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Santos is easy to reach from Sao Paulo and cheap to get around, but the airport situation, the summer storms and the beach crowds trip up first-time visitors. These travel tips and FAQ cover airports, transport, visas, money, safety and packing so you arrive prepared, as part of the full Santos travel guide. For season-by-season advice, see the best time to visit Santos guide.
Santos Travel Tips: Getting There
Santos has no commercial airport. Most travelers fly into Sao Paulo’s two airports: Guarulhos International (GRU), about 90 km north, or Congonhas (CGH), about 72 km away, which handles most domestic flights. A private transfer from Guarulhos takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and costs roughly R$350 to R$500, while the cheaper route is an airport bus or metro to Sao Paulo’s Jabaquara terminal, then a coach to Santos. The Santos Air Base (SSZ) is military and not open to commercial flights, so do not book there.
By bus, frequent coaches run from Jabaquara in Sao Paulo to the Terminal Rodoviario de Santos, taking about 1.5 hours and costing R$30 to R$45 one way with operators like Viacao Cometa and Expresso Brasileiro. The drive from Sao Paulo city to Santos uses the Anchieta-Imigrantes system, which can back up badly on summer weekends, so travel midweek when you can. Check the Santos weather by month guide before driving in the summer rainy season.
Santos Travel Tips: Getting Around
The VLT light rail, opened in 2017, runs from Barreiros in neighbouring Sao Vicente through the centre to the Porto station, with a single fare around R$4.10. It is useful for reaching the historic centre and the port end of town, but it does not run along the beach. For the beach districts, local buses and ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99 are the easiest options, with short trips costing R$10 to R$25. Most of the things to do in Santos sit along the beach, and the where to stay in Santos guide covers which districts keep you within walking distance of them. The ferry to Guaruja leaves from Ponta da Praia and crosses in about 10 minutes for a few reais.
Santos Travel Tips: Visa and Entry Requirements
Citizens of the EU, the UK and most of South America enter Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days. Citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia have needed an e-visa since 2025, which is applied for online, costs about US$80.90 and is valid for up to 10 years. Requirements change, so confirm on the official Brazilian government portal before you book. Carry your passport, as police checks are not common but do happen.
Santos Travel Tips: Money and Payments
The currency is the Brazilian real (R$), and card payments are accepted almost everywhere, including beach kiosks and small shops, often via Pix or contactless. Still, keep R$50 to R$100 in cash for the Monte Serrat funicular, the tram and small vendors. ATMs are common in the malls and along Avenida Ana Costa. A service charge of 10% is normally already included on restaurant bills, so no extra tip is expected.
Santos Travel Tips: Safety and Health
Santos is generally safe during the day, but standard Brazilian big-city caution applies: keep phones and wallets out of back pockets, avoid the beach and the quiet streets of the historic centre after dark, and use ride-hailing rather than walking at night between districts. Pickpocketing rises in big crowds like Carnival, which the Santos events and festivals calendar details. Drink bottled or filtered water, and be careful with street food during the hot, humid summer. The Santos neighborhoods guide notes which areas are quietest after dark.
Santos Travel Tips: What to Pack
Pack light, breathable clothes year round, plus sunscreen, a hat and swimwear, since the beach is usable in every season. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella, especially from December to March, when afternoon storms are common. A light sweater is enough for winter evenings, when temperatures drop to about 17°C (63°F). Comfortable shoes matter for walking the 5.3 km beach garden and climbing Monte Serrat.
Suggested Hotels in Santos
Sheraton Santos Hotel
A 4-star hotel in the Aparecida district with an indoor pool, massage services, the O Lagar restaurant and a walkway into the Praiamar Shopping Mall, rated 9.2 by recent guests. Best for couples and business travelers who want the most comfortable stay in Santos. Check rates and availability
Monte Serrat Hotel
A 3-star hotel in the city centre with a spa, sauna, fitness centre and game room, about 600 metres from the bus terminal. Best for travelers who want a comfortable mid-range base near the historic centre and the Monte Serrat funicular. Check rates and availability
Roomo Transamerica Santos Gonzaga
A well-located hotel in Gonzaga, formerly the Park Inn by Radisson, with a swimming pool and a spot near the beach, rated 7.7 by recent guests. Best for budget-conscious travelers who want a pool and a central Gonzaga location. Check rates and availability
