How to Get to Jericoacoara: All Your Transport Options
Jericoacoara sits inside a national park on the western coast of Ceará, in northeastern Brazil, and there is no paved road running all the way into the village - the final stretch is driven over sand dunes. That sounds intimidating if you have never been, but the logistics are simple once you understand your options. Here is the complete step-by-step.
1. Fly into Fortaleza (FOR airport)
The main gateway is Fortaleza International Airport (FOR), about 300 km from Jericoacoara. Most domestic and international flights land here. From Fortaleza to Jeri it is roughly a 4 to 5 hour overland journey.
2. From the airport to Jeri: the transfer is the easiest way
The most relaxed option is to book a transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara. You are picked up at the airport (or your hotel) and taken to the village, with the final 4x4 leg already included. There are two types:
- Private transfer: exclusive to you and your group, with a flexible departure time.
- Shared transfer: more affordable, with set departure times and a vehicle shared with other travelers.
The route combines paved highway up to Jijoca de Jericoacoara and, from there, the crossing over the dunes.
3. The final 4x4 ride across the dunes
From Jijoca to the village it is about a 30-minute ride in a 4x4 vehicle, crossing dunes and sand. Ordinary cars cannot make this stretch - which is why even travelers arriving in their own car usually leave it in Jijoca and complete the last leg in an appropriate vehicle.
4. Is there an airport in Jericoacoara?
Yes. Jericoacoara Airport (JJD), in Cruz/Jijoca, runs seasonal flights and is about 30 to 40 minutes from the village. It is a way to shorten the overland trip, but it has fewer routes than Fortaleza - it is worth comparing prices and dates.
5. By car or by bus
By car, the route is Fortaleza → Jijoca de Jericoacoara via the CE-085 (Rota do Sol), leaving your vehicle in Jijoca for the final crossing. By bus, there are regular lines from Fortaleza to Jijoca; from there you complete the trip with a local 4x4 transfer.
So what is the best option?
For most travelers, flying into Fortaleza and booking a door-to-door transfer is the best balance of cost, comfort and peace of mind - with no worries about the dune crossing. See the available options and times on our Jericoacoara transfers page, and if you are already planning your stay, take a look at places to stay in Jeri.
Want to see everything you can book at the destination in one place? Visit the Jericoacoara page.