Bartolomeu Lisandro Airport

Aeroporto de Campos - Terminal A (IATA: CAW) sits about 5 kilometres north of downtown Campos dos Goytacazes, serving the northern region of Rio de Janeiro state with a compact terminal that handles domestic flights from Azul and occasionally other carriers. The airport operates on a single runway and processes a steady flow of passengers connected to the region's oil, sugar, and tourism industries. It does not run 24 hours a day — flights and terminal services are concentrated during daylight and early evening, with limited activity outside those windows. For anyone travelling to or from northern Rio de Janeiro state, this is the most practical air entry point, though it lacks the scale and amenities of larger Brazilian hubs.

Getting There

From the city centre, the airport is a straightforward drive via Avenida 28 de Março and Estrada do Horto. By taxi, expect a journey of 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Uber and other ride-hailing apps operate in Campos, though availability can be patchy at certain hours. A taxi from the city centre to the airport typically costs between R$30 and R$50 (Brazilian reais). For those driving, the airport has a car park — free for short stays, with a small daily fee for longer parking. Rental car desks are inside the terminal, operated by Localiza and Movida, both major Brazilian chains. There is no direct public bus to the airport; the nearest bus stop is about a 15-minute walk away on Avenida 28 de Março, serving local routes. Most passengers rely on taxis or private cars.

Inside the Terminal

Terminal A is a single-storey building with a straightforward layout. Check-in counters occupy the left side of the main hall, with a small departure lounge beyond security screening. The terminal is wheelchair-accessible: there is a ramp at the entrance, accessible toilets, and designated parking spaces. The boarding gate area offers basic seating, a snack bar, and a vending machine. There is no airside lounge or extensive shopping — just a small convenience shop before security. Passengers should arrive at least 60 minutes before domestic flights, as the single security lane can become crowded during peak times. The busiest hours are Monday at 2 pm, Tuesday at 11 am, Wednesday at 6 am, and Thursday at 9 pm — plan accordingly for potential queues. Wi-Fi is available but can be slow; downloading entertainment before arrival is a good idea.

Aeroporto de Campos - Terminal A and Campos dos Goytacazes

Campos dos Goytacazes is the largest city in northern Rio de Janeiro state, with a population exceeding 500,000. Its economy has long been shaped by agriculture, particularly sugarcane and coffee, and more recently by offshore oil and gas exploration. The city lies on the banks of the Paraíba do Sul River, about 30 kilometres from the Atlantic coast. For visitors, the main attractions include the historic centre, with colonial architecture around Praça São Salvador, the Catedral Diocesana de Campos, and the Solar do Visconde de Araruama, a 19th-century palace turned museum. The city is also a base for ecotourism in the nearby Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, a coastal strip of lagoons and sand dunes. Offshore oil workers transit through the airport frequently, flying in from Rio de Janeiro or Macaé. The region's beaches, such as Farol de São Tomé and Grussaí, are popular for weekend getaways. Despite its size, Campos retains a laid-back atmosphere, with open-air markets and regional cuisine featuring seafood and fried fish. The airport terminal itself is modest, but it connects passengers to a city with a distinct cultural and economic identity that differs markedly from the tourist-heavy areas of southern Rio state.

Practical Information

Aeroporto de Campos - Terminal A is open daily but not 24 hours. Flight operations generally occur between 6 am and 10 pm, with check-in counters opening two hours before each departure. The official address is Estrada do Horto, s/n, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. The airport's phone number is +55 (22) 2726-5000. The website (aero.riodasostras.rj.gov.br — note that the airport is managed by a municipal authority) has limited information; it is better to check flight status with the airline. Tips: bring cash for snacks (cards accepted but not always reliably), and confirm your taxi fare before entering the vehicle. One final piece of advice: if your flight departs during peak hours, allow an extra 15 minutes for security screening — the single lane can cause delays.