Cruise port Santos
Port information & tips for Santos
Santos is the gateway to the world and Brazil's most important port city, delighting visitors with its maritime charm and a blend of history and modernity. As the heart of Brazilian coffee culture, this city on the Atlantic also impresses with its world-famous beach gardens and a vibrant lifestyle. Cultural highlights include the magnificent Museu do Café in the historic coffee exchange building and the impressive Museu Pelé, which honors the legacy of the football legend. Additionally, a cable car ride up Monte Serrat offers breathtaking panoramic views over the entire coastline. Cruise ships dock at the Concais Terminal (Giusfredo Santini), which is located only about two kilometers from the historic center and offers a comfortable connection to all sights thanks to short taxi rides.
The Port of Santos is the most significant cruise port in South America and, thanks to the modern Concais passenger terminal, serves as a central hub for Brazil cruises. Processing is handled professionally and efficiently in one of the largest passenger terminals in Latin America, located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the city center.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is primarily via São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), which is served by direct flights from Frankfurt and Zurich. The airport is located around 110 kilometers from the port and is the most important arrival point for international guests, although a travel time of about two to three hours should be planned depending on traffic conditions.
Transfer & Shuttle
The most comfortable way to reach the terminal from the airport or the metropolis of São Paulo is via organized shuttle services from the cruise lines or private transfer providers. The journey takes you via the modern highways Rodovia dos Imigrantes (SP-160) or Rodovia Anchieta (SP-150) through the Serra do Mar coastal mountains, where the well-developed infrastructure enables a direct connection to the Concais terminal.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and unpredictable traffic volume in the São Paulo region, arriving at least one day before embarkation is recommended. A stay at a hotel in the nearby Gonzaga district of Santos also offers the opportunity to enjoy the city's famous beach gardens and reach the ship in a relaxed manner in just a few minutes the next morning.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Santos is the most significant cruise port in South America and, thanks to the modern Concais passenger terminal, serves as a central hub for Brazil cruises. Processing is handled professionally and efficiently in one of the largest passenger terminals in Latin America, located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the city center.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is primarily via São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), which is served by direct flights from Frankfurt and Zurich. The airport is located around 110 kilometers from the port and is the most important arrival point for international guests, although a travel time of about two to three hours should be planned depending on traffic conditions.
Transfer & Shuttle
The most comfortable way to reach the terminal from the airport or the metropolis of São Paulo is via organized shuttle services from the cruise lines or private transfer providers. The journey takes you via the modern highways Rodovia dos Imigrantes (SP-160) or Rodovia Anchieta (SP-150) through the Serra do Mar coastal mountains, where the well-developed infrastructure enables a direct connection to the Concais terminal.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and unpredictable traffic volume in the São Paulo region, arriving at least one day before embarkation is recommended. A stay at a hotel in the nearby Gonzaga district of Santos also offers the opportunity to enjoy the city's famous beach gardens and reach the ship in a relaxed manner in just a few minutes the next morning.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Thanks to the modern Concais terminal, the Port of Santos offers excellent connections and provides travelers with a convenient starting point for excursions to the historic old town as well as the famous beaches.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Official taxis wait for passengers directly at the terminal exit and offer fast transport at fixed or metered prices. In addition, the use of ride-hailing services such as Uber is very common in Santos, allowing for a direct and cost-effective trip to the Gonzaga district or the Pelé Museum.
Shuttle Buses
Many cruise lines provide their own shuttle buses to transport passengers comfortably to the historic center or to central points along the coast. Additionally, local buses operated by the Piracicabana company run frequently, efficiently connecting the port area with the city's most important sights.
On Foot
The historic center of Santos can be reached in a walk of about 35 to 40 minutes, with the path leading directly along the port facilities. This route offers initial impressions of the largest port in Latin America and leads guests directly to the architectural treasures of the old town.
It is best to combine the historical charm of the Altstadt with a relaxed break on the famous coast to experience the diversity of Santos optimally within one day.
Centro Histórico & Museu do Café
Magnificent colonial architecture characterizes the historical center, where the Museu do Café in an imposing palace brings the glorious history of world trade to life. A stroll through the cobbled streets leads directly to cozy cafés and the nostalgic streetcar, which is perfect for a comfortable city exploration.
Praia do Gonzaga & Orla de Santos
The extensive bay impresses with the longest beach garden in the world and, thanks to the lively promenade, offers the ideal setting for a sunbath or a stroll through the adjacent boutiques. The lively atmosphere and the wide view of the Atlantic make this section of the coast a perfect destination for connoisseurs and those seeking relaxation.
Monte Serrat
With the historical funicular, you can easily reach the summit of Monte Serrat and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the harbor as well as the entire city area from up there. The traditional chapel on the plateau is also a place of peace and simultaneously offers a first-class perspective of the ships in the harbor basin.
Museu do Café
The magnificent Museu do Café in the historic center of Santos is easily accessible from the cruise terminal in less than ten minutes by taxi or Uber and offers a first-class cultural experience in one of the city's most architecturally impressive buildings. In the grand former Coffee Exchange, you will discover Brazil's fascinating trading history and also enjoy freshly roasted specialties of the highest quality in the local coffee bar. The elegant atmosphere and artistic stained glass windows make this place perfect for a stylish visit and invite you to linger in a historical ambiance. Ideally, start your excursion in the morning to explore the exhibitions in peace and return to the port relaxed in the early afternoon. Thanks to the immediate proximity to the terminal, you can enjoy a completely stress-free shore excursion full of historical highlights.
The journey back to the Concais cruise terminal is straightforward and safe, thanks to the well-developed infrastructure in Santos. Due to heavy traffic near the port, plan sufficient time for your arrival to ensure you are on board on time.
Taxi and Rideshare Apps
Taxis can be found at designated stands in front of large shopping centers like Shopping Miramar in the Gonzaga district or directly at the major hotels along the beach promenade. Additionally, rideshare apps function very reliably in Santos and will take you directly to the secured entrance area of the Giusfredo Santini terminal.
Shuttle Services and Ferries
Many cruise lines offer convenient shuttle buses that pick you up at central meeting points in the city and take you directly to the terminal. If you spend the day in neighboring Guarujá, simply use the car ferry (Balsa) and reach the port after a short taxi ride via the well-maintained access road.
On Foot and Orientation
From the historic old town (Centro Histórico), the Concais terminal is easy to find via clear signage, and the path leads you directly to the main gate. In this area, the presence of security personnel provides a reassuring feeling, and the terminal's distinctive shape serves as an ideal landmark for orientation.
