Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Confins Airport to Savassi/Lourdes is by prepaid taxi or ride-hailing app (Uber), taking about 50-70 minutes and costing between R$ 150 - R$ 220. For the cheapest option, take the Conecta Aeroporto bus to the city center and transfer to a local bus or metro (total ~R$ 15-25), but it takes 90-120 minutes and is less convenient with luggage.
Taxis: Prepaid & Regular (Most Direct Option)
Taxis offer the most straightforward door-to-door service from Confins Airport. There are two main systems: prepaid fixed-fare taxis (recommended for transparency) and regular metered taxis.
Why choose a taxi? Ideal for first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, groups of 3-4 people (splitting cost), or travelers with heavy luggage who value direct service and guaranteed pricing.
| Taxi Type | How It Works | Estimated Fare to Savassi | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Taxi (Official Booth) | Purchase a fixed-fare ticket at the official booth inside the arrivals hall before exiting. You pay upfront, get a receipt, and a dispatcher assigns you a driver. | R$ 180 - R$ 220 (fixed, regardless of traffic) | + No surprise costs, safe & official. - Slightly higher base fare than Uber/metered. |
| Regular Metered Taxi | Get in a taxi from the rank outside arrivals. The meter runs based on distance and time. Ensure the driver uses the meter (âtaxÃmetroâ). | R$ 150 - R$ 200+ (depends on traffic) | + Can be cheaper than prepaid in light traffic. - Fare uncertainty; risk of overcharging tourists. |
Key Steps & Tips for Taking a Taxi
- Location: Both taxi types are available 24/7 just outside the arrivals exit. The prepaid booth is clearly marked inside.
- Payment: Prepaid accepts cash and major credit cards. Metered taxis prefer cash; cards may incur a fee or be refused.
- Trip Time: 50 to 70 minutes is standard. Can exceed 90 minutes during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
- Safety: Use only official taxis from the airport rank. For official info, refer to the Belo Horizonte Airport Transport Guide.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber & 99 (Cost-Effective & Convenient)
Uber and its local competitor 99 (app: â99 Táxisâ) are immensely popular in Belo Horizonte and offer a balanced mix of cost, convenience, and safety.
How to Use Uber from Confins Airport
- Connect to Free Airport Wi-Fi: Essential if you donât have a local SIM card.
- Designated Pick-Up Point: After collecting luggage, follow signs for âRide-Hailing Apps / Táxis por Aplicativoâ. Itâs a specific lane in the parking area, a short walk from arrivals.
- Order Your Ride: Select Savassi or Lourdes as your destination. Compare prices for UberX (standard), Uber Comfort, or Uber Black.
Cost, Time & Vehicle Comparison
| Service (Uber) | Estimated Fare to Savassi | Trip Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| UberX / 99 Economy | R$ 110 - R$ 170 | 50-70 min | Solo travelers or couples on a budget. |
| Uber Comfort / 99 Conforto | R$ 140 - R$ 200 | 50-70 min | More legroom, guaranteed newer cars. |
| Uber Black / 99 Top | R$ 200 - R$ 280 | 50-70 min | Business travel or luxury service. |
Why choose Uber/99? Often 20-40% cheaper than prepaid taxis, fare locked in upfront, easy cashless payment, and driver rating system adds security. Drawback: Surge pricing during peak hours, holidays, or bad weather can double the fare.
Public Bus: Conecta Aeroporto (The Budget Champion)
The Conecta Aeroporto bus is the only direct public bus linking Confins Airport to Belo Horizonte's city center. Itâs the cheapest way but requires a transfer to reach Savassi/Lourdes.
The Two-Step Journey: Airport Bus + Local Transport
- Conecta Aeroporto Bus to Central Bus Station (Rodoviária):
- Where: Bus stop outside Arrivals, Terminal 1.
- Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes, 24/7.
- Travel Time: ~60-75 minutes to the Rodoviária.
- Cost: R$ 12.85 (as of 2023). Pay in cash to the driver or use a BH Bus card.
- From Rodoviária to Savassi/Lourdes:
- Option A (Metrô + Walk): From the Rodoviária, take the Metrô Line 1 towards Eldorado. Get off at Alfredo Sérvulo de Guimarães station (for Lourdes edge) or Santa Tereza and walk/taxi the last part (~15-20 min walk to Savassi core).
- Option B (Local Bus): Transfer to a bus like 9104 (Savassi via Contorno) or similar lines. Ask at the station info booth.
- Option C (Taxi/Uber from Rodoviária): A short 10-15 minute ride costing R$ 15-25.
Is the Bus Right For You?
| Choose the Bus if... | Avoid the Bus if... |
|---|---|
| Your budget is extremely tight (total cost R$ 15-25). | You have more than one large suitcase or heavy luggage. |
| You are traveling alone or as a pair. | You are arriving late at night (after 10 PM) for safety & convenience. |
| You are not in a hurry (total trip 90-120 mins). | You are unfamiliar with Belo Horizonte's public transport system. |
For schedules and route maps, check the official Conecta Aeroporto website.
Airport Shuttles & Private Transfers (Comfort & Fixed Schedule)
Shared shuttle vans and private transfer services offer a middle ground between taxis and buses, providing comfort with a (usually) lower price than a private taxi.
