Curitiba Airport (CWB) – Complete Travel Guide 2026

Afonso Pena International Airport quick facts

Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) is the primary gateway to Curitiba and the entire state of Paraná in southern Brazil. Located in the municipality of São José dos Pinhais, approximately 18 kilometers southeast of downtown Curitiba, the airport is named after Afonso Pena, the sixth president of Brazil. With a single, modern integrated terminal spanning 45,000 square meters and serving around 3.5 million passengers per year, Afonso Pena International Airport connects the city to major destinations across Brazil, South America, and soon Europe with the arrival of TAP Air Portugal.

Afonso Pena International Airport Terminal Map and Layout

The airport features a single integrated terminal building, which makes navigation refreshingly straightforward compared to sprawling multi-terminal hubs. The terminal is designed in a linear layout with domestic operations on one side and international flights on the other, all under one roof. Upon entering the departures level, you will find airline check-in counters arranged in a single row, with clear signage separating domestic carriers from international ones.

Since there is only one terminal, connecting flights are exceptionally easy to manage. You will never need to exit and re-clear security or take a shuttle between terminals. Walking from the farthest domestic gate to the international wing takes approximately 10 minutes at a comfortable pace. Moving walkways are not a prominent feature here, but the compact design ensures distances remain manageable for most travelers.

Navigating Afonso Pena International Airport Terminals

Main Terminal (Domestic Wing)
The domestic wing handles the vast majority of traffic at the airport. Airlines checking in here include LATAM Brasil, Gol Transportes Aéreos, and Azul Linhas Aéreas. This area features several comfortable waiting lounges with charging stations, a food court with Brazilian and international fast-food options, and a selection of newsstands and souvenir shops. Recent renovations have modernized the seating areas and improved restroom facilities.

Main Terminal (International Wing)
The international wing manages all flights departing Brazil. Airlines operating here include Aerolíneas Argentinas to Buenos Aires, Copa Airlines to Panama City, and starting in July 2026, TAP Air Portugal to Lisbon via Rio de Janeiro. The international departure area houses the duty-free shop, a small VIP lounge, and passport control facilities. After clearing security, passengers access a compact boarding area with basic amenities including a café and restrooms.

Transportation to and from Afonso Pena International Airport

Getting from the airport to Curitiba is straightforward with several reliable options available. The airport sits along the busy Avenida Rocha Pombo corridor, and the journey to downtown Curitiba covers about 18 kilometers, typically taking 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Peak hours on weekdays, especially morning and evening rush periods, can add significant time to your trip.

Getting to and from Afonso Pena International Airport by Car

Driving to the airport is simple via Avenida das Torres, the main artery connecting São José dos Pinhais to Curitiba. The airport provides approximately 800 parking spaces across short-term and long-term lots directly in front of the terminal. Short-term parking costs about $2 per hour with a daily maximum of $15. The long-term parking lot offers a daily rate of approximately $10, making it economical for trips lasting several days.

Several private parking operators near the airport offer covered parking, valet services, and even car washes. These lots typically charge $8 to $12 per day and provide complimentary shuttle service to the terminal every 10 to 15 minutes. Booking parking in advance online is strongly recommended during peak holiday seasons such as Christmas, New Year, and Carnival.

The airport provides a free cell phone waiting lot located just before the terminal entrance, where drivers can wait for arriving passengers to call before proceeding to the arrivals curb. Curbside drop-off at departures is permitted, but vehicles cannot be left unattended even briefly. Security officers actively enforce a strict no-waiting policy at the terminal curbside.

Getting to and from Afonso Pena International Airport by Rideshare or Taxi

Uber and 99 are the two dominant rideshare services operating at the airport. The designated pickup zone is on the Ground Floor at the outer curb of the arrivals level. Follow the signs for App de Transporte once you exit baggage claim. The exact meeting point may vary slightly depending on the app you use, so confirm your location on your phone before requesting a ride.

Taxis at the airport are regulated by the municipality of São José dos Pinhais and operate 24 hours a day from a dedicated stand at the arrivals curb. The fleet consists of clean, well-maintained sedans with meters. A trip to downtown Curitiba costs between $13 and $18, while the bus station runs $11 to $15. Note that a 20% surcharge applies on weekdays from 8 PM to 6 AM and all day on weekends and holidays.

Getting to and from Afonso Pena International Airport by Public Transportation

The airport is connected to Curitiba's efficient public transportation system via metropolitan bus lines operated by Auto Viação São José. Route E32 (Airport to Boqueirão Terminal) is the most useful for visitors heading downtown. Once at Boqueirão Terminal, transfer to Expresso buses 500 or 503, which run frequently to the city center on dedicated lanes. If you purchase a transport card, the transfer is free; otherwise, pay cash onboard.

