Overview
Manaus is the extraordinary gateway to the Amazon, a city of over two million people rising from the rainforest at the point where the inky Rio Negro meets the sandy-coloured Rio Solimões. For UK travellers, it's one of the most rewarding long-haul destinations on the map — part vibrant Brazilian city, part launchpad for genuine jungle adventure. Flights to Manaus from the UK aren't direct, but with the right connection the journey is entirely manageable, and the reward at the other end is hard to match.
Best time to fly to Manaus
Manaus sits almost on the equator, so it's warm and humid year-round, with temperatures typically in the high 20s to low 30s°C. What matters more than hot versus cold is wet versus dry season. Roughly December to May, higher river levels make it easier to paddle into the flooded forest and reach remote lodges by boat. From June to November, drier conditions suit jungle trekking and wildlife spotting on foot. Neither season is a bad time to fly to Manaus — it depends on the Amazon experience you're after. Check the When to book chart above for how fares typically move through the year.
Airlines and routes
There's no non-stop flight from the UK to Manaus, so you'll connect at least once. TAP Air Portugal offers one of the most convenient routings, linking London to Manaus via its Lisbon hub. Alternatively, airlines including British Airways, Iberia and LATAM can route you via Madrid or São Paulo, connecting onto LATAM's or Azul's domestic network into Manaus (MAO). Total journey time from London is typically around 13-16 hours including the stop, depending on connection times.
Things to do in Manaus
Manaus rewards a few days' stay before or after heading into the rainforest.
- Teatro Amazonas: The city's opulent rubber-boom-era opera house, with guided tours through its lavish interior.
- Meeting of the Waters: Where the dark Rio Negro and pale Rio Solimões run side by side for miles without mixing.
- Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa: An iron-framed riverside market inspired by Paris's old Les Halles, full of Amazonian produce.
- Anavilhanas Archipelago: One of the world's largest freshwater archipelagos, a short trip upriver and ideal for canoeing and birdwatching.
- Amazon jungle lodges: Multi-day stays deeper in the forest for night walks, piranha fishing and spotting pink river dolphins.
At Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO)
Manaus is served by Eduardo Gomes International Airport, around 13km north of the city centre. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber are the easiest way in, taking roughly 25-30 minutes depending on traffic, with local buses also running into the centre for a fraction of the cost.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Manaus
- Book ahead where possible — long-haul fares with a connection tend to offer best value when secured several months out, as shown in the price charts on this page.
- Flying midweek, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, is often cheaper than weekend departures.
- Keep your dates flexible by a few days either side, particularly around the shoulder seasons, to catch dips in fares.
- Compare connecting options via Lisbon, Madrid and São Paulo rather than fixing on one airline, as routings can vary noticeably in price.
Travel essentials
At the time of writing, UK passport holders can enter Brazil visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days, though entry requirements have shifted in recent years, so it's worth checking the latest guidance before you book. The currency is the Brazilian Real; pounds can be exchanged locally or withdrawn from ATMs, and cards are widely accepted in the city. Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended before travelling to the Amazon region, ideally at least ten days before departure — check with your GP or a travel clinic.
