 without baggage. Duration of flight — 12h 10 m (one layover in Bogotá included). The second option — the only direct flight by American Airlines. The cost of this flight is $1.415, duration is 8h 08 m.

New York to Rio de Janeiro

The cheapest flight on this route is provided by LATAM Chile (with a layover in Sao Paulo)—$802. Travel time: 1 day, 3 hours, 35 minutes.

The fastest way will be to travel from New York to Sao Paulo via United Airlines and then re-sit on LATAM Chile. Travel time: 11 hours, 55 minutes. Cost: $1,858.

New York to São Paulo

Direct flights from New York to São Paulo are proposed by the next airlines: United Airlines ($990 and 9h 35 m in flight), LATAM Chile ($1.217 and 9h 40 m in flight), American Airlines ($1.894 and 9h 47 m in flight).

Houston to Manaus

The cheapest option to travel from Houston to Manaus is by Gol Transportes Aéreos (operated by American Airlines). Cost: $1,627. Travel time: 23h 08 m.

The fastest way is by Azul Brazilian Airlines (operated by United Airlines). Cost: $2,491. Travel time: 19h 09 m.

Chicago to Brasília

Going from Chicago to Brasília in the cheapest way with a convenient layover is possible by American Airlines. Cost of such a flight: $1,629. Travel time: 12h 31 m.

Can I drive from the USA to Brazil?

You can drive to Brazil from the neighboring countries of Argentina, Bolivia, French Guyana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Also, the Pan-American Highway can take you from the USA to Brazil. The only break occurs between Panama and Colombia, where you will need to ship your vehicle across continents because the Darien Gap is a dangerously impassable section of the jungle.

The average cost of travel on the Pan-American Highway is between $20 and $100 per person per day.

Wondering where to stay and what to see in Brazil? Then, read our comprehensive guide on this incredible Latin American country.

Getting Around Brazil

Brazil is a continent-sized country, so getting between cities takes planning. Domestic flights are the most practical option for long-haul routes, and three carriers cover the bulk of the network:

• LATAM Brasil — the largest domestic network, with hubs in São Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
• Gol — competitive fares on popular routes, worth checking for São Paulo, Brasília, and Salvador
• Azul Brazilian Airlines — strong coverage of smaller cities and regional routes, including Manaus and the Northeast

Booking in advance through the airlines’ own sites or a fare aggregator typically yields the best prices. Domestic routes between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro run frequently enough that same-week tickets are often available at reasonable fares.

For shorter intercity routes, luxury buses — known as leito (fully reclining) or executivo (semi-reclining) services — are a comfortable and affordable alternative. Major bus companies such as Comfortbus and Itapemirim connect most state capitals. The São Paulo–Rio de Janeiro route, for example, takes around six hours and costs significantly less than a flight once airport transfer time is factored in. Tickets can be booked through the Busbud platform or directly at rodoviárias (bus terminals).