Natal’s airport, Aeropuerto Augusto Severino, is about 15 kilometres from downtown and even closer to Ponta Negra Beach. The terminal is an ambitious complex, obviously designed for a future where many more people will be flying into Natal. But the advantage today is that there are no crowds, and it is a snap to get in and get out. The facilities, however, are rather basic.

Brazilian carriers like TAM, Gol, and Varig are the main airlines here, offering a good selection of daily flights to all of Brazil’s major cities. Taxis are the best transport option as there is no cheap shuttle service connecting the terminal to Natal. Travellers on package tours will likely have a pick-up service waiting, and the adventurous can catch a city bus that stops at the airport as it makes its way along the coastal route. There are car rental companies at the airport if you want to provide your own transportation.

The only other way to get to Natal except flying is by bus. Long-distance buses arrive at the Rodoviaria terminal, about five kilometres from downtown Natal. Once you’re in Natal, the public bus service is an easy and cheap way to travel between Ponta Negra and downtown Natal (Centro). Buses either run along the coast or take an inland route.

Taxis are the other transport option in Natal. They are everywhere and easy to hail on the street or hire at the taxi ranks at Ponta Negra and Cidade Alta. Fares are cheap and the drivers are generally honest. Renting cars is always an option, but the excellent public transport network means it’s not really essential. For something fun, hire a buggy and driver for the day and go exploring the off-road scenery around Natal.