The Curitiba airport is the Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB), located in São José dos Pinhais, about 18 km from the center of the capital of Paraná. It operates 24 hours a day, receives domestic and international flights, and is managed by Flughafen Zürich. It is the main air gateway to Paraná.
Are you planning a trip and need to understand how the Curitiba airport works, whether to arrive, depart, or just make a connection? The Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) is the air hub of Paraná and one of the busiest in the South Region of Brazil, with dozens of daily flights to national and international destinations.
The Brasil ATM editorial team analyzed the entire terminal infrastructure, from public transportation access to car rental options, services within the airport, and nearby accommodations, to gather the most useful information for those passing through CWB.
Brasil ATM specializes in national tourism and works to ensure that every traveler reaches their destination with more safety and fewer unforeseen events.
Throughout this content, you will find everything you need to plan your passage through the Curitiba airport: transportation, schedules, airlines, parking, terminal services, and even the best attractions in the city for those who have just disembarked.
Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB): what you need to know before arriving
The Afonso Pena International Airport is the main airport in Paraná and the arrival and departure point for most travelers visiting Curitiba and the region.
Where is the Curitiba airport located?
The Curitiba airport is located in São José dos Pinhais, a municipality in the Metropolitan Region, approximately 18 km from the center of the capital of Paraná.
Despite the technical address being in another municipality, access to the terminal is direct via BR-376 and Avenida Rocha Pombo, making the route quite simple both by car and public transportation.
The airport’s altitude is 911 meters above sea level, which can influence weather conditions and, occasionally, landings and takeoffs during the foggiest months, especially between May and August.
What is the IATA code and why is the airport called Afonso Pena?
The IATA code for the Curitiba airport is CWB. The name Afonso Pena is a tribute to the former Brazilian president Afonso Augusto Moreira Pena, who governed the country between 1906 and 1909.
The tradition of naming Brazilian airports with the names of historical figures is common in the country. In the case of CWB, the name was made official in the early decades of civil aviation in Paraná.
The airport has been managed since 2012 by the Swiss company Flughafen Zürich, which won the federal concession and took over the management of the entire terminal infrastructure. The concession brought significant investments in modernization and expansion of operational capacity.
Flights, arrivals, and departures at Afonso Pena Airport in real-time
The terminal operates with dozens of daily landings and takeoffs, serving both domestic and international routes. Keeping track of your flight status in advance avoids unnecessary waits and facilitates the logistics of arriving at the airport.
Which airlines operate at the Curitiba airport?
The main airlines in Brazil, such as LATAM, Gol, and Azul, operate at the Curitiba airport, in addition to international companies on specific routes.
The most frequent domestic routes connect Curitiba to São Paulo (Congonhas and Guarulhos), Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Porto Alegre, Florianópolis, and Salvador. Some airlines also offer direct flights to northeastern destinations, especially during the high season.
Among the international routes, there are regular connections with Buenos Aires and other cities in South America. The offer of international flights tends to vary by season, so it is worth confirming availability directly on the airlines’ websites or on comparison platforms like Kayak.
How to track the status of my flight at CWB?
The flight status of the Curitiba airport can be tracked through the official Infraero website, the airport’s own portal (managed by Flughafen Zürich), or directly on the app or website of your airline.
Another practical option is to use the FlightAware or FlightRadar24 app, which show real-time arrivals and departures with delay and boarding gate information.
Brasil ATM recommends checking the flight status at least two hours before boarding, especially in the winter months, when the fog in Curitiba can cause delays or diversions to Londrina or Foz do Iguaçu Airport.
How to get to the Curitiba airport: all transportation options
The Curitiba airport has access via public transportation, taxi, ride-hailing app, and private vehicle. Each option has distinct advantages depending on the travel time, luggage volume, and available budget.
Which buses and metro lines connect the center of Curitiba to the airport?
The city’s metro line (Linha Verde) does not reach the airport. Public transportation access is done via the Airport-Bus Station bus line, operated by URBS, departing from the Curitiba Bus Station.
