Leite Lopes Airport

Dr. Leite Lopes State Airport (RAO) sits about 12 kilometres east of central Ribeirão Preto, serving São Paulo state's interior with a single terminal that handles around 1.5 million passengers annually. The airport operates as a regional hub for passengers connecting to São Paulo-Congonhas, Brasília, and other major cities, though its compact size means most travellers can go from curb to gate in under 15 minutes. Named after the local physician and philanthropist who founded the city's first hospital, the airport reflects the practical, no-fuss character of the region: it works efficiently, without the crowds or delays that define larger Brazilian airports.

Getting There

Ribeirão Preto's city centre is about a 20-minute drive from the airport in light traffic, with the route following Avenida Presidente Vargas and then Avenida Leais Paulista. Taxis are available at the arrivals area, with a fixed fare to most central hotels typically around R$60–R$80. Ride-sharing services like Uber and 99 operate extensively in the city; the pickup point is clearly marked just outside the terminal exit. For those driving, the airport is accessible via Rodovia Anhanguera (SP-330), which connects Ribeirão Preto to São Paulo city to the south and the interior northwards. The car park operates 24 hours a day, with rates starting at approximately R$10 per hour. Public buses do not directly serve the airport terminal; the nearest bus stop is on Avenida Presidente Vargas, about 1 kilometre away, serviced by lines that connect to the city's main transport hubs. Most visitors find a taxi or rideshare more practical.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Dr. Leite Lopes is a single-level building with separate arrivals and departures areas on opposite sides. Check-in counters are arranged along the front wall, with self-service kiosks available for the two major airlines operating here: Azul and LATAM. Security screening is straightforward but can be slow during peak times — the busiest periods are Monday through Thursday at 6 pm, when many business travellers head home. During those windows, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. The departures lounge is modest but functional: rows of seats, a few power outlets, and large windows overlooking the apron. Baggage storage is available at a desk near the main entrance, charging about R$15 per day for small bags. Wheelchair accessibility is well implemented: the entrance, car park, and toilets are all designed for easy access, and there is a changing table in the accessible restroom. The airport has standard toilets throughout, but no dedicated nursing room. Food options are limited to a single café before security and a small snack bar airside. For a proper meal, it is better to eat in town before arriving.

Dr. Leite Lopes State Airport and Ribeirão Preto

Ribeirão Preto sits in the heart of Brazil's most productive agricultural region, the reason most travellers come here. The city anchors an economy built on sugar cane, coffee, and oranges — the surrounding fields produce millions of tonnes of sugar and ethanol annually, and the world's largest orange juice processing plant is located just outside town. For visitors, this translates into a surprisingly sophisticated mid-sized city with excellent restaurants, a lively cultural scene, and a wealth of outdoor activities. The city's centrepiece is Theatro Pedro II, a jaw-dropping 1930s opera house modelled on Milan's La Scala, whose acoustics still host top-tier orchestras and ballets. The Ribeirão Preto Art Museum (MARP) offers a small but well-curated collection of Brazilian modern art. For those interested in the agricultural engine, the Maurílio Biagi Memorial — a restored coffee warehouse — traces the region's coffee boom that built the city's wealth in the early 20th century. Outdoors, the Luís Roberto Jábali Park provides shaded walking trails and a lake, while the Chico Mendes Ecological Park is a large urban preserve with native Atlantic Forest remnants. The local cuisine leans heavily on barbecue: the city's many churrascarias serve cuts of beef from nearby ranches, often accompanied by the region's artisanal cachaças. Ribeirão Preto also hosts the largest rodeo in Latin America, the Ribeirão Rodeo Music festival, which draws over 200,000 visitors each June. Whether you are here for business or leisure, the airport's efficient service means you spend less time in transit and more time experiencing what this dynamic city has to offer.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily from 05:30 to 22:30, though hours can shift depending on flight schedules. The official website is https://redevoa.com.br/ (managed by the concessionaire Rede VOA). For flight information, call +55 16 3603-1666. The baggage storage counter is open from 06:00 to 20:00. Taxis can be pre-booked through local cooperatives; negotiate the fare before departing. One concrete piece of advice: if you are flying out between 5 pm and 7 pm on a weekday, add an extra 20 minutes to your trip — the road leading to the airport can get congested as workers head home. Arriving 90 minutes before departure during those windows will ensure stress-free processing.