R$20–35 from POA to Centro: that’s 99 Pop Aeroporto’s edge
For app-literate, budget-minded travelers, 99 Pop Aeroporto often comes in several reais cheaper than the official taxi line for the 15–30 minute run between Salgado Filho (Terminais 1 e 2) and Centro. Reddit regulars quote “uns 20 e poucos reais” to downtown in normal traffic, versus noticeably more from the taxi rank.
Both Terminals 1 and 2 sit inside Porto Alegre’s urban area, so 99 rides into Cidade Baixa, Moinhos de Vento, or the historic center usually stay in the R$20–35 band off-peak. That price can jump when dynamic pricing kicks in during heavy rain or around 2–3 a.m. bar closing times, at which point taxis get closer in cost.
How pickup works at Salgado Filho
Cars on 99 typically show a 5–10 minute ETA at POA, even after 22:00, according to multiple r/portoalegre posts. Some drivers don’t like stopping right at the main arrivals curb, so the app may point you to a signed rideshare area or to the airport parking structure a couple of minutes’ walk from desembarque in Terminal 1.
Expect to follow the pin carefully: users report that 99 drivers often wait on specific ramps or parking lanes near Terminal 1 instead of at the front doors. One Redditor mentioned that once they learned their usual pickup spot, total exit time dropped below the taxi queue, even at around 23:00.
Step-by-step: calling 99 Pop Aeroporto
- 1. Connect to Wi‑Fi or data in Terminal 1 or 2; POA Wi‑Fi usually works near the baggage carousels.
- 2. Open the 99 app, set “Aeroporto Salgado Filho” or your terminal as pickup, and drop a precise pin where the app suggests (often estacionamento or a side lane).
- 3. Enter your hotel address in Centro, Cidade Baixa, or another neighborhood and check the quoted fare; Aeroporto–Centro often shows around R$20–35 off-peak.
- 4. Compare Uber and 99 side by side; locals say surge can differ by more than R$10 on the same route.
- 5. Once matched, message the driver in simple Portuguese (“Estou na saída do Terminal 1”) and walk to the exact pickup point the app displays.
- 6. During the ride, keep your map open; some drivers admit they don’t know certain hotel access roads and appreciate quick turn-by-turn help.
What regulars do and what to watch for
Locals on r/portoalegre often step 50–100 meters away from the busiest terminal doors before hitting “Confirmar corrida” in 99, which makes it easier for drivers to stop without arguing with security. Many also default to 99 or Uber instead of Trensurb at night, even though the airport station is close, just to get dropped directly at their building door.
Complaints include occasional cancellations when drivers see super-short trips to nearby airport hotels, even if the quoted price is under R$15. Another thread mentions drivers missing the correct hotel entrance near the BR‑116 access roads, so keep the building number and cross street ready. One last tip: screenshot your R$ estimate before confirming; it’s the easiest way to argue if surge suddenly spikes on arrival.