Shared Shuttle Vans (Door-to-Door Service)
- How it works: Book in advance online or at a counter in arrivals. You share a van with other passengers heading to different hotels in the same zone (Savassi/Lourdes).
- Providers: Companies like BlueTrans or Unir Transporte operate these services.
- Cost: Approximately R$ 70 - R$ 100 per person one-way.
- Pros: Door-to-door, fixed price, often includes luggage assistance.
- Cons: You may have to wait for the van to fill up or for other passengers to be dropped off first, extending your trip time to 70-90 minutes.
Private Transfers (Premium Door-to-Door)
Book a private car with a driver waiting for you at arrivals. Ideal for families, large groups, or corporate travel.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Private Sedan (up to 3 pax) | R$ 250 - R$ 350 | Book via global sites like Viator or local providers. |
| Private Van (up to 8 pax) | R$ 350 - R$ 500 | Book in advance for best rates. |
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Best Way from CNF to Savassi
This table summarizes all key data to help you decide the best transport from Confins Airport.
| Transport Method | Total Travel Time* | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Best For | Convenience / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Taxi | 50 - 70 min | R$ 180 - R$ 220 | First-time visitors, guaranteed fare | â â â â â (Direct, official, hassle-free) |
| Uber / 99 App | 50 - 70 min | R$ 110 - R$ 200 (varies) | Cost-conscious travelers with smartphones | â â â â â (Best value, but price surges) |
| Regular Taxi (Meter) | 50 - 80 min | R$ 150 - R$ 200+ | Quick decision, light traffic periods | â â â ââ (Risk of meter manipulation) |
| Shared Shuttle Van | 70 - 90 min | R$ 70 - R$ 100 per person | Solo/duo travelers seeking balance | â â â ââ (Must book, shared ride) |
| Public Bus (Conecta) | 90 - 120 min | R$ 15 - R$ 25 | Extreme budget backpackers | â ââââ (Cheapest, but long & requires transfer) |
| Private Transfer | 50 - 70 min | R$ 250 - R$ 500+ (total) | Families, groups, business travel | â â â â â (Premium, door-to-door, pre-booked) |
*Times include typical road travel; for bus, includes transfer time. Traffic can significantly increase all road-based times.
Verdict: For most tourists, Uber/99 offers the best balance. For absolute peace of mind upon arrival, use the official prepaid taxi. For the lowest cost, endure the public bus journey.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
- Beware of Unauthorized Solicitors: Inside the arrivals hall, ignore anyone offering you a "taxi" or "transfer" without a uniform or official booth. Always proceed to the official counters or pick-up points.
- Traffic is Your Biggest Variable: A trip at 11 PM might take 50 minutes. The same trip at 5:30 PM on a weekday can take 90+ minutes. Factor this in if you have a tight schedule.
- Payment Preparedness: While cards are widely accepted (especially for prepaid taxis and Uber), having R$ 100-200 in Brazilian Reais (cash) is wise for metered taxis, buses, or if a card machine fails.
- For Families with Kids: By law, children under 10 must use a child seat. Uber does not provide them. Prepaid taxis and private transfers can usually arrange one if requested in advance.
- Luggage Strategy: If you have bulky sports equipment or excessive bags, a private transfer or van is worth the extra cost. Bus and shared vans have limited space.
- Return Trip to Airport: Allow at least 90 minutes for the return journey from Savassi to Confins during daytime. For early morning flights, book a taxi/Uber the night before.
FAQs: Belo Horizonte Confins Airport to Savassi/Lourdes
Is there a direct bus from Confins Airport to Savassi?
No, there is no single direct bus. You must take the Conecta Aeroporto bus to the central bus station (Rodoviária) and then transfer to a local bus, metro, or taxi to reach Savassi/Lourdes.
What is the best option if I arrive after 10 PM?
Prepaid taxi or Uber/99. Public transport is still running but less frequent and convenient late at night with luggage. The official prepaid taxi offers the safest, most reliable immediate option.
I have an early morning flight (6 AM). How do I get to the airport?
Schedule an Uber/99 the night before for a specific pick-up time (app allows this), or book a reliable private transfer. Regular taxis can be scarce in Savassi very early in the morning.
Is Uber safe to use from the airport?
Yes, it is generally very safe. Use the official airport pick-up point, verify the car's license plate and model before entering, and share your trip status with someone. The driver rating system provides additional security.
Which is cheaper: Uber or a regular taxi?
Almost always, Uber/99 is 20-40% cheaper than a regular metered taxi for the same route, barring periods of extreme surge pricing.
Can I pay for a taxi or bus with a credit card?
Prepaid Taxis: Yes. Metered Taxis: Often cash-only, or may add a fee for card. Conecta Bus: Cash only (exact change helpful) or BH Bus card. Uber: Linked card or cash (if cash option enabled).
Is the Conecta Aeroporto bus safe for solo female travelers?
The bus itself is safe and used by locals. However, the main consideration is the transfer at the Rodoviária bus station, which can be busy and less secure, especially at night. During daylight hours, it's generally fine. At night, a taxi/Uber is strongly recommended.
How many people fit in an airport taxi?
Standard airport taxis are sedans that can comfortably fit 3 passengers with medium luggage, or 4 passengers with only hand luggage. For larger groups, request a van at the prepaid counter or use Uber Van.