Fortaleza International Airport (Pinto Martins) serves the capital of the state of Ceará, famous for the beaches and sand dunes of the surrounding coast, approximately 11 km from the city center.
It is one of the main tourist hubs in northeastern Brazil.
How to get to Pinto Martins International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to FOR
Parking near Pinto Martins International Airport
The authorized parking is located in front of the terminal building.
Approximately 14-22 BRL for the first hour (after a 10-minute tolerance), then 3.50-4 BRL for each subsequent hour; booking online offers daily rates from approximately 23.90-40 BRL.
How to get to Fortaleza from FOR
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Pinto Martins International Airport
The major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for reaching the beaches along the Ceará coast.
You'll need a driver's license, passport, and credit card; in most cases an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required.
Hotels near Pinto Martins International Airport
Airport area (Montese)
2 km from the terminal, about a 9-minute drive
Best for: those with a tight connection or arriving/departing in the dead of night
- The closest zone to the terminal in this guide
- Useful for just a few hours' rest
- No evening life or beach nearby
- Fine only for a short stopover, not for staying in the city
Recommended hotels
Praia de Iracema
about 10 km from the airport, 20-35 minutes by car depending on traffic
Best for: for those who prefer Fortaleza's historic quarter and nightlife on foot
- Historic quarter with bars and evening venues packed into a few streets
- Beach and seafront within walking distance
- Lively in the evening, not ideal for those seeking quiet
- Some streets call for caution after dark
Recommended hotels
Meireles e Mucuripe
about 10 km from the airport, 20-35 minutes by car depending on traffic
Best for: for those who prefer the Beira Mar with restaurants, shops and a seafront promenade
- Seafront with a cycle path and evening craft markets
- The city's widest choice of upscale hotels
- The sea isn't always swimmable in the city, better suited to strolling than bathing
- Higher prices than in the other zones
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Gran Marquise on Mucuripe beach, with an in-house spa and two restaurants for those who'd rather not go out at night View availability
- Hotel Luzeiros Fortaleza on the Beira Mar, with a breakfast reviewers rate among the best in the city View availability
- Iate Plaza Hotel overlooking the Beira Mar in Mucuripe, a mid-range option with a pool and sea view View availability
Praia do Futuro
13-16 km from the airport, about a 25-minute drive
Best for: for families looking for a wide beach with barracas and beach clubs
- A wider, better-organised beach than those in the city centre
- Pools and kids' areas for those travelling as a family
- Further from the historic centre and Iracema's evening life
- Less connected on foot to restaurants outside the resort
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
From check-in to gate, in this modern terminal, it takes 10-15 minutes.
During traffic peaks, customs and security can slow things down: for international flights, 3 hours of buffer time is recommended.
Map of Pinto Martins International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do you reach Jericoacoara or Canoa Quebrada from Fortaleza?
They are far from the city (several hours by road): most operators arrange a dedicated transfer or recommend a domestic flight to Jericoacoara. Check the options with your accommodation.
Q. How far is central Fortaleza from the airport?
About 5-6 km, a 15-minute taxi ride.
Q. Is Fortaleza a good base for exploring the coast of Ceará?
Yes as an air gateway, but the most famous beaches (Jericoacoara, Canoa Quebrada) are best experienced by staying overnight right there rather than commuting from Fortaleza.
Q. What to buy at Fortaleza duty free?
Cajuína, a typical non-alcoholic cashew-based drink from Ceará, as well as lace handicrafts.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights