# Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho International Airport (POA)

> Porto Alegre, BR · 8 km (5 mi) north of central Porto Alegre

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/poa
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/poa.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: POA
- **ICAO**: SBPA
- **Timezone**: America/Sao_Paulo
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: .83M/yr
- **Hub for**: Azul Brazilian Airlines
- **Official site**: https://portoalegre-airport.com.br/en/

## Overview

## Welcome

Porto Alegre’s Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) offers a counterintuitive experience for travelers expecting a bustling Brazilian gateway. Instead, it presents a more laid-back regional vibe, with a standout feature being its strong lounge culture unusually robust for its size. Frequent flyers are quick to take advantage of lounges like Ambaar Club and W Premium Lounge, which enrich the experience by providing an escape from what many describe as a bland and often overpriced terminal setup.

## At a glance

Sitting just 8 km (5 mi) north of central Porto Alegre, POA services around 8.3 million passengers annually spread across its two terminals. It operates primarily as a hub for Azul Brazilian Airlines and is also frequented by GOL and LATAM Brasil. With 20 restaurants ranging from local Brazilian churrasco favorites like Mania de Churrasco to international chains like McDonald's and Pizza Hut, dining options are wide if not particularly varied.

## Terminals & layout

POA is divided into two terminals. Terminal 1 handles the majority of passenger traffic, including major airlines like Azul, GOL, and LATAM. Terminal 2, also featuring Azul and GOL flights, is smaller and more straightforward. Expect longer walks within Terminal 1, particularly during peak times, due to its more extensive setup. Both terminals have access to a variety of lounges, with the domestic departures mezzanine being home to both Ambaar Club and W Premium Lounge.

## Getting to and from the city

Connectivity into central Porto Alegre is straightforward. By public transport, the MetrôTrensurb takes 15-20 minutes including the Aeromóvel transfer and costs about R$4-6. Bus options range from the Línea de Ônibus Aeroporto Centro, which can vary from 25-60 minutes depending on traffic, also pricing in the R$4-6 range. Taxis generally take 15-30 minutes and cost between R$35-60 depending on the time and traffic, while rideshare options like Uber and 99 Pop are marginally cheaper, often costing R$20-35.

## Traveller essentials

Parking at POA is plentiful, with options like Estacionamento Premium and Estacionamento Econômico providing various price points and conveniences, including 24-hour service. Shops such as Dufry Duty Free and Livraria Saraiva offer standard airport shopping experiences, while electronic need can be met at IPlace. Free public Wi-Fi is available to all travelers needing to stay connected.

## Dining & shopping highlights

While the dining scene at POA may seem typical of airport fare, with mainstays like Subway and Burger King, there are some local touches. Café do Porto and Casa do Pão de Queijo deliver local flavors that can provide travelers a quick taste of Rio Grande do Sul's culinary vibe. The shopping scene offers a mix of essentials and souvenirs with shops like O Boticário and Casa do Turista.

## Lounges

Frequent flyers often pivot to lounges for better value, comfort, and amenities. Both the Ambaar Club and W Premium Lounge provide 24/7 service, although access requirements can be specific and not all visitors can gain entry without the correct memberships or status. Note that walk-up entry at W Premium can be around R$200 (~US$40) but includes food and drink. Although lounges are open around the clock, services might be reduced overnight, a point worth noting for late arrivals.

## Insider tips

- **Insider**: If equipped with a premium Brazilian credit card, double-check lounge benefits; perks often include free entry to lounges like Ambaar and W Premium.

- **Time**: Before heading down to the main gates in Terminal 1, be sure to locate the W Premium Lounge on the mezzanine to the right for a quieter space.

- **Money**: Budget travelers may find better value with a same-day lounge pass than opting for restaurant meals in the terminal; R$200 gets you 3 hours at a lounge with food and Wi-Fi.

- **Local**: Identify the gaucho-inspired decor in the Ambaar Club Domestic lounge, which reflects local culture more than other airport areas.

