Pampulha

Pampulha Airport is Belo Horizonte's secondary airport, far more central than Confins: located just 9 km from the city center, near the celebrated modernist district designed by Oscar Niemeyer around Pampulha Lake.

It primarily handles regional flights and air shuttle services to other cities in Minas Gerais and São Paulo.

Content verified on 03/09/2026

Official source: www.infraero.gov.br/usa/aero_prev_home.php?ai=204

How to get to Pampulha - Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport

The city centre of Belo Horizonte is approximately 9 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city center of Belo Horizonte in approximately 15-20 minutes.

By Train

Belo Horizonte does not have a rail or metro network reaching the airport.

By Bus

Some bus routes connect the terminal to the city center.

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Tips Being much closer to the city center than Confins, Pampulha is convenient for those with same-day city commitments: always verify which of the two airports your flight operates from.

Average travel time to PLU

TrainNot available

Shuttle bus15-20 minutes

Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes

Parking near Pampulha - Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport

The parking area is close to the terminal but of limited size.

It is not staffed but is video-monitored; approximately 10-12 BRL/hour with a capped daily rate.

How to get to Belo Horizonte from PLU

By Train

Belo Horizonte has no metro or railway system serving the airport.

By Bus

Multiple public bus lines connect the airport to the city center.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; typically 35-45 BRL (7-9 USD) to the city center.

Need an airport transfer?

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Car rental at Pampulha - Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport

Car rental desks for some, but not all, operators can be found in the arrivals area.

Required documents: driver's license, passport, credit card, and typically an International Driving Permit.

Hotels near Pampulha - Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport

Pampulha Airport is inside Belo Horizonte itself, unlike the more distant Confins Airport: just 15-20 minutes by taxi get you almost anywhere in the city. Those with a same-day regional flight or a short layover can stay right on the Pampulha lake, between the terminal and Niemeyer's church. Those visiting Praça da Liberdade and its museums will find a historic hotel a short walk from the square. Those attending a trade fair or conference at Expominas are better off around Gameleira and Padre Eustáquio, closer to the exhibition centre than to the lake.

Airport area

A few minutes from the terminal; the city centre is 20-25 minutes away by taxi.

Best for: for those with a same-day regional flight or a short layover who want to stay near the terminal

Pros

A few minutes from check-in for regional flights
Close to the lake and Niemeyer's church

Cons

Area with little going on in the evening, especially out of season
Far from Savassi and the city centre

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Praça da Liberdade

About 20-25 minutes from the airport by taxi.

Best for: for those visiting the museums of Praça da Liberdade and the old town on foot

Pros

A short walk from the museums of Praça da Liberdade
Central area, well connected to the rest of the city

Cons

Plain rooms for the area's standard
Little to do nearby in the evening

Recommended hotels

ibis Belo Horizonte Liberdade In a historic 1935 building 200 metres from Praça da Liberdade, with location among the most praised features. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Expominas and Gameleira

About 25-30 minutes from the airport by taxi.

Best for: for those attending a trade fair or conference at Expominas

Pros

A kilometre from the Expominas exhibition centre
More affordable than the city's touristy areas

Cons

Industrial district, little evening life
Far from the Pampulha lake and the old town

Recommended hotels

Ímpar Suítes Expominas A kilometre from the Expominas exhibition centre, designed for those attending trade fairs and conferences in the area. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport offers essential services consistent with its predominantly regional traffic.

Shopping & Duty Free

A modest commercial area features cheeses and cachaça typical of Minas Gerais.

Lounges & relaxation

No dedicated VIP lounges: travelers can find respite before boarding at the terminal's bar and restaurant.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the terminal. For a local SIM, operators Vivo, Claro, and TIM have counters at the airport.

Families & Children

Minimal but concrete assistance is provided for families traveling with children.

Terminal guide

From check-in to gate takes about 5–10 minutes, given the compact structure of the terminal.

Although controls are brisk, planning for at least 2 hours in advance remains the standard recommendation.

Map of Pampulha - Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is the Pampulha lake near the airport natural?

No, it's an artificial reservoir created in the 1940s as a water supply: Oscar Niemeyer and Burle Marx later built the famous modernist complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, around its shores.

Q. Does Pampulha handle international flights?

No, it's mainly dedicated to regional flights and the air shuttle with other cities in Minas Gerais and São Paulo: for international flights check Confins airport.

Q. What to see near Pampulha airport?

Oscar Niemeyer's modernist architectural complex around Pampulha lake, including the famous Museu de Arte da Pampulha.

Q. Do I need a visa for Brazil when arriving in Pampulha?

The same rules apply to all entries into the country: it depends on nationality, with an e-visa required since April 2025 for citizens of the US, Canada and Australia.