Travelling to Floripa: Flights, Airport & Transfer

Dec 23, 2025
8 min read

Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Florianópolis – often called Floripa by Brazilians – is a beautiful island city in southern Brazil, known for its beaches and relaxed lifestyle. This guide helps first-time travelers, families, and digital nomads navigate the journey to Floripa. We cover flight connections into FLN (Hercílio Luz International Airport), what to expect at the airport, and all the ground transport options to your destination. Read on for tips on airlines, visa checks, Uber and taxi rides, shuttles, buses, and local advice to ensure a smooth arrival on the Magic Island.

Flight Connections to Floripa

Getting to Floripa usually involves connecting through a major hub. The Hercílio Luz Airport (FLN) has both international and domestic flights, though long-haul connections are limited. Here’s the overview:

Europe: TAP Portugal is currently the only carrier offering direct flights from FLN to Europe – it runs year-round service to Lisbon (LIS). Travelers from other continents typically connect in São Paulo, Rio, or Panama (see below).
Central America: Copa Airlines flies year-round between Florianópolis and Panama City (PTY). This is a key route for connections onward to North America and beyond, via Tocumen Airport in Panama.
South America: Several airlines link Floripa to nearby countries. Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, Gol, JetSmart, and LATAM offer routes to Buenos Aires (AEP and EZE) and other Argentine cities (Cordoba, Rosario, etc.), with some seasonal flights in Argentina peak season. LATAM and Sky Airline fly to Santiago, Chile (year-round), and Sky adds seasonal service to Montevideo, Uruguay. LATAM also connects FLN to Lima, Peru year-round. Azul and Gol have occasional regional flights too (Azul to Recife seasonally).
Domestic Brazil: FLN is well-connected to Brazil’s major hubs. Expect multiple daily flights to São Paulo (both Guarulhos – GRU and Congonhas – CGH) on LATAM, Gol, and Azul. Rio de Janeiro (GIG/Santos Dumont), Brasilia (BSB), Porto Alegre (POA), Belo Horizonte (CNF), and Curitiba (CWB) all have regular service. For example, LATAM flies year-round to SP, Rio, Brasília and Porto Alegre; Gol flies to SP, Rio, Chapecó (SC), and others; Azul flies daily to Campinas (VCP), Recife (seasonal), and capital cities.

Airlines & Tips: For domestic legs, LATAM, Gol, and Azul cover almost any Brazilian route you need. Copa is your go-to for Americas connections, and TAP for Europe. Low-cost carriers like Flybondi and JetSmart can offer cheaper South American flights to Argentina/Chile if your dates are flexible. Note that some routes are seasonal – the busiest season (December–March and local holidays) can see extra charters or limited-time routes, while off-season you might need a connection.

Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)

Florianópolis’s airport got a big upgrade in 2019. The new terminal opened in October 2019 on the opposite side of the runway from the old building. It has 14 gates (3 international, 11 domestic) and features modern facilities like self-check kiosks, wide glass walls, and a public observation terrace. Despite being relatively small, the terminal is clean and bright, and baggage claim is quick thanks to an updated handling system.

Inside the airport you’ll find all the basics:

Wi-Fi & Charging: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout (look for the “Free WiFi Floripa Airport” network). Seating areas have outlets for charging devices.
Food & Shops: There are cafés and snack bars on both landside (before security) and airside (after security). A 24-hour café (Bulebar) operates in the international departures lounge. A small duty-free store (Dufry Express) is open 6am–10pm for gifts and snacks. Additional retail shops and a pharmacy are on the landside level.
SIM Cards & Phones: Airport wifi is handy, but if you need a local SIM card, note that on-site shops were not clearly identified. Many travelers buy Brazilian SIMs later in town (requiring a local CPF ID) or use international/eSIM plans in advance.
Money & ATMs: ATMs are available (there’s Banco do Brasil machines) and typically work with foreign cards (fees may apply). A currency exchange counter (Casa de Câmbio) is on the ground floor landside (open early morning to late evening). Plan your cash needs – airport fees can make withdrawing or exchanging slightly pricey.
Other Amenities: Restrooms are clean and available on each floor. A luggage cart stand is near the exit. There is a 24-hour information desk (ground floor airside) and small conveniences like a post office and even a pet relief area outside landside. The clinic (medical services) is open 24h for emergencies. If traveling with a baby, note there are baby changing stations in the main lobby restrooms.
Baggage: Carousels are efficient; international flights usually disembark and reclaim luggage in the same hall. Keep an eye out for the extended baggage claim area and ample space.

Customs & Immigration: If you arrive on an international flight, you’ll go through Brazilian immigration immediately upon arrival. Have your passport ready (most western visitors do not need a pre-arranged tourist visa for short stays, but rules change, so double-check with your consulate or airline before traveling). Declare any dutiable goods at customs (for example, you’re allowed roughly $500 USD total value duty-free with some restrictions on alcohol/tobacco). The immigration area is straightforward but can get busy in peak season – if coming from within the Mercosur region, passport control is faster and usually just a stamp. For the latest entry requirements and visa info, always verify with official sources – consulate websites or your airline. We’re not giving legal advice, just noting it’s wise to be prepared.