- **Quiet**: For tranquil working conditions, opt for the meeting rooms in Ambaar Club or W Premium Lounge, well-suited for breaks between regional flights.

- **Avoid**: During peak times, the Ambaar lounges can get crowded; if using Priority Pass, head directly to Ambaar as entry may be limited.

- **Time**: Both Ambaar and W Premium lounges operate 24/7, a crucial advantage if your flight departs early or arrives late and few terminal restaurants are open.

- **Insider**: If traveling with children, make use of the kid’s areas in both main lounges — W Premium allows free entry for kids under 2.

## Terminals (2)

- **Passenger Terminal 1** — Azul Brazilian Airlines, GOL Airlines, LATAM Brasil
  This terminal is currently undergoing renovations to enhance passenger comfort.
- **Passenger Terminal 2** — Azul Brazilian Airlines, GOL Airlines
  This terminal serves a variety of airlines and offers essential passenger services.

## Dining (20)

- **Açai Concept**
- **Baked Potato**
- **Bar Brahma**
- **Boticário Café**
- **Burger King**
- **Cacau Show**
- **Café do Porto**
- **Casa do Pão de Queijo**
- **Empório do Sabor**
- **Famiglia Pizzeria**
- **Giraffas**
- **Grão Espresso**
- **Mania de Churrasco**
- **McDonald's**
- **Panvel Café**
- **Pizza Hut**
- **Spoletto**
- **Subway**
- **Vale Café**
- **Vienna Snacks**

## Lounges (10)

- **Ambaar Club Bradesco Lounge Area** — Domestic departures, Bradesco premium cards
- **Ambaar Club Diners Lounge** — Domestic departures, Diners Club access
- **Ambaar Club Domestic** — 1 · Domestic departures, Priority Pass/LoungeKey
- **Ambaar Club International** — 1 · International departures, Priority Pass/LoungeKey
- **Ambaar Club Mastercard Lounge** — International departures, Mastercard Experiences
- **Ambaar Lounge** — 1 · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Bradesco Visa Aeternum, The Platinum Card, Elo Diners Club, Elo Nanquim
- **W Premium Amex Lounge Area** — 1 · Domestic departures, American Express access
- **W Premium Lounge** — 1 · Visa Airport Companion, DragonPass, C6 Bank, American Express, Sisprime, Sicredi, CVC, Hero Seguros, Coris, GTA
- **W Premium Lounge Domestic** — 1 · Domestic departures, DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion
- **W Premium Lounge International** — 1 · International departures, DragonPass/Visa Airport Companion

## Shops (15)

- **Any Any**
- **Casa do Turista**
- **Chilli Beans**
- **Dufry Duty Free**
- **Dufry Shopping**
- **Fini**
- **Havaianas**
- **Hudson News**
- **Imaginarium**
- **Iplace**
- **Livraria Cultura**
- **Livraria Saraiva**
- **O Boticário**
- **Panvel**
- **Universal Traveler**

## Parking (5)

- **Estacionamento Econômico** — Long-stay parking
- **Estacionamento Externo 24h** — Off-site economy parking
- **Estacionamento Premium** — Covered parking
- **Estacionamento Rápido** — Short-stay parking
- **Valet Aeroporto POA** — Valet service

