Travel and transport agencies São Luis

From the centre, take a bus from the small bus station of Praia Grande or from Avenida Beira Mar, near the José Sarney bridge. Beware, some buses that go there make a 1 hour detour through the São Francisco district.

Belém

: 12 hours journey. Departure at 8pm with Transbrasiliana (www.transbrasiliana.com.br).

Teresina

: 7 hours. Several departures per day with Viação Progresso (www.progressoonline.com.br) or Guanabara (www.expressoguanabara.com.br).

Parnaiba

: 8 or 10 hours. Departures at 8:30 am with Expresso Guanabara (www.expressoguanabara.com.br).

Since 2015 in São Luis and since 2013 in France, O Gente do Brasil is a tailor-made travel agency run by Franck, a Frenchman with a passion for the region, who is always happy to advise travelers as best he can by sharing his expertise. You'll have the opportunity to cross the entire "Road of Emotions" from São Luis to Fortaleza. Between São Luis, the Lençois Maranhenses, the superb Parnaiba Delta and popular spots such as Jericoacoara, we'll concoct a classic and atypical itinerary for you. French-speaking welcome.

Created by a Frenchman, the Terra Nordeste agency is an adventure tourism operator. For several years, Julien and his team have been criss-crossing the Nordeste region in search of the best itineraries and unusual encounters. They will advise you and guide you off the beaten track. The agency is located in the historical center of the city. It is also possible to organize trekking excursions in the Lençois, of 3 or 4 days. To be prepared with a little anticipation! Languages spoken: French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Airlines: GOL, TAM and Azul operate daily flights.

Bank branches and ATMs:

Car rental companies:

From the airport to the city center: a bus in theory every half hour, R$3.30 and about 30 minutes to Deodoro Square, located in the center and near the Praia Grande district. To get to the airport by bus, use the same bus (direction São Cristovão). The bus stop is in Deodoro Square, in the continuation of Rua da Paz.

The towns of São Luís and Alcântara are close together, but separated by the waters of São Marcos Bay. Boats link the two towns.

Alcântara: either on a large ferry-type boat, or on a catamaran, operated by the Barraqueiro and Luzitana companies: 1.5-hour crossing, sometimes rough, costing R$20. It's a good idea to buy your ticket in advance, as boarding can sometimes be slightly disorganized! Depending on the tide, the departure can be transferred from Ponta d'Areia. Departures for Alcântara at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., for São Luís at 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.