Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 8/12/2007

Question
Hello,

I am travelling to Brazil at the end of this month to attend a conference in
Santos
and then spend the few extra days (hopefully) in Rio.

My flight to Brazil arrives in GRU airport, from where I will be travelling to
Santos
by coach. I've been told that this trip normally lasts for 4 hours, but it can
take up
to 6 hours depending on the traffic. Everything is pretty much arranged when
I
arrive in Santos (accommodation, touring, etc). However, my problems start
after
the conference ends.

I have 4 full extra days to spend before my flight home on the 5th day, flying
from GRU at 18:40 in the evening. I would like to visit Rio De Janeiro, but I
am
unsure about the travelling arrangements. What would be the best way to
travel
from Santos to Rio and from Rio to GRU?

Unfortunately, I do not have a credit card, only a Maestro debit, so I can not
book
flights on-line. Is there a direct bus link from Santos to Rio? Also, would it be
possible to travel from Rio to GRU on my final day or should I spend a night
in
Sao Paulo?

Thanks for you help!

Elise

Answer
I dont know if you can get a bus directly from Rio to GRU. I wouldnt count on it. Stay near the airport. If you fly from CGH or GRU to Rio, give yourself plenty of time to arrive at teh airport, say 2 to 3 hours leeway. A RT flight to Rio from Sampa will cost you about $200, maybe $300. You can probably take a flight from Santas to Rio, but it will likely stop in CGH, Congonhas, Sao Paulo.

You can use your debit if it has a MasterCard logo or Visa logo on it.  But, yes, not on line.  

You are right about GRU to Santos.  Ive done the trip in about 4 hours with no traffic.  Bad days could be worse. Youre driving down a mountain, and it aint the well organized PC Highway in Cali either.  Its a mess, and you go through small towns. So 6 hurs sounds what u should expect.