Nelson Ribeiro Guimarães Airport

Aeroporto de Caldas Novas (CLV) sits 3 kilometres from the centre of Caldas Novas, a city in Brazil's Goiás state that draws visitors primarily for its thermal hot springs. The airport handles domestic regional flights, mostly from Goiânia, Brasília, and other Brazilian cities, with a single runway and a compact terminal that reflects its role as a gateway to one of the country's most popular hot springs destinations.

Getting There

Reaching Aeroporto de Caldas Novas from the city centre is straightforward. The airport is about 3 kilometres west of downtown, a drive of roughly 5 to 10 minutes by car or taxi. Taxis are available at the terminal upon arrival, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99 work in Caldas Novas, though wait times can be longer during peak hours. Fares from the city centre to the airport typically range from 15 to 30 Brazilian reais (around 3 to 6 US dollars), depending on demand. For those driving, the airport has a parking lot that is free for short stays and charged for longer periods; payment is accepted in cash or via PIX (Brazil's instant payment system).

From outside the city, the most common approach is from Goiânia, the state capital, located about 170 kilometres north-west. The drive takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours via BR-153 and GO-139. Buses operated by companies like Viação Rio Vermelho connect Goiânia's bus station to Caldas Novas several times daily, with a journey time of around 3 hours. From the Caldas Novas bus station, a taxi to the airport costs about 20 reais. Travelers from Brasília (about 330 kilometres) can drive in 4 to 5 hours or take a direct bus. No scheduled public transport runs directly to the airport, so passengers should arrange their own transport unless staying at a hotel that offers a shuttle.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Aeroporto de Caldas Novas is a single-storey building with a functional layout designed for efficiency rather than luxury. Arrivals and departures are on the same level, separated by a security checkpoint that processes passengers quickly outside peak times. The check-in area has a small number of counters, typically staffed by Azul, Gol, and Latam at departure times. Security screening is straightforward: passengers must present an ID and boarding pass, and bags go through an X-ray machine. The screening process rarely takes more than 10 minutes.

Facilities confirmed at the airport include wheelchair-accessible entrances, a wheelchair-accessible car park, and accessible toilets. There is also a changing table in one of the restrooms, making the terminal suitable for families with infants. Baggage storage is available for a fee, useful for passengers who want to explore the city before a flight or after landing. The main waiting area has plastic seating and a small café serving snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and soft drinks. No full-service restaurant or duty-free shop exists, so travelers should bring their own meals if they need more than a light bite. Free Wi-Fi is available but slow, adequate for messaging and basic web browsing. The atmosphere is relaxed; on busy weekend mornings, the terminal can feel crowded, but it never reaches the chaos of larger Brazilian hubs.

The departure lounge holds about 100 passengers and has air conditioning that works reasonably well. Boarding is via the main entrance to the tarmac, where passengers walk to the aircraft. Luggage is handled manually. For those with mobility issues, staff can arrange wheelchair assistance from check-in to the gate by requesting it at least 48 hours in advance.

Aeroporto de Caldas Novas and Caldas Novas

Aeroporto de Caldas Novas is the primary air gateway to a city that owes its existence and character almost entirely to thermal springs. Caldas Novas — as its name suggests ("hot springs" in Portuguese) — sits atop one of the largest hydrothermal reserves in the world, with dozens of naturally hot water sources that emerge from the ground at temperatures between 30°C and 60°C. This geological gift has shaped the city into a major domestic tourism destination, attracting roughly 2.5 million visitors annually, mostly from the surrounding states of Goiás, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Distrito Federal.

The city itself has a permanent population of around 95,000, but its infrastructure is scaled for tourism. The main drags are lined with hotels, pousadas, water parks, and restaurants. The most famous attraction is Hot Park, a sprawling water park built around natural thermal pools, with water slides, wave pools, and areas for children and adults. Another landmark is the Lagoa Termas do Rio Quente, a large thermal lake about 25 kilometres from the airport where visitors can swim year-round in comfortable 37°C water. Beyond the water-based fun, Caldas Novas offers ecotourism options such as the Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas, a state park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and cerrado (savanna) wildlife like capybaras, howler monkeys, and toucans.

Culturally, Caldas Novas is a blend of traditional Goiás hospitality and modern resort culture. The city's history dates to the 18th century when gold prospectors discovered the hot springs, but large-scale tourism only took off in the 1970s with the construction of resorts. Today, the city's economy is overwhelmingly service-oriented, with many residents employed in the hospitality sector. The cuisine reflects the region: grilled meats (churrasco), pamonha (corn paste), and pequi (a savoury fruit) are common. The airport thus serves not just as a transport hub but as a lifeline for a city whose economy depends on bringing in tourists quickly and reliably. Flights are most frequent during the Brazilian summer (December to March), school holidays, and long weekends.

Practical Information

Aeroporto de Caldas Novas is not open all days — it operates on a schedule tied to flight arrivals and departures, typically from early morning until evening. The terminal opens about one hour before each scheduled flight and remains open until after the last arrival. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 60 minutes before a domestic flight. The airport code for booking is CLV. The telephone number is +55 64 3454-1126, and the website is http://caldasnovas-aero.com.br/. For baggage storage inquiries, call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.

A concrete tip for travelers: if arriving on a late flight, arrange transport to your hotel in advance, as taxis are limited and ride-hailing drivers may not be immediately available. During high season (July and December) book airport transfers through your hotel to avoid delays.