Salvador da Bahia Travel Forum

Hi.

I would appreciate if somebody could give me advice - I will travel to Salvador by airplane and from Salvador to Recife by bus. I need names and locations of Bus Station where I can get a bus to Recife and a way how to book the bus travel. I do not speak Portuguese.

Thank You for help.

Ian

Hi Ian.
First, if you are going to Salvador, take a look at the site www.bahia-online.net for lots of good info about the city, music, etc.
The bus station in Salvador is across the street from the (major) shopping center/mall Shopping Iguatemi. There is a mini-bus that runs from Praca do Se (Pelourinmho)into Barra (the two big tourist neighborhoods) and along the coast and then inland to the rodoviaria (bus station). Allow about an hour. A taxi from Barra should cost maybe R$25-30 and take more like 20-30 minutes.
A helpful hint is that the front desk person of your accomodation can probably call the bus station for you and have the ticket delivered for a small extra charge (R$3), while you use your time to do tourist stuff.
If you want to take a look at schedules, prices, etc, you can try the main Brazilian bus site ANTT, Here is a site that has a link and directions for using it:
http://www.backpackingbrazil.com/?q=node/47
There have been a couple of recent reports on forums of buses between Salvador and Recife, and around Recife, being held up, so try to plan for this just in case.

The brazilian natives do not understand english fine.
Viação Itapemirim is the best brazilian bus company that serves Salvador and Recife.

https://appweb.antt.gov.br/transp/secao_duas_localidades_resultado.asp

When you go into your hotel ask a clerk or manager if Salvador's Bus Station is still at Av Antonio Carlos Magalhães, 4362; Pituba; Salvador. They were renovating the building.
As far as I read this address is in front of Shopping Pituba/Iguatemi and shall be very near to airport.
Ask to the hotel staff/folk to book a trip to Recife by Viação Itapemirim since your portuguese is failing.
I am sure your reception in hotel will be fine.
Cassiovieggore