Gramado is one of Brazil’s most charming destinations, and getting there is easier than many people imagine. Whether you’re coming by plane, bus, or car, each option has its own perks and quirks. In this complete guide, you’ll find out which mode of transport suits your travel style best, how long each route takes, and what costs are involved.
The town sits in the Serra Gaúcha region, about 80 miles from Porto Alegre, and is perched at a high altitude with breathtaking landscapes. Access is served by good roads, a nearby international airport, and regular bus lines, making trip planning a breeze.
How to get to Gramado by plane
Gramado doesn’t have its own airport. The closest one is Salgado Filho International Airport in Porto Alegre (POA), about 80 miles from town. There’s also Caxias do Sul Airport (CXJ), roughly 40 miles away, which is a solid alternative depending on where you’re coming from.
Most flights to Porto Alegre depart from São Paulo (Guarulhos and Congonhas), Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and other Brazilian capitals. A flight from São Paulo, for instance, takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. From Salgado Filho Airport, you’ll still need ground transport to Gramado.
Transport options from Porto Alegre airport to Gramado
Private transfer: the most comfortable and direct option. Specialized companies offer scheduled shuttles from the airport to Gramado. The trip takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Prices range from $35 to $60 per person, or $100 to $180 for a whole car. It’s well worth it for groups or families.
Bus with a connection in Canela or Caxias: from Porto Alegre airport, you can catch a bus from Caxiense or Unesul heading to Gramado, with or without a transfer. Total time can vary between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, including waiting. The cost is much more affordable: around $12 to $18.
Car rental: major rental companies (Localiza, Movida, Unidas, Hertz) have counters at Salgado Filho Airport. It’s a great option if you want flexibility to explore the Serra Gaúcha during your stay. The route via the ring road and RS-020 is well-signposted and pleasant.
Caxias do Sul Airport: is it worth it?
Hugo Cantergiani Airport in Caxias do Sul has direct flights from São Paulo (Congonhas), Rio de Janeiro (Galeão), and Brasília. The big plus is its proximity to Gramado—just 40 miles—which cuts down ground transfer time significantly. However, flight options are fewer and prices tend to be a bit higher than those to Porto Alegre. Still, if you’re coming from São Paulo, it’s worth comparing fares, as sometimes flying into Caxias ends up being cheaper.
How to get to Gramado by car
Driving to Gramado is a popular choice, especially for travelers already in Rio Grande do Sul or neighboring states. The roads are good, the route is safe, and the Serra Gaúcha landscape is a show in itself—especially on the climb up the mountains.
From Porto Alegre
The most common route from Porto Alegre to Gramado goes via BR-116 toward Caxias do Sul, then exits onto RS-122 or RS-020. The distance is about 80 miles, and the estimated drive time is 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic in the capital and on the mountain climb. The RS-020 route (Rota do Vale) is considered one of the most scenic, cutting through fields and native forests before entering the Serra Gaúcha.
Another popular route is via RS-115, passing through Taquara and Nova Petrópolis—known as the Rota Romântica—offering even more impressive views with valleys, vineyards, and German- and Italian-heritage villages. It’s a bit longer (about 93 miles), but highly recommended if you have time and want to soak up the journey.
From São Paulo and other capitals
From São Paulo, the distance to Gramado is roughly 715 miles via BR-116 (Presidente Dutra Highway, then BR-116 South). The full trip can take between 13 and 15 hours of continuous driving—ideal if you hit the road early in the morning to enjoy emptier highways. Curitiba is about 435 miles away, and Florianópolis is roughly 285 miles from Gramado.
For long road trips, it’s essential to plan rest stops, check your vehicle before leaving, and respect speed limits on the highways. The mountain climb, especially on RS-020, has tight curves that demand extra caution—particularly in winter, when fog or drizzle can appear.
Tolls along the way
Most roads leading to Gramado have tolls. The total cost depends on the route you choose, but generally, you can expect to pay between $6 and $12 in tolls when coming from Porto Alegre, depending on the path. Apps like Google Maps or Waze show tolls along the way and help you pick the most economical or fastest route.
How to get to Gramado by bus
The bus is the most budget-friendly option for travelers without a car. Gramado has a well-equipped bus station on Avenida das Hortênsias, with lines from Porto Alegre, Caxias do Sul, Canela, and other towns in the region.