The bus route takes between 35 and 60 minutes depending on traffic, with a cost well below the taxi or transfer alternatives. There are regular departures throughout the day, but the frequency decreases during the early morning hours.
For those traveling with bulky luggage or during nighttime hours, the bus may be less practical than it seems. Check the updated schedules on the official URBS website before planning your commute.
Taxi, app, and transfer: which is the best option to get to Afonso Pena?
For most travelers, ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99 are the most practical option with the best cost-benefit among the alternatives to the bus.
Accredited taxis are available at the exits of the arrivals terminal and operate with a taximeter. The average cost of a ride to the center of Curitiba usually varies between R$ 70 and R$ 110, depending on the time of day and final destination.
Transfer services are indicated mainly for groups, families with small children, or travelers with a lot of luggage. Some companies offer advance booking with a fixed price, which facilitates cost planning. Prices may vary, so always confirm with the provider before hiring.
| Option | Average Cost (center) | Estimated Time | Indicated for |
|---|---|---|---|
| URBS Bus | R$ 6 to R$ 10 | 35-60 min | Backpackers and light travel |
| App (Uber/99) | R$ 55 to R$ 90 | 25-45 min | Individual travelers or couples |
| Accredited Taxi | R$ 70 to R$ 110 | 25-45 min | Those who prefer safety at the terminal |
| Private Transfer | From R$ 120 | 25-40 min | Groups, families, lots of luggage |
Parking at the Curitiba airport: rates, modalities, and tips
Afonso Pena Airport offers different parking modalities to serve those who are just picking up a passenger to those who leave the car for several days.
The main options are covered parking, uncovered parking, and long-term parking. For stays longer than three days, the long-term parking is usually more economical than the others.
The rates are charged per hour or per period, with values varying according to the type of space and the duration of the stay. The prices are updated periodically by the terminal operator, so check the current values on the official Afonso Pena Airport website before going.
A practical tip: if the trip lasts more than four or five days, it may be more economical to use a ride-hailing app to get there and back than to pay for parking during the entire absence.
Infrastructure and services of the Curitiba airport terminal
The terminal underwent significant renovations after the concession to Flughafen Zürich and today has a structure that meets the standards of a medium-sized international airport. The boarding area is well signposted, with easy orientation even for first-time visitors.
What convenience services and shops are available at CWB?
The Curitiba airport has a food court, convenience stores, pharmacy, currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shop (international area), beauty salon, banking services, and VIP lounges.
The gastronomic options include fast-food chains, coffee shops, and restaurants with regional dishes. The duty-free shop serves passengers on international flights with imported products, perfumes, drinks, and electronics.
For those who need connectivity, the airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. There are also charging points for cell phones and computers in the waiting areas.
The available VIP lounges accept access via airline loyalty programs (such as Smiles and TudoAzul) or via single payment. Check the conditions directly with your airline or at the lounge desk.
Car rental at Afonso Pena Airport: rental companies, prices, and how to book
The Curitiba airport concentrates the main car rental companies in Brazil in the terminal itself, which greatly facilitates picking up the car right after disembarking.
Among the companies present are Localiza, Movida, Unidas, Hertz, and Avis. The counters are located in the terminal’s arrivals area, near the baggage claim.
To ensure the best price, the recommendation is to make the reservation in advance. Use comparison platforms like Kayak to check the rates of different rental companies before deciding.
Pay attention to the items included in the rental: insurance, drop-off fee in a different city, and free mileage are items that vary greatly between companies and can significantly impact the total cost of the trip.
Hotels near the Curitiba international airport
Staying near the Curitiba airport is a good strategy for those who have very early morning flights, connections with few hours between them, or need to disembark in the middle of the night without worrying about a long commute.
What are the best hotels near Afonso Pena for early landings and takeoffs?
The highest-rated hotels in the Curitiba airport region are located in São José dos Pinhais, less than 5 km from the terminal, with options ranging from economical to superior.
