Hercílio Luz International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Hercílio Luz International Airport FLN

Brazil

Florianópolis Airport (Hercílio Luz) serves the capital of Santa Catarina state, built on the island famous for its over 40 beaches, approximately 12 km from the city center.

It ranks among southern Brazil's busiest tourist airports, with a strong seasonal peak during the summer months (December–March).

Content verified on 03/09/2026

How to get to Hercílio Luz International Airport

The city centre of Florianópolis is approximately 12 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 20-30 minutes by taxi, longer during the high summer season when the island is heavily congested.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city center in approximately 20-30 minutes; beaches on the north side of the island (Jurerê, Canasvieiras) require 40-60 minutes.

By Train

Florianópolis does not have a rail or metro network.

By Bus

Some urban bus lines connect the airport to Florianópolis city center.
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Tips In summer months (December-March) island traffic is much more intense: account for longer transfer times than usual. If your destination is the northern beaches, verify if your hotel offers a direct transfer.

Average travel time to FLN

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus20-30 minutes
Taxi / Private hire20-30 minutes (downtown), 40-60 minutes (north coast)

Parking near Hercílio Luz International Airport

In front of the terminal is the airport's official parking.

It is not staffed but has video surveillance; approximately 10-12 BRL/hour, with a daily maximum rate around 60-70 BRL.

How to get to Florianópolis from FLN

By Train

Florianópolis does not have a rail/metro network.

By Bus

Some urban bus routes connect the airport to the city center of Florianópolis.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; approximately 30-45 BRL (6-9 USD) to the city center, 90-120 BRL to the northern beaches like Jurerê or Canasvieiras.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Hercílio Luz International Airport

Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, very useful given the island's size and the distance between its numerous beaches.

Bring driver's license, passport, and credit card registered to the driver for the security deposit; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required as well. In high season, book well in advance due to strong demand.

 

Hotels near Hercílio Luz International Airport

Hercílio Luz airport is in the south of the island, 13 km from the Centro: buses 183 and 186 along the Corredor Sudoeste take about 30 minutes from the terminal to TICEN, the 6120 executive coach about 35. The most famous beaches, however, are all to the north, 30 to 45 minutes by car, longer on summer weekends when the SC-401 gets congested. Those with a dawn flight or staying only for work save time by remaining near the Centro and Beira Mar; those coming for the beach and staying several nights only make sense sleeping directly in Jurerê or on the beaches of Ingleses and Santinho.
City centre

Centro and Beira Mar Norte

airport 13 km away: bus 183/186 (Corredor Sudoeste) about 30 minutes from TICEN, the 6120 executive coach about 35, or a ride-hailing app

Best for: those with an early or late flight, or in the city for work who don't want long commutes

Pros
  • the area closest to the terminal among all the island's alternatives
  • restaurants and city life within walking distance in the evening
Cons
  • no quality beach in the area, the famous ones are all to the north
  • heavy traffic during rush hour along the Beira Mar
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Jurerê Internacional

30-35 km from the airport, 30-45 minutes by car, longer on summer weekends due to traffic on the SC-401

Best for: those seeking a renowned beach and organized nightlife, without worrying about transfer time

Pros
  • one of the island's most renowned beaches, with beach clubs and top-level restaurants
  • a planned neighborhood, with wide, orderly streets
Cons
  • the transfer from the airport is the longest among the areas in this guide
  • prices that rise sharply in the summer months
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Northern Beaches: Ingleses and Santinho

about 40 km and 30-45 minutes by car from the airport, with longer queues in high season

Best for: those staying several days at the beach who aren't in a rush to get back to the airport

Pros
  • wide beaches with good facilities and seabeds suited to families
  • generally more affordable prices than in Jurerê
Cons
  • far from both the airport and the Centro
  • not recommended if staying just one night
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport offers services consistent with its role as a major tourist hub in southern Brazil.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area features erva-mate, preserved oysters and seafood (specialties of the local Azorean tradition), and regional wines.

Lounges & relaxation

Lounges open in coordination with flight times at the terminal; access typically requires a paid day-pass.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. For a local SIM, operators Vivo, Claro, and TIM have counters at the airport.

Families & Children

Family support is limited to essential services available in the waiting areas.

Terminal guide

The terminal, expanded in recent years, is modern. From check-in to gate, the walk is typically 10–15 minutes.

Security controls can lengthen during summer high-season peaks: for international flights, it is advisable to arrive with 2–3 hours in advance, or more during high season.

Map of Hercílio Luz International Airport

Map of Hercílio Luz International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Better to stay in the north or south of Florianópolis island?

The north (Jurerê, Canasvieiras) is more upscale and has calmer waters; the south (Campeche, Lagoa da Conceição) attracts a younger, surf-oriented crowd, with waves better suited to the sport.

Q. When is high season in Florianópolis?

December-March, the southern summer: during this period traffic on the island is much heavier and transfers from the airport take longer than usual.

Q. Is it worth renting a car in Florianópolis?

Yes, it's very useful given the distances between the island's more than 40 beaches: book in advance in high season, when demand is very high.

Q. What to buy at Florianópolis duty free?

Preserved oysters and seafood, linked to the island's Azorean tradition, as well as erva-mate and wines from the region.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Florianópolis

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