Key Amenities at Afonso Pena International Airport

ATMs

Several ATMs operated by Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, and Santander are located in the main check-in hall on the ground floor and in the arrivals area. Most machines accept international cards with Cirrus, Plus, or Visa networks and dispense Brazilian Reais.

Lost and Found

The airport's Lost and Found service is managed by Infraero, the airport operator. The office is located on the ground floor near the arrivals hall. You can reach them at +55 41 3381-1515 or visit the information desk for assistance with lost items.

Luggage Services

Luggage carts are available for rent at approximately $2 per use. A luggage wrapping service operates near the check-in counters, charging about $8 per bag for secure plastic wrapping. There is no left-luggage or storage facility at the airport, so plan accordingly.

Pets

The airport has a designated outdoor pet relief area located just outside the arrivals level. For passengers flying with pets, each airline maintains its own policy regarding carriers, fees, and documentation, so check with your carrier well before departure.

Showers

Shower facilities are not available in the public areas of the terminal. The VIP lounges do not currently offer shower amenities.

Currency Exchange

A currency exchange counter operates in the international arrivals area during flight arrival windows. Rates are competitive with downtown exchanges, though using ATMs often provides a better exchange rate for major currencies.

Smoking Area

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the terminal. Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal building, clearly marked near the main entrances.

WiFi

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the network Infraero WiFi and register with an email address or phone number. Charging stations with both standard outlets and USB ports are located throughout the departure lounges and near the food court.

Other Amenities

An information desk staffed with multilingual personnel operates during flight hours in the main hall. A small chapel is located on the ground floor for prayer and reflection. Basic medical first-aid services are available through the airport's security staff if needed.

Airport Lounges at Afonso Pena International Airport

The lounge scene at the airport is relatively modest, reflecting the airport's role as primarily a domestic hub. There is one main VIP lounge serving both domestic and international passengers.

Airline Lounges at Afonso Pena International Airport

VIP Lounge Curitiba

• Location: International wing, after security near the duty-free shop
• Key Features: Comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages including Brazilian coffee, beer, and soft drinks, workstations with charging points, international TV channels, and magazines
• Access: Business class passengers on international flights, elite status holders with Star Alliance and partner airlines, Priority Pass members, and day pass available for approximately $30

Priority Pass Lounges at Afonso Pena International Airport

Priority Pass members can access the VIP Lounge Curitiba. The lounge is compact and can become crowded during peak international departure windows in the late afternoon. Access may be restricted during high-traffic periods based on capacity, so arrive early if you plan to use the lounge.

Other Airports in the Region

Joinville Airport (JOI)
Located approximately 130 kilometers or a 1 hour 45 minute drive south of Curitiba, Joinville Airport serves the industrial city of Joinville in Santa Catarina state. It handles domestic flights with Azul, Gol, and LATAM and is a good alternative for travelers heading to the northern coast of Santa Catarina.

Navegantes Airport (NVT)
About 220 kilometers south of Curitiba, roughly a 2 hour 45 minute drive, Navegantes Airport is the gateway to Balneário Camboriú, Itajaí, and the stunning beaches of the Santa Catarina coast. Its proximity to popular beach destinations makes it an excellent choice for coastal vacations.

Londrina Airport (LDB)
Situated 380 kilometers north of Curitiba, approximately 4.5 hours by car, Londrina Airport serves the agriculturally rich northern region of Paraná with domestic connections to São Paulo and Campinas.

Afonso Pena International Airport Overview

Afonso Pena International Airport has served Curitiba since 1945, growing from a modest regional airstrip into a modern international facility. The airport sits at an elevation of 911 meters above sea level on the high plateau of southern Brazil, which gives Curitiba its famously cool climate. The current terminal building opened in 1996 and was designed to handle growing passenger demand while showcasing the modernity of one of Brazils most innovative cities. The old terminal was converted into a cargo facility, reflecting the airports dual passenger and freight roles. The airport operates two asphalt runways measuring 1,800 meters and 2,215 meters, accommodating aircraft including the Airbus A330.