Ground Transportation from FLN

Once you’ve landed and collected your bags, Floripa offers many ways to reach your final destination. Here’s the breakdown:

Uber & Ride-hailing (99): Uber and the local app 99 are widely available. After you exit arrivals, open your app and it will direct you to the designated pickup zone (follow the signs for “App Taxi / Rideshare”). This is usually just outside the terminal. Typical UberX fares from FLN to downtown Florianópolis run around R$50–60 in daytime; rides to Lagoa da Conceição or Jurerê Internacional may cost R$60–100 or more, depending on distance. (Uber publishes average rates – e.g. to downtown ~R$50). Night rates or heavy luggage add-ons can increase cost. Always check the app fare before confirming. Ensure your payment method (card in app) is set up or have local cash for 99 (Uber accepts credit cards or PayPal). Safety tip: confirm the car’s license plate/driver match the app, and consider seats for luggage if needed.
Taxis: There’s an official taxi stand on the ground floor just outside the arrival exit. You’ll see a taxi kiosk where drivers line up. Taxis are metered (white cars with a “TÁXI” sign). To downtown, expect about R$50 (roughly €8–10) during the day; meter rates are set by the city (about R$8 base fare + ~R$3.70/km). A per-luggage fee (~R$2–R$3 per bag) often applies, and a 20% surcharge is added at night (22:00–06:00). If you want a fixed rate, the kiosk staff can often quote a price to popular hotels or areas. Only use official taxis – avoid informal offers inside the terminal. Most airport taxis take both cash and major cards, but confirm with the driver first. Taxis are fast (15–20 min to Centro when traffic is light), so this is a good fallback late at night or with heavy bags.
Shuttles & Hotel Transfers: Many hotels in Florianópolis offer pickup services – check at booking. Some are complimentary; others charge a fee (often similar to a taxi). It’s best to arrange these in advance. There are also private shuttle companies (e.g. ShuttleBus Floripa) that operate on-demand or semi-scheduled services to main hotels and beach areas. These require a reservation (websites or local phone apps) and can be cost-effective for groups, though they may make stops en route. Shared passenger vans occasionally run from the airport to tourist zones; you can ask at the information desk.
Public Buses: The cheapest way into town is by bus. The Consórcio Fênix lines 183 (Direto) and 461 (Semi-Direto) run between FLN and the city. Look for the bus stop on the ground level outside arrivals. These go to the Terminal Central (TICEN) downtown with no transfers needed, in about 40–50 minutes. Buses run roughly every 10–20 minutes during the day (less frequently late at night). The fare is about R$6 (exact change or card on some buses). The ride can get crowded at rush hour. Once at TICEN, you can connect to nearly anywhere on the island. For example, to reach Lagoa da Conceição, transfer at TICEN to lines 320 or 330; to the North shore beaches (like Jurerê or Canasvieiras), you may take a bus heading north from Centro. Public buses usually air-conditioned, but may not have space for large suitcases.
Rental Cars: All major car rental companies have desks in the terminal (Avis, Localiza, Unidas, Inova, etc.). If you plan to explore widely (especially remote south or far north beaches), a car is very useful. Driving in Floripa is generally straightforward – roads are paved and signage clear. Note that during peak hours, the two bridges to the island can jam (especially the primary BR-101 bridge). Parking is ample in commercial areas but scarce on popular beach weekends. Fuel stations are common on the mainland approaches and in town. Keep in mind: if you stay mostly in Centro/Lagoa, you might not need a car daily (taxis/Uber can handle shorter trips). If renting, pick-up and drop-off is easy (just outside baggage claim).
Parking/Drop-off: For a quick drop-off, use the curb lane just outside Arrivals – it’s strictly “brief stop only.” The airport parking lot is a short walk away and charges by the hour/day. As a rule, do not park in undesignated zones (parking officers patrol the approach road). If someone is picking you up, ask them to enter the pickup zone or park in the short-term lot. For rental returns, follow the signs to the Rental Car Center in the parking area.

Local Arrival Tips

Here are some final insights to make your first moments in Floripa easier:

Timing Matters: Traffic in Florianópolis can be heavy. Avoid driving between 7–9am and 5–7pm when commuters use the highway bridges. The airport itself is busiest during Brazilian summer (Dec–Mar) and major holidays (Carnival in Feb/Mar, Easter). Flights can get delayed with stormy summer weather, and ground transport can book up. If your schedule is flexible, the shoulder seasons (April–May, September–November) have pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and often better flight deals (see our [Best Time to Visit Florianópolis] guide).
Areas with/without a Car: If you arrive car-free, it’s easiest to stay in areas with good services. Centro (downtown) and Lagoa da Conceição have many restaurants, hotels, and transit options (and are popular with expats and digital nomads – see our [Digital Nomad Guide]). Neighborhoods on the north side (Canasvieiras, Jurerê) have some bus service but check schedules in advance. Remote beaches on the south/east coast (Praia Mole, Joaquina, Pântano do Sul, etc.) are harder to reach by bus – you might rely on taxis/Ubers or arrange surf shuttles.
Night Arrivals: If your flight lands late, plan accordingly. The airport and city are safe, but public buses may have stopped running (last bus often by 10pm). Have the address of your hotel ready so a taxi driver can find it. Consider letting your hotel or a tour desk know your ETA; many will arrange a pickup or at least give directions to the taxi stand. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your luggage secured. If carrying cash, smaller bills are useful. If you’re very late or early (midnight–5am), the taxi stand remains open, and Uber/99 drivers do serve the airport 24/7. Just head to the designated “Uber / Rideshare” meeting point next to the arrivals exit. Curbside lights and security make the airport area well-lit at night, so you should feel comfortable waiting there.
Local Advice: Brazilians are friendly and some few speak some English in tourist areas, but learning a few Portuguese phrases (or using your phone translator) helps. Have your hotel name handy if someone asks (writing it in Portuguese on a piece of paper can save confusion). If you need emergency assistance: dial 190 (police), 192 (ambulance), or 193 (fire). For more on navigating the island and seasonal advice, see our [Getting Around the Island] and Best Time to Visit guides in the Floripa Travel Guide series.