This Salvador travel tips and FAQ page covers airport transport, Brazilian visa rules, getting around by bus and Uber, money, safety, SIM cards and practical answers for your trip. Prices are in Brazilian Reais (BRL) with approximate euro equivalents as of 2026.
How to Get from Salvador Airport to the City
Salvador-Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport (SSA) is 28km north of the centre, close to the Stella Maris and Flamengo beaches. The airport has no train or metro connection. The official airport bus (line 1001, “Aeroporto-Praca da Se”) runs every 30-40 minutes from 05:30 to 23:00, costs 5 BRL (€0.80), takes 60-90 minutes to the centre, stopping at Itapua, Stella Maris and the coastal bus corridor to Praca da Se near the Pelourinho. Uber costs 60-90 BRL (€9.50-14) to Barra/Pelourinho and takes 35-50 minutes. Official airport taxis (Coometas cooperative, white with blue stripe) cost 110-140 BRL (€17-22) to the centre, payable at the taxi desk in the arrivals hall. If staying in Stella Maris or Flamengo, the airport is 10 minutes away and an Uber costs 15-25 BRL (€2.40-4). Avoid unlicensed taxi touts in the arrivals hall.
Salvador and Brazil Visa Requirements
Brazil grants visa-free entry for 90 days (extendable to 180) to nationals of the EU, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and most South American countries. From April 2025, citizens of the US, Canada and Australia need an e-Visa (apply at brazil.vfsevisa.com, cost US$80.90, valid 10 years for US/Canada, 5 years for Australia). The e-Visa takes 5 business days to process. Passport must be valid at the time of entry (no minimum validity beyond your stay, though 6 months is recommended by airlines). You may be asked to show proof of onward travel at immigration.
Getting Around Salvador: Transport Costs
Salvador’s bus system is extensive but confusing for visitors. Fares cost 5 BRL (€0.80) per ride, paid in cash on board. Key routes: Barra to Pelourinho (lines 0134, 0721, 20 minutes), Barra to Rio Vermelho (line 0219, 10 minutes). The Metro connects the centre (Lapa station) to the northern suburbs and the airport bus terminal at Mussurunga (3.70 BRL, 05:00-00:00). Uber is the safest and most practical option for tourists: a ride from Barra to Pelourinho costs 12-18 BRL (€2-3), Barra to Rio Vermelho 10-15 BRL (€1.50-2.40). The Elevador Lacerda connects the upper and lower cities for 0.15 BRL. Avoid buses after 21:00. Salvador’s public transport can feel unsafe for solo women at night; use Uber after dark. For trips to Praia do Flamengo and Stella Maris, an Uber costs 50-70 BRL (€8-11).
Money, Tipping and Costs in Salvador
The currency is Brazilian Real (BRL). ATMs (Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Itau) are common in Barra and shopping centres. Avoid standalone ATMs in the Pelourinho at night. Many ATMs close or run out of cash after 20:00. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. In restaurants, a 10% service charge (servico) is usually included on the bill; if not, 10% is standard. Bartenders: 1-2 BRL per drink. Hotel porters: 5-10 BRL per bag. Uber drivers: no tip expected. Daily budgets: backpacker 120-200 BRL (€19-32), mid-range 350-600 BRL (€55-95), luxury 900+ BRL (€142+). Salvador is 30-40% cheaper than Rio de Janeiro for comparable accommodation and dining.
Is Salvador Safe?
Salvador has a higher crime rate than Rio or Sao Paulo, driven by gang activity in the peripheral favelas that rarely affects the tourist zones. The main risks to visitors: pickpocketing and phone snatching in the Pelourinho (keep your phone hidden while walking, use it inside shops or restaurants), mugging on empty side streets after dark (stick to main squares and well-lit streets), and assault on isolated beaches (never walk on beaches after sunset). The Pelourinho is heavily policed during daylight and early evening (until about 21:00) and is generally safe during those hours. Barra and Rio Vermelho are safer at night but apply standard urban precautions. The northern beach suburbs (Stella Maris, Flamengo) have isolated stretches; avoid deserted beaches. Emergency numbers: Police 190, Ambulance 192, Tourist Police (Delegacia do Turista) in the Pelourinho at Rua das Portas do Carmo, +55 71 3116-6519. Tap water is treated but tastes unpleasant; drink bottled water (3 BRL for 1.5L).
SIM Cards and Internet in Salvador
Buy a Brazilian SIM at the airport (Claro or Vivo kiosks in arrivals) or at shopping centre stores. Bring your passport for registration (required by law). A prepaid 30-day plan with 10-15 GB data costs 30-50 BRL (€5-8). Vivo has the best coverage in Salvador and along the Bahia coast. TIM is cheaper but has dead zones in the Pelourinho’s narrow streets. Wi-Fi in mid-range and luxury hotels is reliable (10-20 Mbps). Budget pousadas may have connections limited to common areas. Public Wi-Fi is not widely available.
Suggested Hotels in Salvador
Hotel Fasano Salvador
A luxury hotel in a restored 1930s building at Praca Castro Alves with 70 rooms, rooftop pool with bay views and the Gero restaurant. Best for luxury travellers wanting Salvador’s most elegant address bridging the Pelourinho and the lower city. Check rates and availability
Grande Hotel da Barra
A four-star beachfront hotel directly on Porto da Barra with 127 rooms, a pool and the city’s best beach-access location. Best for mid-range travellers wanting to step from hotel to sand. Check rates and availability
Hostel Galeria 13
A budget hostel in the Pelourinho with dorm beds from 50 BRL (€8), a rooftop bar and central location. Best for solo budget travellers wanting Pelourinho location at hostel prices. Check rates and availability
Common Questions About Salvador
Salvador or Rio de Janeiro?
Salvador has stronger Afro-Brazilian culture, a better-preserved colonial centre and a more authentic Carnival (larger, cheaper to participate in, less tourist-packaged). Rio has more dramatic scenery, better-known landmarks (Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf), a more cosmopolitan dining scene and better infrastructure. Choose Salvador for culture and Carnival; choose Rio for landscapes and a more polished tourist experience. Both have significant safety concerns requiring urban street-smarts.
How many days do I need in Salvador?
Three days covers the essential Salvador: Day 1 for the Pelourinho and Elevador Lacerda, Day 2 for Bonfim Church and Porto da Barra beach, Day 3 for Rio Vermelho’s food scene. Add extra days for beach time at Stella Maris or a day trip to Morro de Sao Paulo (2 hours by catamaran). See the things to do in Salvador guide for all attractions. For weather planning, consult the best time to visit Salvador page.
Can I do Salvador Carnival for free?
Yes, as pipoca (the free crowd outside the rope-separated blocos). You dance alongside the trio eletrico without paying. The experience is intense: crowds crush, you will be jostled and you need street-smarts about phone and wallet security. Alternatively, watch from an apartment balcony (many locals rent rooms during Carnival) or buy a camarote (box seat) ticket for 300-1,000 BRL per night for elevated viewing with food and drinks included. The Salvador events and festivals guide has more Carnival details.