Afonso Pena International Airport Postal Code

Postal Code: 83010-900
City: São José dos Pinhais
State: Paraná
Country: Brazil
Complete Mailing Address: Av. Rocha Pombo – Águas Belas, São José dos Pinhais – PR, 83010-900, Brazil

Duty Free and Shopping at Afonso Pena International Airport

Duty-free shopping is available in the international departure area after passport control. The Dufry-operated shop stocks perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, tobacco, chocolates, and electronics at duty-free prices. For domestic travelers, the airport features a small shopping gallery on the ground floor with approximately 60 stores including newsstands, a pharmacy, souvenir shops, and clothing boutiques. The food court offers a mix of Brazilian and international fast-casual options, with local coffee chain Café do Mercado being a highlight for a pre-flight espresso and pão de queijo.

💡 Tip: For authentic Paraná souvenirs like barreado spice mixes, cachaça, and local crafts, the Mercado Municipal in downtown Curitiba offers better variety and prices than the airport shops.

Security Wait Times Afonso Pena International Airport

Security wait times are generally manageable at this medium-sized airport. On typical days, domestic passengers clear security in 10 to 15 minutes. The international checkpoint is smaller and typically processes passengers within 10 minutes. Peak travel periods dramatically change this picture. Morning hours from 6 AM to 8 AM see the longest lines as business travelers catch early flights to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The busy summer travel season from December through February, along with major holidays like Carnival and Semana Santa, can push wait times to 20 to 30 minutes or more.

👉 Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures during peak periods. There is no TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR service at Brazilian airports. International passengers should complete the exit form on the Federal Police website before arriving to speed up passport control.

Afonso Pena International Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information

The departures drop-off zone is located on the upper level curb directly outside the check-in hall. Drivers may stop only long enough to unload passengers and luggage before security requires them to move along. Unattended vehicles are not permitted at any time. For arrivals, the pick-up zone is on the ground level outer curb. The cell phone waiting lot, located on the access road before the terminal, allows drivers to wait free of charge until arriving passengers are ready for pickup. Commercial vehicles including taxis and rideshares have designated lanes at the far ends of the arrivals curb.

Flight Routes and Airlines at Afonso Pena International Airport

Domestic service dominates the airport, with frequent flights connecting Curitiba to all major Brazilian cities. LATAM, Gol, and Azul operate multiple daily departures to São Paulo Congonhas and Guarulhos, Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont and Galeão, and Brasília. Other popular domestic destinations include Belo Horizonte, Florianópolis, Porto Alegre, and Foz do Iguaçu. Azul maintains a hub at the airport, offering connections to smaller cities across southern Brazil.

International service currently includes Aerolíneas Argentinas to Buenos Aires and Copa Airlines to Panama City with onward connections across the Americas. Beginning in July 2026, TAP Air Portugal will launch a significant new route connecting Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro with three weekly flights operated by A330 aircraft, marking a major expansion of transatlantic service.

Getting to and from Afonso Pena International Airport

Whether you are heading into Curitiba for business, starting a road trip along the Serra Verde, or connecting to the nearby beach towns of Paraná and Santa Catarina, the airport offers transportation options for every budget and schedule.

Car Rental at Afonso Pena International Airport

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Paraná at your own pace. Rental counters operated by Localiza, Movida, Hertz, Enterprise, and Unidas are located in the arrivals hall on the ground floor. The rental car lot is a short shuttle ride from the terminal, with shuttles departing frequently from the Car Rental area.

Popular vehicle choices include economy sedans for city driving, SUVs for exploring the mountainous Serra do Mar, and 4x4 vehicles for adventures along unpaved rural roads. Booking your rental car in advance is essential during peak travel seasons and major events. Driving in Brazil requires an international driving permit or an officially translated license along with your home country license.

👉 Book your rental car now to secure the best rates and availability, especially if you plan to visit during high season.

Afonso Pena International Airport Taxi Services

Official taxis supervised by the municipality of São José dos Pinhais operate from the arrivals curb. These white sedans with taxi signage run on meters with the fare to downtown Curitiba ranging from $13 to $18. The journey to the Curitiba bus station costs $11 to $15. Drivers accept cash and many now accept credit cards, though confirming before the ride starts is wise.

Private Car Services at Afonso Pena International Airport

Private transfer companies offer pre-booked car services with fixed rates. This is a good option for business travelers and families who want a guaranteed vehicle waiting upon arrival. Rates to downtown Curitiba typically run $25 to $35, and the service includes meet-and-greet at the arrivals hall.

Bus Services at Afonso Pena International Airport

Metropolitan buses stop at the designated bus stop just outside the terminal on the ground floor. Route E32 connects the airport to Boqueirão Terminal for onward travel to downtown Curitiba. Route 515 serves the center of São José dos Pinhais. Fares cost approximately $1.50, making this the most economical option by far.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels near the airport and in downtown Curitiba offer complimentary shuttle services. The Bourbon Curitiba Convention Hotel, Nomaa Hotel, and Radisson Hotel Curitiba provide airport transfers when arranged in advance. Confirm availability and schedule directly with your hotel when booking.

