In short
- The journey takes 4 to 4.5 hours by road.
- Shared vans and buses cost around 100 BRL.
- The route follows highways BR-135 and MA-402.
In this article
Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport (SLZ) in São Luís is the closest major airport. From there, all visitors must make the overland journey to Barreirinhas. You can choose between a shared tourist van, a regular intercity bus, or a shuttle service.
How far is Barreirinhas from São Luís?
Barreirinhas is located 250 kilometers (155 miles) away from São Luís.
The drive usually takes between 4 and 4.5 hours depending on traffic and your transport method. The route goes via highways BR-135 and MA-402.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
An intercity bus or a shared tourist van is the most budget-friendly option.
Tickets for buses and shared vans cost approximately 100 BRL per person. This is the most common way visitors reach the base town of Barreirinhas.
Can I book a shuttle from the airport?
Yes, you can book a shared shuttle directly from Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport.
A representative meets you when you clear customs and takes you directly to your hotel in Barreirinhas. You can book this as a one-way or round-trip service.
Can I rent a car to drive there?
You can drive to Barreirinhas, but rental cars are strictly prohibited inside the park.
If you rent a car in São Luís, you must leave it in Barreirinhas. All excursions into the dune zones require an authorized 4x4 vehicle with an ICMBio permit.
How do you get to the dunes from Barreirinhas?
You must take a licensed 4x4 truck to enter the park.
These modified trucks cross sandy trails for 45 to 60 minutes each way. Standard vehicles cannot access these routes.
Are there other transport options besides the road?
The primary route from São Luís is strictly overland by road.
Once you arrive in Barreirinhas, you can use speedboats on the Preguiças River. These boats travel to other nearby towns like Caburé and Atins, but they do not run from São Luís.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the drive from São Luís to Barreirinhas?
The overland journey by bus, van, or shuttle takes 4 to 4.5 hours.
How much is a bus ticket to Barreirinhas?
An intercity bus or shared tourist van costs about 100 BRL each way.
Do I need a 4x4 to reach Barreirinhas?
No, you do not need a 4x4 to reach the town of Barreirinhas. You only need a licensed 4x4 to enter the dune fields of the national park.
