Bartolomeu Lisandro Airport

Aeroporto Bartolomeu Lisandro (IATA: CAW, ICAO: SBCP) sits seven kilometres north of central Campos dos Goytacazes, serving the northern region of Rio de Janeiro state with domestic flights to major Brazilian hubs. The airport handles a steady flow of business travellers connected to the local oil and gas industry, as well as passengers heading to the coast. Its single runway and compact terminal keep operations straightforward, but understanding the airport's specifics — from transport options to facility limitations — makes for a smoother journey.

Getting There

Campos dos Goytacazes city centre lies about seven kilometres south of the airport. The quickest route follows Avenida José Alves de Azevedo and then the BR-101 highway, a drive that typically takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis wait outside the terminal and charge a fixed fare to the city centre of around 40 to 50 Brazilian reais (2025 rates). Rideshare apps like Uber and 99 operate in Campos, though availability can be patchy outside peak hours. For those on a budget, municipal bus line 120 runs roughly every 30 minutes between the airport entrance and the city's bus station (Terminal Rodoviário Roberto Silveira), but the bus stop is a five-minute walk from the terminal building itself. Rental car desks are not available at the airport; the nearest agencies require a short taxi ride. Driving yourself is easy: the car park is free and rarely full.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-storey building designed for efficiency rather than comfort. As you enter, the check-in counters line the left wall, with a small waiting area directly ahead. Security screening is quick — one lane, no body scanners — so plan to arrive 60 minutes before a domestic flight; 45 minutes is usually enough. The wait area holds about 80 seats, distributed in rows facing a single gate. A television shows flight information, and there is free Wi-Fi, though the connection can be slow when the terminal is at its busiest (typically weekdays around 5 pm). Confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible car park directly in front of the terminal, a standard toilet, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. No food outlets operate inside the terminal; there is a single vending machine selling water and snacks, but it is often empty. Coffee and sandwiches are available from a small café just outside the terminal entrance, open only during flight hours. The atmosphere is relaxed but no-frills — this is a functional airport that gets passengers on their way without fuss.

Aeroporto Bartolomeu Lisandro and Campos dos Goytacazes

Campos dos Goytacazes is the largest city in northern Rio de Janeiro state, with a population of over 500,000. Its economy was built on sugar and coffee in the 19th century, but the discovery of offshore oil in the Campos Basin in the 1970s transformed it into Brazil's petroleum capital. The city's port and the Petrobras headquarters nearby mean many passengers flying in and out are engineers, technicians, and executives. Yet Campos also draws visitors for its beaches. Farol de São Thomé, a sandy stretch 30 kilometres east of the city, is popular for surfing and kitesurfing, with a lighthouse dating from 1883. The city itself offers cultural attractions such as the Museu Histórico de Campos dos Goytacazes, housed in a colonial-era building, and the Catedral do Santíssimo Salvador, a neoclassical cathedral built in the 19th century. The region's cuisine reflects its rural roots: dishes like bolo de fubá (cornmeal cake) and caldo de cana (sugarcane juice) are common. Festivals include the annual Festa do Santíssimo Salvador in August, a week-long event with processions, music, and street food. For ecotourists, the Lagoa de Cima offers freshwater lagoons for fishing and boating. The airport is the main gateway for all these activities, and its modest scale means visitors can be at a hotel or beach within 30 minutes of landing.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours. Operating hours vary by flight schedule, but the terminal generally opens two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival, typically between 6 am and 10 pm. Check with your airline for exact timings. Contact information: phone +55 22 2733-5016, website https://www.bartolomeulisandro.com.br/. There is no ATM inside the terminal; the nearest cash machine is at a gas station 1.5 kilometres along the BR-101. Currency exchange is not available. Parking is free and has designated accessible spots. If you need wheelchair assistance, call the airport in advance. The busiest time is weekday afternoons around 5 pm, when multiple flights may be scheduled; arrive early if travelling then. One concrete tip: bring your own water and snacks, as the vending machine is unreliable and the outside café closes between flights. Allow at least 20 minutes by taxi from the city centre, and 40 minutes by bus.