Parking at Afonso Pena International Airport

Official airport parking is located directly across from the terminal building, accessible via a clearly marked entrance road. The short-term lot is ideal for drop-offs and same-day trips, while the long-term lot suits multi-day travel with 24-hour security monitoring. Daily rates for long-term parking cost approximately $10. Electric vehicle charging stations are not currently available at the airport parking facilities. Payment is accepted in cash or by major credit cards at automated payment machines located near the pedestrian exits.

Places to Explore Near Afonso Pena International Airport

• Curitiba City Center: 18 km, 30-40 minutes by car. Visit the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, Jardim Botânico, and the historic Largo da Ordem district.
• Morretes: 65 km, 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Charming colonial town famous for barreado stew and the scenic Serra do Mar mountain range.
• Ilha do Mel: 120 km to Pontal do Sul, plus 30-minute boat ride. A car-free island paradise with pristine beaches and walking trails.
• Parque Nacional de Superagui: 160 km, 2 hours 30 minutes by car plus ferry. Remote national park with untouched Atlantic rainforest and wildlife.
• Joinville: 130 km, 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Known as Brazil's City of Flowers and home to the countrys most prestigious dance festival.
• Foz do Iguaçu: 640 km, 6 hours by car or 1 hour flight. One of the worlds most spectacular waterfall systems on the border with Argentina and Paraguay.

Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Curitiba

Curitiba is famous among Brazilians for its unpredictable, cool, and often rainy weather. The city sits on a high plateau at over 900 meters elevation, giving it a subtropical highland climate with distinct seasons. Summer runs from December to March with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winter from June to September brings crisp, cool days averaging 8°C to 19°C (46°F to 66°F) with occasional frost.

The best time to visit is autumn from March to May and spring from September to November, when rainfall decreases and temperatures are pleasantly mild. The famous Curitiba International Festival of Theater and the Christmas celebrations in December draw the largest crowds, so book flights and rental cars well in advance if traveling during these events.

Essential Travel Tips

• Arrive early: Give yourself 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights, especially during morning rush and holiday periods.
• Check flight status: Curitiba's weather changes quickly, occasionally causing delays. Check your airline app before heading to the airport.
• Pack layers: Even in summer, evenings can be cool. A light jacket is recommended year-round.
• Carry cash and cards: While cards are widely accepted in Curitiba, small shops and street vendors often require cash. ATMs at the airport dispense Brazilian Reais.
• Language matters: Portuguese is the official language, and English is not widely spoken outside major hotels. Download a translation app and learn a few basic phrases.
• Drivers license: Foreign drivers need an International Driving Permit or a certified Portuguese translation of their license alongside their original license to rent a car in Brazil.
• Fuel stations: Several gas stations operate along Avenida Rocha Pombo near the airport, making it easy to refuel before returning your rental car.

About the City

Curitiba is one of South Americas most innovative and livable cities, widely recognized for its groundbreaking urban planning, efficient public transportation, and commitment to sustainability. Founded in 1693, the city grew from a small gold-mining outpost into a metropolitan area of over 3.5 million people. The visionary urban planning of mayor Jaime Lerner in the 1970s created the worlds first Bus Rapid Transit system, which became a model for cities worldwide.

Today, Curitiba offers visitors a rich cultural scene with over 30 museums and galleries, extensive parks and green spaces, and a food culture that blends indigenous, Portuguese, Italian, Ukrainian, and Japanese influences. Must-try dishes include barreado, a slow-cooked beef stew from the coastal region, and carne de onça, a tartare-style seasoned beef appetizer. The citys pedestrian-friendly Rua das Flores, the stunning Wire Opera House, and the Oscar Niemeyer-designed museum complex are just a few highlights that make Curitiba a compelling destination for travelers seeking more than beaches and sunshine.

Start Your Journey at Afonso Pena International Airport

Afonso Pena International Airport is more than just a transit point. It is a modern, well-organized gateway to one of Brazils most fascinating cities and the natural wonders of Paraná state. Whether you are visiting for business, exploring the Atlantic rainforest, or road-tripping to the beaches of Santa Catarina, starting your trip with a rental car gives you the freedom to discover this remarkable region at your own pace. Secure your rental car today and begin your Curitiba adventure the moment you land.