Some units offer a free airport shuttle, which is an important differential for very early flights or late arrivals. Check this facility when comparing options.
For those who prefer to be inside Curitiba but still want practicality in accessing CWB, the neighborhoods of Boqueirão and Cajuru are well located in relation to the airport and have a good hotel supply.
It is also possible to find seasonal houses and apartments in the region via Vrbo, which can be an interesting alternative for families or groups arriving at the beginning of a longer trip through Paraná.
| Traveler Profile | Recommended Accommodation Type | Suggested Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Business Trip | Superior hotel near the terminal | Booking |
| Family with children | Apartment with kitchen and space | Vrbo |
| Backpacker / budget | Hostel or economical hotel in São José | Hotels.com |
| Short connection (1 night) | Hotel with shuttle and 24h check-in | Expedia |
Operation of the Curitiba airport: schedules, terminals, and practical tips
Understanding how the terminal operates avoids surprises, especially for those traveling at atypical hours or with tight layovers.
Does the Curitiba airport operate 24 hours?
Yes, Afonso Pena Airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for both arrivals and departures.
Part of the services inside the terminal, such as shops, restaurants, and currency exchange, reduce their operating hours at night. Check-ins, baggage check-in, boardings, and disembarkations, however, follow the operational calendar of the airlines, without time restrictions.
For very early flights (before 6 am), it is worth arriving with at least 1.5 hours in advance for domestic flights and 2.5 hours for international ones. The airport has good signage, but the queues in the boarding rooms may vary depending on the concentration of flights at the time.
Essential tips for those boarding or disembarking at CWB for the first time
For those visiting the Curitiba airport for the first time, some practical information greatly facilitates the experience:
- The terminal has a single main building, divided between domestic and international areas, with good signage in Portuguese and English.
- Baggage check-in and check-in are on the upper floor; arrivals and baggage claim are on the lower floor.
- Currency exchange: there are exchange houses inside the terminal, but the rates are usually less favorable than at the exchange houses in the city center. If possible, exchange currency before arriving at the airport.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal without the need for registration.
- Pay attention to the weather: Curitiba is known for low temperatures, especially from May to August. Even in summer, the nights can be cold, so have a warmer piece of clothing in your carry-on bag.
Brasil ATM works to keep its content always updated and accurate. Still, operating hours, rates, boarding rules, and other services may be changed without prior notice. We always recommend consulting the official channels of the airport before traveling.
History and statistics of Afonso Pena Airport: from regional runway to international hub
Afonso Pena Airport has a trajectory that accompanies the economic and population growth of Paraná throughout the 20th century. What started as a regional structure became one of the most relevant terminals in the South of Brazil.
How many passengers does the Curitiba airport handle per year?
According to data from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), Afonso Pena Airport handles between 8 and 10 million passengers per year, consolidating itself as the fifth largest airport in Brazil in terms of passenger volume.
The concession to Flughafen Zürich, formalized in 2012, was a turning point for the terminal’s infrastructure. The Swiss group invested in the expansion of the runways, modernization of the passenger terminals, and adaptation of the air traffic control systems.
The airport also plays a strategic role for tourism in Paraná: a good part of the visitors who arrive in the state to see the Iguaçu Falls or the Serra Gaúcha depart from or pass through CWB before continuing their journey to their final destinations.
Travel guide: what to do in Curitiba leaving the airport
Curitiba offers a consistent tourist agenda, with parks, museums, gastronomy, and an urban infrastructure that facilitates movement. For those arriving at the Curitiba airport, the city already begins to surprise with its traffic organization and the quality of public transportation.
How long does it take from Afonso Pena airport to the center of Curitiba?
The route from the Curitiba airport to the city center takes between 25 and 45 minutes by car or app, and between 40 and 60 minutes by bus, depending on the time and traffic conditions.
During peak hours (between 7 am and 9 am and between 5 pm and 7 pm), the travel time can increase considerably. For appointments with a set time right after disembarking, plan with extra margin.
