Means of transport 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).

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.