Plan
Maceió Airport (MCZ): Getting from Zumbi dos Palmares to the Waterfront
Where the airport is, who runs it and the ways to reach Maceió's waterfront after landing.
Updated on October 5, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 5, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original
Maceió airport is the main gateway for visitors to Alagoas. It isn’t inside the capital, and the trip to the waterfront deserves some planning, especially if you arrive at night.
Key facts
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Maceió Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport |
| IATA code | MCZ |
| Municipality | Rio Largo (Maceió metropolitan area) |
| Operator | AENA (federal concession) |
| Distance to central Maceió | about 22 km, according to AENA |
The name honors Zumbi dos Palmares, leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares, a settlement of escaped enslaved people on the Serra da Barriga, in the interior of Alagoas. Learn more in history of Maceió.
Who runs it
The airport was granted to the private sector in the federal auction of March 2019, which grouped Northeastern terminals in a single block. Operations passed to AENA, which runs the official website with information on flights, services and access. Use that channel for any questions about the terminal.
Distance to the waterfront
AENA gives about 22 km between the airport and central Maceió. The city waterfront neighborhoods, such as Pajuçara, Ponta Verde and Jatiúca, are beyond the center, so the total journey is a little longer. Travel time varies a lot with the hour: at morning and late-afternoon peaks, the trip is slower.
If you’re staying at beaches outside the capital, such as on the south coast, the journey is different. Work out the route before booking transport.
How to get from the airport to the city
Taxi
There are taxi ranks on the ground floor of the passenger terminal, according to AENA. In Maceió, taxi fares are regulated by City Hall. According to DMTT, since February 2025 the flag fall is R$ 4.79 and the kilometer costs R$ 3.34 on rate 1 and R$ 4.00 on rate 2. Rate 2 applies from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., on Sundays and holidays. Rides departing from Rio Largo may follow their own rules; ask how the fare is calculated before getting in.
Bus
AENA reports a bus service leaving from in front of the airport, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., connecting to Maceió bus station. It’s the cheapest option but takes longer. From the bus station to the waterfront, you still need another bus, a taxi or a ride-hailing app. Check times on the operator’s website.
Ride-hailing app
Ride-hailing apps serve the area. The price changes with demand, and the pickup point is usually indicated in the area outside the terminal. Check the car’s license plate before getting in.
Rental car
The airport has car rental companies, according to AENA. Renting a car on arrival makes sense if you plan to visit more distant beaches, such as those on the Alagoas north coast. Book ahead in high season.
Pre-booked transfer
Hotels and tour operators offer transfers at a set time. It’s practical for groups and for late arrivals. Agree on the total price in writing.
Quick comparison
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Convenience at any hour | Rate 2 at night, on Sundays and holidays |
| Bus | Saving money | Ends at the bus station, not the waterfront |
| Ride-hailing app | Variable price, door to door | Surge pricing at peak times |
| Rental car | Itineraries with distant beaches | Parking on the waterfront |
| Transfer | Groups and late arrivals | Agree on the price beforehand |
Tips for arrival
- Before leaving the baggage area, decide how you’ll get to the city. That way you avoid being approached in the arrivals hall.
- Only use taxis from the terminal’s official ranks, a pre-arranged transfer or a ride-hailing app.
- Have the full address of your accommodation saved on your phone, including to show the driver.
- If you’re renting a car, check the fuel tank, mileage and any damage before leaving the lot.
Parking
The airport has its own parking, with online booking through the AENA website. Prices and rules change; check the official channel.
Next steps
After the airport, see getting around Maceió and the other ways to get to Maceió. To choose a neighborhood, read where to stay in Maceió.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Maceió airport?
In the municipality of Rio Largo, in the metropolitan area. According to AENA, the terminal is about 22 km from central Maceió. The city waterfront beaches are a little beyond the center.
What is Maceió airport's code?
The IATA code is MCZ. The official name is Maceió Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport.
Is there a bus from the airport to Maceió?
Yes. According to AENA, a bus leaves from in front of the terminal and runs from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., connecting to the city bus station. Check times and route on the operator's website.
Who runs Maceió airport?
The operator AENA, which took over the airport after the 2019 federal auction that included other Northeastern terminals.
Keep reading
Keep planning
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How to Get to Maceió by Plane, Car or Bus The three ways to get to Maceió, what to consider for each one and where to go next. Read guide - Getting Around Maceió: Bus, Taxi, Ride-Hailing, Car and On Foot Each means of transport suits a different kind of trip in Maceió. See which to use on the waterfront, in the center and on day trips. Read guide
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Where to Stay in Maceió: Neighborhoods, Pros and Cons Your choice of neighborhood shapes the trip. See what each area of Maceió offers, from Pajuçara to the north coast, and who each one suits. Read guide