BR-376, the main access route, usually has more intense traffic on Friday afternoons and during long weekends.
Main tourist attractions in Curitiba for those who have just disembarked
Curitiba concentrates a good part of its main attractions in the central area and in the neighborhoods close to the Historic Sector. The options cover everything from urban parks to museums and gastronomic experiences.
- Botanical Garden: one of the most photographed postcards of the city, with the iconic iron and glass greenhouse and well-kept French gardens.
- Arame Opera: theater built over a deactivated quarry, surrounded by a forest of Araucaria trees and an artificial lake.
- Tanguá Park: park with a lake, artificial waterfalls, and a viewpoint with a view of the city.
- Historic Sector: architectural complex with churches, colonial mansions, and museums in the center of Curitiba.
- Rua das Flores: pedestrian street in the center with shops, cafes, and craft fairs, ideal for a quiet walk.
- Oscar Niemeyer Museum (MON): museum of contemporary art with architecture signed by the renowned Brazilian architect.
- Curitiba Municipal Market: a great option to try local products, cheeses, sausages, and the famous Paraná barreado.
To make the most of the attractions without giving up practicality, it is worth researching guided tours and experiences in advance. GetYourGuide has options for city tours with specialized guides, which is especially useful for those visiting Curitiba for the first time.
If the idea is also to explore the interior of Paraná, the city functions as a base for itineraries to Vila Velha, Guarapuava, and the Wine Route in São José dos Pinhais, the municipality that houses the airport itself.
Conclusion
The Curitiba airport is a well-structured terminal, with access facilitated by different means of transportation, good internal infrastructure, and strategic location for those who want to explore Paraná and the South Region of Brazil.
With the right information at hand, the passage through Afonso Pena tends to be smooth, regardless of whether it is the first time at the terminal or a quick connection.
Brasil ATM continues to update this content so that you always have the most accurate information about CWB at your disposal. To plan your stay in Curitiba, compare accommodations on Booking and search for tours and attractions on GetYourGuide. Have a good trip!
Where to withdraw money at ATM24h machines in Brazil
To make the most of your itinerary in Curitiba, it is better to carry cash. This ensures a tranquil and incredible experience. In some places, cash is essential for food, transportation, tickets to attractions, and more.
Check the table below with some 24h ATMs in the regions mentioned in this article:
| Where | Location |
|---|---|
| Curitiba International Airport | See all points here |
| Jockey Plaza Shopping Center | See all points here |
| Pestana Curitiba | See all points here |
| NH Curitiba The Five | See all points here |
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You might also like to read:
- How to withdraw money in Curitiba: Practical guide for tourists
- Best time to visit Curitiba: Climate, events, and when to go
- Exchanging money in Curitiba: Best options and rates
- How much does it cost to visit Curitiba: Complete budget guide by profile
Frequently Asked Questions
The official name is Afonso Pena International Airport, with the IATA code CWB. It is located in the municipality of São José dos Pinhais, in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba.
Yes. Afonso Pena operates regular international flights, mainly to destinations in South America, such as Buenos Aires. The offer may vary by season, so confirm availability on your airline’s website.
The Airport-Bus Station bus line, operated by URBS, makes the route between the terminal and the Curitiba Bus Station. The journey takes between 40 and 60 minutes, with a cost of approximately R$ 6 to R$ 10. Confirm the updated schedules on the URBS website.
Yes, Afonso Pena Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, without the need for prior registration.
The main rental companies present at the terminal are Localiza, Movida, Unidas, Hertz, and Avis. The counters are located in the arrivals area. To compare prices before arriving, use platforms like Kayak.
Yes, there are exchange houses inside the terminal. The rates practiced at the airport are usually less favorable than at the exchange houses in the city. If possible, exchange currency before boarding or upon arriving at the center of Curitiba.
Yes, Afonso Pena Airport operates 24 hours a day. Boarding, disembarking, and check-in services follow the airlines’ calendar. Some shops and restaurants reduce their operation during the early hours of the morning.
