IATA code: REC

ICAO code: SBRF

Passengers: ~4,8 million

Recife International Airpot (REC), also known as Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre Aiport, is the airport serving Recife, Brazil.
Recife is the fourth-largest urban area in Brazil and the capital of the Pernambuco state in the northeast corner of Brazil.

Guararapes is among the busiest airports in Brazil. In 2020, it had more than 4,8 million passengers, after a significant decrease from 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously, it was managed by the Brazilian government corporation Infraero. However, in 2019, Spanish company AENA won a 30-year concession to operate the airport.

Interestingly, Brazilian Air Force shares some of its facilities with Guararapes airport.

If visiting Recife, the following guide will present you with all the useful and necessary information about REC.

Table of Contents

Getting from Recife Airport to Recife

How far is Guararapes airport from Recife?

The distance from downtown Recife to Guararapes Airport is 11 kilometres or 7 miles. The drive takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Are you wondering, how can I get from the Guararapes airport to Recife?
Check out all of the options in the text below.

Buses

Buses are the cheapest option for getting to the Recife centre. Ticket prices range from 3.45 BRL to 4.30 BRL, which is less than 1€.

A couple of bus lines drive from the Guararapes airport to the city centre and other neighbourhoods.
Bus numbers 33 and 42 take you to the popular Praia de Boa Viagem in 15 minutes, and to the historic centre in 30 minutes. Other bus lines are bus number 152(Jordão de Baixo), bus number 153(Brigadeiro Ivo Borges) and 163(Cajueiro Seco).

Recife buses run every 20- 30 minutes from 4 am to 11.50 pm.

Metro

There is a metro station at the Recife airport. The airport metro station is connected to the terminals by a footbridge which you will have to cross. There you will take the Blue Line to your desired location. Metros in Recife operate from 5 am to 11 pm, and they go every 8 minutes. Tickets prices start from 4 BRL, which is less than 1 €.

Taxi

There are plenty of taxis at the airport. “Táxi Especial” or “Táxi Aeroporto” are authorized airport taxis. They are waiting for you at the designated spot on ground level outside of the Arrivals terminal. However, they are more expensive compared to the “Táxi comum”, which are the common taxis.

Taxi prices will vary depending on your destination, mostly ranging from 40 to 80 R $.

Uber is also available at the airport. Your Uber driver will be waiting for you at the taxi pick-up location in front of the arrivals terminal. The cost of your Uber drive will depend on your destination, the type of ride you requested and other factors.

Transfers

Private transfers from Recife airport are the most comfortable and hassle-free option. However, they are also the priciest option, so have that in mind if you are travelling on a budget. Transfers from the airport are common and available 24/7, with many vendors offering their service. If you book a door-to-door transfer from the airport, your private driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall at the airport, with a sign showing your name.

Car hire

If you wish to hire a car in Recife, you can do it at the airport. On the floor level, you will find several car rental agencies, such as Hertz, Alamo, Movida and Unidas. You can also save time and book a car online.

Recife Airport airlines

Arrivals and departures from Guararapes airport are mostly domestic, with a few international flights. The most popular routes from the airport are domestic flights to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília. International flights to San Esteban, Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Santiago are common as well. The longest flights are transatlantic flights to Lisbon and Madrid.

What airlines operate at the Recife Airport?

There are 5 passenger traffic airlines operating at the REC airport. The largest airline operating at REC is Azul Brazilian Airlines. REC is one of Azuls’ main hubs. Consequently, they have 3 times as many flights as the next airline, GOL Transportes Aéreos.

Here is the list of all airlines operating at REC:

Azul
GOL
LATAM
Insel Air Aruba
TAP

Recife Airport facilities

Recife passenger terminal was renovated in 2004 and is often considered one of the most user-friendly terminals in Brazil.

The airport offers several facilities to passengers who are on a layover or simply waiting for their flight.

Wondering what facilities and amenities can you find at the airport?

Here is a list of facilities and amenities at Recife Airport:

Free Wifi
ATM
Currency exchange
Pharmacy
Post office
Shops
Restaurants & cafes
Sleeping cabins
Lounges
Travel agencies

Recife Airport accommodation

Recife Airport FAQs

I arrive late at Recife Airport. Will it be a problem for me to get to the city?

Getting from the airport to the city shouldn’t be a problem.
Buses and metros don’t run from midnight until 4 or 5 am. However, there are other transport options. Taxis and Ubers are available 24/7 in front of the airport. You can also pre-book a private transfer.

Can I exchange money at Recife Airport?

Yes, currency exchange is available at the airport.

Is there a free WiFi service available at Recife Airport?

Yes, free WiFi service is available at the airport.

How many terminals does Recife Airport have?

The airport has only one terminal. Entrances for both international(south gate) and domestic (north gate) flights are in the same terminal.

Can I leave my luggage at Recife Airport?

Luggage storage service is not available at REC.

Is there Uber at Recife Airport?

Yes, taking an Uber is possible.

Recife Airport