Overview
Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais, is one of Brazil's most underrated city breaks — a lively, hill-ringed city known for its bar culture, Oscar Niemeyer architecture and some of the best cooking in the country. At around 850 metres above sea level it enjoys a milder climate than coastal Brazil, so it is comfortable to explore year-round, and it makes an excellent gateway to the colonial towns of Ouro Preto and Tiradentes. If you are hunting for cheap flights to Belo Horizonte, a little flexibility on dates and routing goes a long way.
Best time to fly to Belo Horizonte
The dry season, roughly May to September, brings warm days, cooler evenings and clear skies — ideal for sightseeing, though also the busiest period. From October to March it is hotter and greener, with short afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain. Flights to Belo Horizonte from the UK cost more around the July school holidays, Christmas and Carnival (February or early March); for better value, check the When to book chart above and aim for April or September.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Belo Horizonte, so you will connect at least once. The most common routing is British Airways or LATAM from London to São Paulo (around 11–12 hours), then a LATAM or GOL hop of about 70 minutes up to Confins. TAP Air Portugal has a well-timed one-stop service via Lisbon, while Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and Iberia connect through their European hubs. Total journey time is typically 15–19 hours depending on the connection.
Things to do in Belo Horizonte
The city rewards curious travellers with modernist landmarks, busy markets and green space.
- Pampulha Modern Ensemble: UNESCO-listed lakeside complex with Niemeyer's wave-roofed Church of São Francisco de Assis.
- Mercado Central: sprawling covered market piled with cheese, cachaça, spices and cheap counter lunches.
- Praça da Liberdade: handsome palm-lined square framed by museums and cultural centres.
- Inhotim: vast open-air contemporary art museum and botanical garden, about an hour from the city.
- Mangabeiras Park: forested hillside park with sweeping views over the city and the Serra do Curral.
At Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF)
Belo Horizonte's main airport, widely known as Confins, is about 40 km north of the centre — a 40 to 60 minute transfer. The simplest option is the Conexão Aeroporto executive coach to the city centre and the Savassi district; municipal buses are cheaper but slower, and taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber are plentiful and predictable on price. Some domestic flights use the smaller Pampulha Airport, much closer to town.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Belo Horizonte
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for long-haul value; last-minute fares to Brazil are rarely kind.
- Fly midweek and avoid UK school holidays, Christmas and Carnival, when demand peaks.
- Use flexible date search and compare the price charts on this page to find the cheapest departure week.
- Compare one-stop routings — via São Paulo, Lisbon or a European hub — as the best-value carrier changes by season.
Travel essentials
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Brazil; your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the Brazilian real, and pounds convert easily at banks and ATMs; cards are widely accepted, though a little cash is handy at markets. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to Minas Gerais — ideally at least 10 days before departure — so check the latest NHS Fit for Travel guidance before you go.