## Ground transport (8)

- **99 Pop Aeroporto** — App rideshare · ≈15–30 min Aeroporto–Centro, similar to taxis depending on traffic[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/di6hl4/uber_ou_99_no_aeroporto_de_poa/] · Reported ≈R$20–35 Aeroporto–Centro in normal conditions[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/g1g9hs/melhor_jeito_de_ir_do_aeroporto_pro_centro/] · Cars usually available within 5–10 minutes, including evenings, per multiple Reddit reports[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/di6hl4/uber_ou_99_no_aeroporto_de_poa/]
- **Linha de Ônibus Aeroporto Centro** — City bus · ≈25–60 min Aeroporto–Centro depending on traffic[https://www.reclameaqui.com.br/porto-alegre-onibus-aeroporto-centro/] · ≈R$4–6 (standard urban bus fare range cited for Porto Alegre buses)[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/7lfo72/onibus_aeroporto/] · Roughly every 20–30 min in daytime on weekdays; sparser at night and on Sundays[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/7lfo72/onibus_aeroporto/]
- **Linha de Ônibus Aeroporto Zona Norte** — City bus · Significantly longer than direct routes · ≈R$4–6 (standard Porto Alegre bus fare range)[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/9w1o3k/porto_alegre_dicas_de_transporte/] · 40-50 min waits outside daytime peaks
- **Lotação Aeroporto Centro** — Minibus · Reported as slightly above standard bus fare; ≈R$6–8 according to local fare comparisons[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/g1g9hs/melhor_jeito_de_ir_do_aeroporto_pro_centro/]
- **MetrôTrensurb Aeroporto Station** — Metro · ≈15–20 min Aeroporto–Mercado (including Aeromóvel transfer)[https://www.viajenaviagem.com.br/porto-alegre-aeroporto-ao-centro/] · ≈R$4-6 (combined Aeromóvel + Trensurb single trip, depending on tariff and integration)[https://www.viajenaviagem.com.br/porto-alegre-aeroporto-ao-centro/] · Trensurb: about every 6–12 min weekdays daytime; less frequent late evenings and Sundays[https://www.viajenaviagem.com.br/porto-alegre-transporte-aeroporto-centro/]
- **Táxi Aeroporto Porto Alegre** — Taxi · ≈15–30 min Aeroporto–Centro under normal traffic[https://maps.google.com/?cid=porto-alegre-airport-taxi-review] · Reported ≈R$35–60 Aeroporto–Centro/Moinhos depending on traffic and time of day[https://maps.google.com/?cid=porto-alegre-airport-taxi-review] · Rank taxis available throughout the day; short queues possible after banked arrivals[https://maps.google.com/?cid=porto-alegre-airport-taxi-review]
- **Uber Aeroporto POA** — App rideshare · ≈15–30 min Aeroporto–Centro under typical traffic[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/di6hl4/uber_ou_99_no_aeroporto_de_poa/] · Reported ≈R$25–35 Aeroporto–Centro in normal conditions[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/di6hl4/uber_ou_99_no_aeroporto_de_poa/] · Cars usually within 5–10 min in daytime/evening; can stretch to ~15 min late at night[https://www.reddit.com/r/portoalegre/comments/di6hl4/uber_ou_99_no_aeroporto_de_poa/]
- **Viagem de Ônibus Intermunicipal Estação Aeroporto** — Intercity coach · Limited late-night departures

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: If equipped with a premium Brazilian credit card, double-check lounge benefits; perks often include free entry to lounges like Ambaar and W Premium.
- _Time_: Before heading down to the main gates in Terminal 1, be sure to locate the W Premium Lounge on the mezzanine to the right for a quieter space.
- _Money_: Budget travelers may find better value with a same-day lounge pass than opting for restaurant meals in the terminal; R$200 gets you 3 hours at a lounge with food and Wi-Fi.
- _Local_: Identify the gaucho-inspired decor in the Ambaar Club Domestic lounge, which reflects local culture more than other airport areas.
- _Quiet_: For tranquil working conditions, opt for the meeting rooms in Ambaar Club or W Premium Lounge, well-suited for breaks between regional flights.
- _Avoid_: During peak times, the Ambaar lounges can get crowded; if using Priority Pass, head directly to Ambaar as entry may be limited.
- _Time_: Both Ambaar and W Premium lounges operate 24/7, a crucial advantage if your flight departs early or arrives late and few terminal restaurants are open.
- _Insider_: If traveling with children, make use of the kid’s areas in both main lounges — W Premium allows free entry for kids under 2.