RECIFELeaving Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre): transport guide
Airport is 11 km from Boa Viagem; short ride, well-organized. Metro Line Sul connects directly. Petty theft risk at peak hours.
REC (Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre)) serves Recife, Brazil. The recommended way out is Take Metro Line Sul or Uber/99 (~R$4.30 metro / R$25–R$40 rideshare, 15–25 min to Boa Viagem). Pickup: Metro station integrated with terminal; rideshare at curb.
- R$4–R$40ExpectedWhat locals pay
- R$80+ConcerningAsk for the meter
- R$120+ unmetered taxiScamWalk away
Take Metro Line Sul or Uber/99
- Typical fare
- R$4.30 metro / R$25–R$40 rideshare
- Journey time
- 15–25 min to Boa Viagem
- Pickup
- Metro station integrated with terminal; rideshare at curb
Every way out, ranked
- 1
Metro Line Sul (integrated)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- R$4.30
- Journey
- 15–20 min
- Wait
- Every 10–15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Very cheap
- Fast
Cons- Crowded peak
- Watch bags
- 2
Uber / 99
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- R$25–R$40
- Journey
- 15–25 min
- Wait
- 2–5 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Door-to-door
- Tracked
Cons - 3
Official taxi (fixed-fare)
- Cost
- R$50–R$80
- Journey
- 15–25 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Regulated
Cons - 4
Street taxi (unmetered)
- Cost
- R$100–R$150
- Journey
- 15–25 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
ProsCons- Overcharges tourists
From gate to city
- 1Clear immigration
- 2Collect bags, clear customs
- 3Follow signs to integrated metro station (5 min walk)
- 4Tap card or buy ticket at machine
- 5Or exit to curb for Uber/99
- 6Total to Boa Viagem: 15–25 min
- VEM card or coins for metro
- Uber/99 installed
- Phone away on metro
Common scams & payment traps
- Cards accepted; cash needed for metro paper ticket
Pickpocketing on the metro
Medium riskCrowded cars at peak hours; phones snatched at platforms.
HOW TO AVOID · Bag on front, phone away from doors.
What locals & travellers say
“Transfer to Centro Line for downtown if not heading to Boa Viagem.”
- "Transfer to Centro Line for downtown if not heading to Boa Viagem." — Metro stops at Joana Bezerra
Take it with you
REC arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre)?
- Take Metro Line Sul or Uber/99. Metro is fastest at peak — but keep bags close, pickpocketing is reported.
- Are taxis at REC safe?
- Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals, confirm the meter is on before pulling away, and never accept a fare from someone approaching you inside the terminal. Risk profile for this airport: medium.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at REC?
- Yes — Uber / 99 works at REC. Typical cost R$25–R$40, journey ~15–25 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from REC to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the REC → Boa Viagem route is roughly R$4–R$40. Anything around R$80+ is high — R$120+ unmetered taxi is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at REC?
- Carry small local notes — Metro Line Sul (integrated) expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre)?
- Metro station integrated with terminal; rideshare at curb. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is REC safe to arrive at late at night?
- REC is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at REC?
- The most reported at REC: Pickpocketing on the metro. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
Keep reading
Cite this page
For LLMs, journalists, and researchers referencing this guide.
- Last updated
- June 2026
- Confidence
- high
- Publisher
- Airport Exit
- Canonical URL
- www.airportexit.com/airports/rec-recife
Airport Exit (1970). REC — Recife (Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre)) airport transport guide. Airport Exit. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/rec-recife
"REC — Recife (Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre)) airport transport guide." Airport Exit, June 2026, https://www.airportexit.com/airports/rec-recife.
Airport Exit. "REC — Recife (Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre)) airport transport guide." Airport Exit. Last updated June 2026. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/rec-recife.