When it comes to choosing how you want to travel from Salvador Airport to the city centre there are three recommended modes of transport: taxi, private transfer, and the metro. An airport taxi or private transfer are easily the fastest, taking just 30 minutes to reach the downtown area at an affordable price.
If you’re travelling on a budget and have the time, the metro is a very cheap option, although the journey does take 90 minutes. Keep in mind that the metro also requires an initial shuttle bus trip to reach the Airport Metro Station and one line change to reach the main city area.
3 options to go from Salvador Airport to city center
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €28 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Details of your driver and vehicle will be emailed one day in advance of your trip. | ||||||
Taxi | €16.50 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Taxis are already quite affordable in Salvador, however, if you're travelling as a group the price is well worth the convenience and peace of mind of an easy transfer. | ||||||
Metro | €1.40 | 90min | 05:00–00:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Line 1 makes three stops along the way before terminating in the downtown city area in case you need to get off earlier. | ||||||
Catching a taxi from Salvador Airport to the city centre is by far the quickest and easiest way to travel in this expansive city. Taxis are readily available 24/7 and provide a door-to-door service which means you can escape the heat and skip having to navigate public transport.
How much does a taxi from Salvador Airport to the city centre cost?
When travelling from Salvador Airport to the city centre by taxi the cost will be calculated by a taximeter, based on how far you’re travelling. On average, the fare should cost between €16.50 and €24.80 (BRL 100 – 150), not including tolls or surcharges.
Where can I take a taxi from?
Salvador taxis are conveniently located right in front of the airport terminal as you exit the Arrivals Hall. Be sure to only take an official taxi from the designated taxi stand and decline anyone trying to offer you a ride inside the airport.
Convenience
Taxis provide a cool and comfortable transport option and are considerably faster than the train or bus. If you have luggage, are travelling with a family or if you’re in a group, skip having to navigate public transport and get dropped straight to your accommodation instead.
For a more personalised service, we recommend pre-booking a private transfer from Salvador Airport to the city. When you book with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups, you’ll lock in a fixed fare rate so you won’t have to worry about haggling a price with your taxi driver.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe train from Salvador Airport to the city centre is called Metro Line 2 (Blue Line) and while it’s a very cheap transport option, it’s quite lengthy and requires at least one transfer. To reach the city you’ll need to change at Acesso Norte Station which takes around 1 hour to reach from the airport. From there, transfer to Line 1 (Red Line) and continue for another 20 minutes until you reach Lapa Station, the end of the line, which is considered downtown.
*It’s important to note that the metro station is a 5-10 minute free shuttle bus ride from the terminal.
How much is the metro from Salvador Airport to the city?
If you plan on taking the metro without changing to any other mode of public transport, you can just buy a One-Way card which is the most basic option. For a one-way journey, the trip costs €0.70 (BRL 4.10).
Tickets can be purchased from the station at the ticket counter or from the ticket kiosk machine. Keep hold of your ticket as you will need to insert it in the turnstile at the platform entrance.
The metro operates daily between 05:00 and midnight.
Where does the metro depart from?
From the Arrivals Hall, follow the sign for ‘Metro/Subway’ which will lead you to a shuttle bus stop; look for the pillar with the ‘Metro’ sign. From there it is a 5-10 minute ride to the Airport Metro Station.
Convenience
While it’s also possible to travel from Salvador Airport to the city centre by bus, the journey is considerably longer compared to other transport options. The metro, on the other hand, takes half the time of the bus. The downsides are that the metro can become crowded which can be tedious if you’re travelling with luggage, there is no direct metro line from the airport to the city, and you have to first take a 5-10 minute shuttle bus ride to the metro from the airport terminal.
Timetables
Salvador Airport – Lapa Station
CCR Metro Information
Useful Tips
Private transfers are the most popular choice of transport from Salvador Airport because they offer flexible and customisable services in comfortable modern vehicles. You’ll reach downtown in the same time as a taxi, except you can skip the line at the airport and you’ll be picked up by a local English-speaking driver for a guaranteed fixed fare price.
Moreover, private transfers like those offered by Welcome Pickups include extra perks such as travel assistance, airport meet-and-greets, 24/7 customer support and a mini tour of the city on the way to your accommodation.
How much does a private transfer to the city centre cost?
When you book a private transfer from Salvador Airport to the city centre you’ll receive a fixed quote ahead of time so you can plan and budget for your trip before arriving. Furthermore, prices are inclusive of all extra costs such as airport and luggage surcharges and they won’t increase if your trip happens to take longer due to traffic.
From the airport to your downtown hotel, you’ll pay €28 (BRL 168.40) for a stylish sedan that seats three people with standard luggage. If you require extra space, our private 7-seater minivans are the perfect fit at a fixed price of €55 (BRL 330.80) to reach the city.
Booking is easy and fast when done through our website or app. You’ll need to enter your personal details and flight number and select a pick-up time and date. That’s it, you’re ready to go!
A private transfer can be arranged for any time of day, every day of the year.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
After landing at Salvador Airport, you’ll be met by a local driver in the Arrivals Hall. No need to stand in line or worry about unofficial drivers offering a ride, your driver will be waiting with a sign with your name on it, ready to take you to your pre-selected private vehicle.
Convenience
Compared to local taxis, private transfers provide a more seamless service from start to finish without the stress of waiting for a taxi on the day. While they are the most expensive option, they are still relatively affordable and provide a much faster service than the train. Lastly, your driver can provide local tips and tricks to get the most out of your trip, providing a more personalised experience.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How far is downtown Salvador from the airport?
The distance from Salvador Airport to the city is approximately 30 km which takes between 30 and 40 minutes to cover by car or taxi under normal traffic conditions.
How much is the train from Salvador Airport to the city centre?
To get from Salvador Airport to the city centre on the metro you’ll need to buy a One-Way card for €0.70 (BRL 4.10). This ticket can be used to transfer from Line 2 to Line 1 and will get you all the way to Lapa Station.
What's the cost of a taxi from Salvador Airport to the city?
From Salvador Airport to the city centre a taxi should cost between €16.50 and €24.80 (BRL 100 – 150), excluding any extra charges.
For a competitive fixed fare rate with no hidden extras, we suggest pre-booking your airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.
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