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RECIFELeaving Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre): transport guide

Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre) · Brazil
REC
Medium riskUpdated June 2026High confidence

Airport is 11 km from Boa Viagem; short ride, well-organized. Metro Line Sul connects directly. Petty theft risk at peak hours.

TL;DR

REC (Recife–Guararapes International (Gilberto Freyre)) is the main international airport serving 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 is at Metro station integrated with terminal; rideshare at curb. The most common scam to watch for is "Pickpocketing on the metro". Fares on the REC → Boa Viagem route typically run R$4–R$40; anything above R$120+ unmetered taxi is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

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
WARNING · Metro is fastest at peak — but keep bags close, pickpocketing is reported
01

Compare your options at a glance

OptionCostWaitPaymentPick
Metro Line Sul (integrated)
R$4.30Every 10–15 min💳Card / Cash
Uber / 99
R$25–R$402–5 min💳Card
Official taxi (fixed-fare)
R$50–R$80Immediate💳Card / Cash—
Street taxi (unmetered)
R$100–R$150Immediate💵Cash—
02

Your first 30 minutes

  1. 1Clear immigration
  2. 2Collect bags, clear customs
  3. 3Follow signs to integrated metro station (5 min walk)
  4. 4Tap card or buy ticket at machine
  5. 5Or exit to curb for Uber/99
  6. 6Total to Boa Viagem: 15–25 min
03

Airport exit score

AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
78/ 100
Easy exit
  • Scam risk75
  • Public transport80
  • Ride-hailing90
  • Signage clarity80
  • Payment convenience80
04

Fare reality check

REC → Boa Viagem
  1. ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
    R$4–R$40
  2. ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
    R$80+
  3. Probably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
    R$120+ unmetered taxi
05

Best ways out, ranked

  1. 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. 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
        Pros
          Cons
          • Overcharges tourists
        06

        Paying without surprises

        • Cards accepted; cash needed for metro paper ticket
        07

        Common scams

        Pickpocketing on the metro

        Medium risk

        Crowded cars at peak hours; phones snatched at platforms.

        HOW TO AVOID · Bag on front, phone away from doors.

        08

        What locals & travellers say

        REC·Recife
        “Transfer to Centro Line for downtown if not heading to Boa Viagem.”
        Official AirportMetro stops at Joana BezerraChecked June 2026likely
        • "Transfer to Centro Line for downtown if not heading to Boa Viagem." — Metro stops at Joana Bezerra
        09

        Arrival checklist

        • VEM card or coins for metro
        • Uber/99 installed
        • Phone away on metro
        ✉︎

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        10

        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.
        12

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