Brazil's North-East Region
Fortaleza Travel Guide
The gateway to a number of Brazil's most beautiful beaches has some tranquil spots of its own
Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará, is a bustling metropolis known for its beaches, including Praia do Futuro, and its lively cultural scene. The city is a major center for forró music and dance and hosts a famous annual festival celebrating this genre. Fortaleza is also the gateway to smaller beach towns like Jericoacoara and Canoa Quebrada, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring Brazil's northeastern coast.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Fortaleza
Relax at Praia do Futuro
Explore Dragão do Mar Cultural Center
Visit the Mercado Central
Walk along Beira-Mar Avenue
Visit Fortaleza's Metropolitan Cathedral
Closest airport
Aeroporto Internacional de Fortaleza - Pinto Martins (FOR)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Fortaleza - Engenheiro João Thomé
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Main ports
How to get to Fortaleza
There are frequent bus and flight connections to Fortaleza. Fortaleza is connected with direct international flights from Lisbon, Paris, Miami, Orlando, Buenos Aires, and others. It has direct domestic flights from Recife, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belem, and several more.
Fortaleza, along with Recife and Natal, is one of only three cities with direct flights to Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with restricted access and one of Brazil's most beautiful islands for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Busses connect Fortaleza with many of Brazil's best beaches in the north-east, such as Jericoacoara (5.5-6.5 hours), Canoa Quebrada (3 hours), as well as the cities of Natal (8-9 hours) and Sao Luis (19 hours).
How to get around Fortaleza
Getting around Fortaleza is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options available. The city's public transportation system includes a bus and metro system that connects the city center, airport, and beaches, including Praia do Futuro.
Fares for Public Transport in Fortaleza, 2024
The fare for a one-way bus ride is R$4.50. The fare for the metro varies by line:
Linha Sul – Metro (Red Line) R$3.60
Linha Oeste – Metro (Green Line) R$1.00
Linha Nordeste - Light rail (Purple Line) Free
The purple line passes by the airport, as do several bus routes. Up to date routes and timetables are can be found on Google Maps by searching for directions.
Ride-sharing services like 99 and Uber are also widely available and inexpensive, are a safer way to travel after dark.
Things to know before you go
The best beaches are east of the city center. Praia do Futuro is lined with resort-style bars and restaurants, surf schools, and plenty of space to sun bake or play football away from the crowds. It is a much cleaner and more relaxing place to spend the day than more central beaches such as Praia de Iracema. The restaurants are open to the public and have chairs where you can sit at along the beachfront, sometimes but not always requiring a purchase.
Good bars can also be found outside the city center. For example, head to R. Castro Alves for a bustling street lined with several tiny bars that are open late (search Toca do Placido, one bar at the start of this street on Google Maps).
Some areas of Fortaleza can be unsafe to walk around at night. Take Uber rather than walking when travelling to and from bars.