From Porto Alegre to Gramado
The company Caxiense runs direct lines between Porto Alegre and Gramado, departing from Porto Alegre’s bus station (Largo Vespasiano Júlio Veppo, downtown). The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Departures happen at regular intervals throughout the day—it’s a good idea to check schedules on the company’s website or by phone in advance, as they vary by day of the week and season.
Ticket prices from Porto Alegre to Gramado range from about $12 to $18, depending on the bus class (conventional or semi-sleeper). For peak seasons—Natal Luz, Easter, July—it’s crucial to buy tickets in advance through the Caxiense website or platforms like Buser and Clickbus.
From Caxias do Sul to Gramado
If you flew into Caxias do Sul or are visiting the city, there’s regular transport between Caxias and Gramado. The trip takes about 1 hour, with buses running frequently throughout the day. This is also a great route if you’re doing a Serra Gaúcha itinerary, visiting Bento Gonçalves, Flores da Cunha, and the surrounding areas.
From other cities in Brazil
From São Paulo, you can catch overnight buses to Porto Alegre’s bus station and then connect to Gramado. Some companies like Pluma and JBL also run lines to towns in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul that allow a transfer to Gramado. The total travel time from São Paulo is around 16 to 18 hours—best for those with time to spare and looking to save on transport costs.
Comparison: plane vs. bus vs. car
To help you decide, here’s a quick rundown of the three options, using the most common starting point—São Paulo:
By plane: total time of 4 to 5 hours (flight + transfer), average cost of $80 to $180 per person (ticket + transfer), high comfort, ideal for those short on time or wanting to avoid long hours in a car or bus.
By bus: duration of 16 to 18 hours, cost of $30 to $60 per person, medium to high comfort (sleeper or semi-sleeper bus). Best for travelers on a tighter budget who have time to spare.
By car: duration of 12 to 15 hours, variable cost (fuel + tolls + possible rental daily rate), high comfort if the vehicle is comfortable. The best option for groups or families wanting total flexibility during the trip and while staying in Gramado.
Getting around Gramado
Once you’re in Gramado, getting around locally also deserves some thought. The town center is relatively compact, and many attractions are on Avenida Borges de Medeiros or nearby streets, so you can explore a good chunk on foot.
For farther-flung spots—like Parque Knorr, Mini Mundo, or Gramado Zoo—taxis, Uber, or similar ride-sharing apps are your best bet. Fares are reasonable within town. There’s also bike rental and the classic Gramado Tram, which is both a tourist transport and one of the town’s most charming attractions.
If you came by car, you’ve got the advantage of total freedom to explore not just Gramado but also Canela—the neighboring town just 4 miles away—and other Serra Gaúcha destinations like Nova Petrópolis and São Francisco de Paula.
Practical travel tips
Book ahead during peak season: Natal Luz (October to January) and the Gramado Film Festival (August) are periods when the town sees a massive influx of tourists. Plane and bus tickets sell out fast, and prices skyrocket. If you plan to visit during these times, secure your tickets at least two to three months in advance.
Watch the mountain weather: Gramado’s climate is different from the rest of Brazil. In winter (June to August), temperatures can drop below freezing, and there’s a risk of frost or even light snow. This affects road conditions in the mountains, especially early in the morning. If you’re driving during this season, leave at safe times and check weather conditions before heading out.
Discount for Rio Grande do Sul residents: Locals from the state get discounts on entry to many Gramado attractions by showing a document with a Rio Grande do Sul address. It’s worth checking at the venue before paying for your ticket.
Parking in Gramado: During peak season, Gramado’s center gets very crowded, and finding parking can be tough. There are rotating parking spots on main streets as well as paid private lots near major attractions. Leaving your accommodation early helps you avoid the rush.
How long to stay in Gramado?
To see the essentials—the center, main streets, Mini Mundo, Lago Negro, and a few chocolate shops—two days is enough. But to really soak up the town, including Canela and the surroundings, aim for at least four days. Check out our detailed itinerary in the guide: 4-Day Gramado Itinerary: What to Do Day by Day, with suggestions for attractions, restaurants, and accommodations for each part of the day.
No matter how you got here—by plane, bus, or car—Gramado will surprise you with its European charm, unique cuisine, and breathtaking nature. The journey itself is part of the experience, especially when made through the beautiful Serra Gaúcha.
Read also: How Much Does a Trip to Gramado Cost: Complete Budget — detailed costs for accommodation, food, tickets, and sample budgets for different traveler profiles.
