Car Rental at Salvador Airport

Airport travel guide

The capital of the state of Bahia, the coastal city of Salvador is one of the most interesting attractions in Brazil. Notable for its large carnival which, according to some, can rival the fun of its counterpart in Rio de Janeiro, as well as its strong African heritage and many cultural and natural riches, the city has plenty to keep a visitor entertained. These are five of Salvador’s most interesting attractions:

• Pelourinho. Also known simply as the Historical Center, Pelourinho (or Pelo) is Salvador’s most famous district. A world heritage site, it is home to landmarks such as the Cathedral of Salvador, the Archaeology and Ethnology Museum, and the 18th century Palace of Saldanha. Pelourinho is also considered one of the safest areas in Salvador and can be relatively safely explored on foot, especially during the day, although it’s obviously important to still keep your wits about you. 
• Afro-Brazilian Museum. A large port city on the Atlantic Ocean, Salvador is inextricably linked with its African heritage — up to almost 80% of the city’s inhabitants are at least partially descended from the African slaves brought to the area. Known as MAFRO and also located in Pelourinho, this museum celebrates the city’s and country’s African roots via collections on Afro-Brazilian art, traditions, and culture.
• Beaches. The public beaches of Salvador are no doubt one of the main attractions of the city. The highlight among them is Porto da Barra Beach — quite possibly the most famous Brazilian beach outside of Rio de Janeiro, it is known for its tranquil waters, busy atmosphere, historic landmarks (it was the first place in Salvador that was settled by the Europeans), and surrounding forts. There are a number of other beautiful beaches, but do some research before visiting as sadly not every coastal area of the city can be considered completely safe.
• Bahia Museum of Art. A small, but interesting museum known both for its collections and history – it is more than 100 years old – the Bahia Museum of Art is another notable cultural institution of Salvador and the rest of the state of Bahia. The museum features paintings, religious art, sculptures, glassworks, and other artworks of many local and other notable Brazilian masters. Two other important landmarks for art lovers include the nearby Palace of Art and the Bahia Museum of Modern Art (MAM).
• Barra Lighthouse. Located in the southern Padrão area near the previously Bahia Museum of Art, Barra Lighthouse and the surrounding Santo Antônio Fort is another interesting place to visit. Despite continuing to fulfill its original function, the historical lighthouse has been listed by Brazil’s National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute as a historic object.

Top international routes

• Sao Paulo
• Rio de Janeiro
• Brasilia
• Belo Horizonte
• Recife
• Fortaleza
• Aracaju
• Porto Seguro
   

Main airlines

Gol Transportes Aereos, Azul Brazilian Airlines, Avianca Brazil, Aerolineas Argentinas, LATAM Brasil, and Passaredo Linhas Aereas

Terminals

The single passenger terminal serves all domestic and international flights.

Location

Salvador Airport is about 25 km (16 mi) northeast of Salvador de Bahia. Av. Carybé, Av. Luís Viana, and Av. Mario Leal Ferreira are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $17 per day
• Medium cars - from $18 per day
• Large cars - from $20 per day
• SUVs - from $20 per day
• Premium cars - from $68 per day
• Vans - from $48 per day

Car rental desks

Some are located on the ground floor of the airport, in the domestic flights area.

Services and facilities

You’ll find several cafés, bars, and fast food restaurants, as well as a variety of shops, some of which sell local Bahia goods. There are also ATMs, a currency exchange, a bank, a pharmacy, a medical center, baby changing facilities, a post office, and a barbershop. Salvador Airport is partially equipped for travelers with reduced mobility, and special assistance can be requested, but be sure to contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service.

Nearest gas station

Shell gas station, located at Av. Octávio Mangabeira, SN - Jaguaribe, can be reached in about 12 minutes and is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. There are many other gas stations nearby and on the way to Salvador de Bahia.

Top one-way drives

• Santo Antônio de Jesus (189 km / 117 miles)
• Aracaju (303 km / 188 miles)
• Ilheus (449 km / 279 miles)
• Maceio (558 km / 347 miles)