
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Contagem, Minas Gerais, Brazil
1. BR-355 Highway
The BR-355 is a major highway connecting Contagem to Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro. It offers scenic views of the Cerrado region.
- Length: Over 400 km long, BR-355 is one of the longest highways in Minas Gerais.
- Toll Roads: Some sections require toll fees. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Traffic Conditions: Heavy traffic is common during peak hours, especially in the Belo Horizonte area.
2. BR-146 Highway
The BR-146 connects Contagem to Brasília. It offers a glimpse of the Cerrado savanna and several small towns.
- Distance: Approximately 800 km from Contagem, traveling on BR-146 takes around 9 hours.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced. Drive cautiously to avoid fines.
- Rest Stops: Fewer rest stops along the way, so plan for breaks accordingly.
3. Contagem Beltway (Contagem Ring Road)
The Contagem Ring Road is a circular highway that eases traffic flow within the city. It connects major points like the airport and industrial parks.
- Length: Over 60 km long, it circles the entire city of Contagem.
- Traffic Conditions: Rush hour traffic can be heavy, especially on the sections connecting major points within the city.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits vary throughout the Ring Road. Be aware of changing signs.
4. Contagem-Belo Horizonte Highway (Mantenedor),
This highway connects Contagem and Belo Horizonte. It offers a quicker route compared to BR-355, but requires a toll payment.
- Toll Costs: Toll costs vary depending on the distance. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Traffic Conditions: Heavy traffic is common, especially during peak hours. Allow extra travel time.
- Road Quality: The Mantenedor road is well-maintained and offers a smoother ride compared to some other highways.
5. Contagem-Belo Horizonte Highway (State Road)
An alternative route connecting Contagem and Belo Horizonte. It offers a more scenic drive but may be slower due to traffic.
- Scenic Drive: Offers beautiful views of the Cerrado savanna and nearby hills.
- Toll Costs: No toll fees are required on this route.
- Traffic Conditions: Heavy traffic is common, especially during peak hours. Allocate extra travel time.
6. Contagem-Belo Horizonte Highway (BR-458)
Another option for traveling between Contagem and Belo Horizonte. It offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes.
- Distance: Approximately 70 km long, it takes around 1 hour to reach Belo Horizonte.
- Toll Costs: Some sections require toll fees. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Road Quality: The road condition varies; some sections may be rougher compared to others.
7. Contagem-Uberlândia Highway (BR-367)
The BR-367 connects Contagem and Uberlândia. It offers a journey through the Cerrado savanna.
- Distance: Approximately 400 km long, it takes around 5 hours to reach Uberlândia.
- Toll Costs: Some sections require toll fees. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Road Quality: The road condition is generally good, but some sections may be rough during the rainy season.
8. Contagem-Brasília Highway (BR-040)
The BR-040 connects Contagem and Brasília. It offers a journey through the Cerrado savanna and several small towns.
- Distance: Approximately 1,200 km long, it takes around 12 hours to reach Brasília.
- Toll Costs: Some sections require toll fees. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Road Quality: The road condition is generally good, but some sections may be rough during the rainy season.
9. Contagem-Betim Highway (BR-357)
The BR-357 connects Contagem and Betim. It offers a quicker route to Belo Horizonte compared to the Ring Road.
- Distance: Approximately 40 km long, it takes around 30 minutes to reach Betim.
- Toll Costs: Some sections require toll fees. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Road Quality: The road condition is generally good, but some sections may be rough during the rainy season.
10. Contagem-Confins International Airport Access
This route connects Contagem to Confins International Airport. It's important for travelers planning flights from Contagem.
- Distance: Approximately 20 km long, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the airport.
- Traffic Conditions: Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially in the morning and evening.
- Road Quality: The road condition is generally good, but some sections may be rough during the rainy season.
11. Contagem-Pouso Alegre Highway (BR-267)
The BR-267 connects Contagem and Pouso Alegre. It offers a journey through the Cerrado savanna.
- Distance: Approximately 180 km long, it takes around 2 hours to reach Pouso Alegre.
- Toll Costs: Some sections require toll fees. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Road Quality: The road condition is generally good, but some sections may be rough during the rainy season.
12. Contagem-Jaboticatubas Highway (BR-381)
The BR-381 connects Contagem and Jaboticatubas. It offers a journey through the Cerrado savanna.
- Distance: Approximately 140 km long, it takes around 2 hours to reach Jaboticatubas.
- Toll Costs: Some sections require toll fees. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Road Quality: The road condition is generally good, but some sections may be rough during the rainy season.
13. Contagem-Uberaba Highway (BR-265)
The BR-265 connects Contagem and Uberaba. It offers a journey through the Cerrado savanna.
- Distance: Approximately 300 km long, it takes around 4 hours to reach Uberaba.
- Toll Costs: Some sections require toll fees. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Road Quality: The road condition is generally good, but some sections may be rough during the rainy season.
14. Contagem-Itaúna Highway (BR-253)
The BR-253 connects Contagem and Itaúna. It offers a journey through the Cerrado savanna.
- Distance: Approximately 180 km long, it takes around 2 hours to reach Itaúna.
- Toll Costs: Some sections require toll fees. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Road Quality: The road condition is generally good, but some sections may be rough during the rainy season.
15. Driving Tips for Contagem
In Contagem, drivers should obey speed limits, use seat belts, and always keep their documents (driver's license, vehicle registration) handy.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits vary across highways and urban areas. Always pay attention to posted signs.
- Documentation: Always have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents ready for inspection.
- Road Conditions: Be aware of changing road conditions, especially during the rainy season when roads may become slippery or flooded.