Cruise port Praia Grande
Info for port Praia Grande on 11 Oct 2027
Port information & tips for Praia Grande
Praia Grande is a sun-drenched jewel on the coast of São Paulo and boasts one of the longest continuous sandy beaches in Brazil. The city combines modern urban flair with a relaxed coastal atmosphere, creating an inviting backdrop thanks to the miles of palm-lined promenade and sweeping views of the South Atlantic. Cultural and scenic highlights include the historic Fortaleza de Itaipu with its panoramic views, the lively Boqueirão district, and the well-maintained bike paths and sculptures along the coast. Cruise ships dock at the modern Concais Cruise Terminal in the Port of Santos, from where the center and beaches of Praia Grande are easily accessible in around 30 minutes by shuttle or taxi.
Praia Grande in Brazil is primarily known as a popular seaside resort and is located in the immediate vicinity of the major cruise port of Santos. For travelers from the DACH region, the journey to Praia Grande and the nearby cruise terminal is usually organized as a Fly & Cruise, with an overnight stay at the arrival destination recommended due to the long flight time.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), which is accessible from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland via direct flights or connections. GRU is located approximately 100 to 120 kilometers from Praia Grande, and the travel time is between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, São Paulo-Congonhas Airport (CGH) can be used, which is located closer to the city of São Paulo and offers domestic flights. Transfer options from both airports include taxis, private shuttle services, or transfers through the cruise lines directly to Praia Grande or the cruise port in Santos.
Transfer & Shuttle
After arrival at São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport (GRU), various transfer options are available. Many cruise lines offer organized bus transfers that go directly to the cruise terminal in Santos, which is easily accessible from Praia Grande. Alternatively, you can use a taxi or a pre-booked private shuttle service to get comfortably and directly to your hotel in Praia Grande or to the port. The route mainly follows the well-developed Rodovia dos Imigrantes (SP-160) or Rodovia Anchieta (SP-150).
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long intercontinental flight time and possible time differences, it is advisable to spend at least one night in Praia Grande or the surrounding area before your scheduled embarkation. This allows for a relaxed arrival and acclimatization. In Praia Grande itself, there are a variety of hotels and pousadas that provide a convenient base for exploring the coastal region before your cruise. From Praia Grande, you can reach the Port of Santos, the actual departure port for most cruises in this region, quickly by taxi or a short transfer.
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 your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Praia Grande in Brazil is primarily known as a popular seaside resort and is located in the immediate vicinity of the major cruise port of Santos. For travelers from the DACH region, the journey to Praia Grande and the nearby cruise terminal is usually organized as a Fly & Cruise, with an overnight stay at the arrival destination recommended due to the long flight time.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), which is accessible from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland via direct flights or connections. GRU is located approximately 100 to 120 kilometers from Praia Grande, and the travel time is between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, São Paulo-Congonhas Airport (CGH) can be used, which is located closer to the city of São Paulo and offers domestic flights. Transfer options from both airports include taxis, private shuttle services, or transfers through the cruise lines directly to Praia Grande or the cruise port in Santos.
Transfer & Shuttle
After arrival at São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport (GRU), various transfer options are available. Many cruise lines offer organized bus transfers that go directly to the cruise terminal in Santos, which is easily accessible from Praia Grande. Alternatively, you can use a taxi or a pre-booked private shuttle service to get comfortably and directly to your hotel in Praia Grande or to the port. The route mainly follows the well-developed Rodovia dos Imigrantes (SP-160) or Rodovia Anchieta (SP-150).
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long intercontinental flight time and possible time differences, it is advisable to spend at least one night in Praia Grande or the surrounding area before your scheduled embarkation. This allows for a relaxed arrival and acclimatization. In Praia Grande itself, there are a variety of hotels and pousadas that provide a convenient base for exploring the coastal region before your cruise. From Praia Grande, you can reach the Port of Santos, the actual departure port for most cruises in this region, quickly by taxi or a short transfer.
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 your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The docking point in Praia Grande is excellently integrated into the urban environment and allows you direct access to the extensive coastal promenade. Thanks to its central location, you can reach many of the city's highlights easily and comfortably directly from the terminal.
On Foot
The famous beach promenade and the city center are in the immediate vicinity and can be reached in about 5 to 10 minutes on foot. A walk along the coast also offers wonderful views of the Atlantic and leads you directly to numerous restaurants and shops.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Official taxis are available at the central exits and will take you quickly to more distant sights or neighboring coastal towns. In addition, private ride-hailing services are widely used in this region and offer a particularly comfortable transport alternative thanks to simple app control.
Local Buses (Ônibus)
The municipal buses, locally called Ônibus, run regularly and efficiently connect the port area with the various districts. They offer an inexpensive way to explore the surroundings authentically while effortlessly covering the region's long stretches of beach.
To make the most of your stay in Praia Grande, it is recommended to focus on the extensive beachfront promenade and the historical fortifications with their panoramic views over the Atlantic.
Fortaleza de Itaipu
This historical fortress on the edge of the city combines Brazilian military history with spectacular views of the Bay of Santos and, thanks to guided tours, is an ideal destination for visitors interested in history.
Canto do Forte
As one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods, this area impresses with its well-maintained beach section and a modern waterfront promenade, inviting you to take long strolls under palm trees thanks to its relaxed atmosphere.
Bairro do Boqueirão
This lively center is the commercial heart of Praia Grande and, with its numerous boutiques and traditional restaurants, offers the perfect setting for an authentic stroll through the city in immediate proximity to the sea.
Praia Grande in Arraial do Cabo
The breathtaking Praia Grande is easily accessible from the Porto do Forno cruise pier in about ten minutes by taxi and welcomes you with a mile-long, snow-white quartz sand beach as well as impressively clear, turquoise water. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure with charming kiosks and comfortable beach clubs, you can enjoy first-class service here, including cool drinks and local specialties directly by the sea. The extensive coastline is also perfect for long walks in a paradisiacal setting and offers pleasant refreshment thanks to the steady sea breeze. Ideally, start your excursion in the morning to enjoy the bright sun and the relaxed atmosphere to the fullest, and plan your return trip to the port at least ninety minutes before departure.
The way back from the extensive beaches in Praia Grande to the cruise terminal in Santos is straightforward and can be planned very safely thanks to the direct road connections. Allow for a buffer of about 30 to 45 minutes for the trip over the bridge to ensure you are back on board relaxed and on time.
Taxi and Rideshare
Official taxis can be found at designated stands in front of the Litoral Plaza Shopping Mall and at the marked spots along Avenida Presidente Castelo Branco directly by the sea. Additionally, you can easily call a vehicle via the Uber or 99 apps, which operate very reliably in this region and will take you comfortably directly to the entrance of the Concais terminal.
Public Transport and Shuttles
The EMTU intercity buses run regularly from the large Tude Bastos and Tatico terminals and take you directly back to Santos. Many cruise lines also offer organized shuttle buses that start at central meeting points in the city and guarantee a particularly easy return to the ship thanks to fixed departure times.
Orientation and Safety
The route to the port follows well-developed main roads and is easy to find thanks to the signs pointing towards Santos and Concais. In the tourist zones at the beach and near the large shopping centers, the path to the pick-up points is well-lit and regularly patrolled, so you can feel safe at all times and enjoy the way to the pier.
