Major Highways & Driving Tips in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil

1. BR-116 - Costa do São Francisco

The BR-116 is a major highway connecting Aracaju to the rest of Brazil's southeast. It offers scenic views of the São Francisco coastline.

Coastal Scenery: Provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean
Long Distance Travel: Covering a vast area of Brazil's coastline, it's ideal for long-distance travel
Toll Roads: Some sections require toll payment

The BR-490 offers breathtaking views of the Serra do Coité mountains and connects Aracaju to Recife.

The CE-07 connects Aracaju to the city of Sao Cristobal, offering a quicker route towards the capital.

The ER-107 connects Aracaju to Maceió and offers access to various scenic attractions along the way.

The ER-021 connects Aracaju to the cities of Propriá and Barra dos Coqueiros.

Local Towns: Connects you to smaller, picturesque towns
Rural Scenery: Offers views of rural landscapes and agriculture
Two-Lane Road: Consists of two lanes, making it less congested than major highways

Brazilian highways have speed limits that vary based on the type of road. Always obey these limits for safety.

Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced and can be as low as 60 km/h
Radar Cameras: Radar cameras are commonly used to monitor speeding
Fines and Points: Receiving traffic tickets can result in fines or loss of driving points

Night driving in Brazil should be avoided when possible due to poor lighting and increased risk.

Dark Roads: Roads can be poorly lit, making nighttime driving more difficult
More Accidents: Accident rates increase at night due to reduced visibility
Animal Crossings: Animals, especially livestock, are more active during nighttime hours

Fuel stations can be less frequent on Brazilian highways, so it's essential to plan ahead.

Distance Between Stations: Stations may be up to 100 km apart
Accepted Payment Methods: Not all stations accept credit cards; cash is often preferred
Bathroom Facilities: Many fuel stations have limited bathroom facilities for travelers

Brazilian highways can have varying road conditions, so always be cautious and prepared.

Potholes: Watch out for potholes, especially during rainy seasons
Construction Zones: Construction zones can cause delays and congestion
Road Work: Roadwork can be found throughout the year, so expect detours or slow-moving traffic

Toll roads are common in Brazil, and it's essential to have small denomination bills for payment.

Payment Methods: Payments can be made with cash or electronic devices like Easytoll
Toll Prices: Prices vary depending on the length of the road and location
Congestion: Toll roads can become congested during peak hours, causing delays

If you encounter an emergency while driving in Brazil, there are resources available for help.

Emergency Hotlines: Call 190 for the national highway emergency hotline
Roadside Assistance: Services like Allianz and TOTVS provide roadside assistance
Local Police Stations: Contact local police stations for emergencies or traffic violations

Always wear seatbelts and helmets while driving or riding in vehicles for safety.

Laws Enforced: Seatbelt and helmet laws are strictly enforced by authorities
Fines and Points: Non-compliance can result in fines or loss of driving points
Safety First: Prioritize safety to protect yourself and others on the road

Always ensure you have a valid international driving permit (IDP) when driving in Brazil.

Validity of IDP: Your IDP should be valid for the duration of your stay
Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with Brazilian traffic laws before driving
Translation: Your IDP should be in Portuguese, or accompanied by a certified translation

When renting a car in Brazil, always check the vehicle for damage before driving off.

Damage Inspection: Inspect the car thoroughly for any pre-existing damages
Insurance: Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage for your rental
Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local traffic and parking regulations

Navigation systems can be a valuable tool when driving in unfamiliar areas of Brazil.

Offline Maps: Download maps for offline use to avoid data charges
Real-Time Updates: Real-time traffic updates can help you avoid congested areas
Accurate Directions: Ensure your navigation system provides accurate directions