Overview
Campinas is Brazil's tech and agribusiness powerhouse, a leafy university city in São Paulo state that's often overlooked by visitors racing straight to Rio or São Paulo. For UK travellers, it's an easy add-on to a wider Brazil trip or a base for exploring the São Paulo interior, with a relaxed pace, strong food scene and none of the coastal crowds.
Best time to fly to Campinas
Campinas sits at altitude, so it's milder than much of tropical Brazil. The dry season, from May to September, brings cooler nights, low humidity and blue skies, making it the most comfortable time to fly to Campinas. The wetter, hotter months from October to April see afternoon downpours but also lush scenery and lower demand outside the December to February peak, which can mean better value fares — use the when to book chart above to spot the cheapest windows.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Campinas from the UK, so travellers typically connect via a European hub or through São Paulo. British Airways flies non-stop from London Heathrow to São Paulo Guarulhos (around 11.5 hours), while TAP Air Portugal, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and Iberia all offer one-stop options via Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Madrid. From São Paulo, Azul and GOL operate frequent short domestic hops into Viracopos, or it's a straightforward road transfer of around 90 minutes to two hours. All told, allow 14 to 18 hours door-to-door depending on your routing.
Things to do in Campinas
Once you land, Campinas rewards a couple of days' exploring:
- Bosque dos Jequitibás: A shaded park with a small zoo and the city's much-loved municipal orchid garden.
- Mercado Municipal: A lively covered market for fresh produce, snacks and people-watching.
- Catedral Metropolitana: Campinas' striking cathedral overlooking the central square.
- Estação Cultura: A beautifully restored 19th-century railway station turned cultural centre and planetarium.
- Hopi Hari: Brazil's largest theme park, a fun day trip from the city for families and thrill-seekers.
At Viracopos International Airport (VCP)
Viracopos sits around 14km from central Campinas, roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber operate from the terminal, car hire desks are on site, and scheduled bus services connect the airport to both Campinas and central São Paulo, useful if you're continuing on to the state capital.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Campinas
- Book ahead: Long-haul fares to Brazil are generally best secured two to four months before travel.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically cheaper than weekend flights.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting your trip by a few days either way can unlock noticeably lower fares — check the price charts on this page.
- Compare routings: A one-stop flight via Lisbon or Madrid can undercut a direct-to-São-Paulo fare, especially outside peak season.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can currently travel to Brazil for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, though entry rules have changed before, so it's worth checking the latest UK government travel advice shortly before you fly. The currency is the Brazilian real (BRL); cards are widely accepted in Campinas, but it's sensible to carry some local cash for markets and taxis. No mandatory vaccinations apply for most UK travellers, though it's worth reviewing current NHS travel health guidance ahead of your trip.
