How to Get to Itacare, Bahiafrom Ilheus, Salvador, Marau, Boipeba and more
How to go by bus, transfers and boats
How to Get to Itacare from Ilheus
Ilheus x Itacare by Bus
This option is the cheapest, but not very cost-effective for those arriving by plane. You have to go from the airport to the bus station, which takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. You have to take a cab or Uber, so the bus isn't as economical as it seems at first glance.
Travel Time: 1:45 by bus, 25 minutes to get to the bus station
Advantages:
- Low cost bus ticket
Disadvantages:
- Getting to the bus terminal from the airport can be a hassle
- Cost of the taxi or Uber
- Not door to door service
Shared Transfer
Some companies provide a shared or “regular” transportation service, charging per person, in vans or cars. This is a good transfer option for 1 person traveling alone, but for 2 or more people traveling together, the cost is higher than a private car transfer.
Advantages:
- Great for those traveling alone
Disadvantages:
- There may be a wait for other passengers on both the inbound and outbound transfers.
Private Transfer Ilheus x Itacare
Private transfers are the best option for 2 or more people traveling together, or for someone traveling alone who prefers greater convenience. There's no waiting, the cars are more comfortable, the journey takes less time, and it takes you directly to your hotel or accommodation.
Advantages:
- No waiting
- More comfortable vehicles
- Door to door service
Disadvantages:
- Price slightly higher for solo travelers
Travel Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Distance between Ilheus and Itacare: Approximately 75 km from the Ilheus Airport to the center of Itacare
Cost of bus ticket: R$ 29 BRL
How to Get to Itacare from Salvador
Salvador x Itacare by Bus
Step 1 - Get to the main ferry boat terminal (Terminal Maritimo)
* Do not take the passenger ferry that leaves from the Mercado Modelo! You need to to Termnial Sao Joaquim and take the ferry to Bom Despacho where the bus terminals are.
From Pelourinho and downtown – Take the famous Lacerda Elevator from the Praça Tomé de Sousa in the upper city down to the Mercado Modelo, and from there take a short taxi ride to the Ferry Boat terminal (Terminal Marítimo São Joaquim). You might be tempted to walk there, but you shouldn't (for various reasons).
From the Salvador airport – There is a direct local bus that goes from the Salvador airport and passes in front of the ferry boat terminal (Terminal Maritimo). You should only take the bus if you can communicate at least at a bare minimum in Portuguese… a little goes a long way here. DO NOT take the local bus that requires a bus change in downtown Salvador. If in doubt, take a regular taxi from the airport, which costs between 65 and 85 reais depending on the time of day.
Step 2 - Ferry Crossing from Salvador to Bom Despacho, Itaparica
Once at the terminal just follow the signs to "Bilhetes" to buy your tickets. The ferries leave on the hour every hour on the hour, and you will be crossing the scenic Bay of All Saints to the island of Itaparica and the port town of Bom Despacho. It's safe, fun, and a great way to meet people, even if you don't speak Portuguese! Current prices are R$ 4.80 during the week and R$ 6.00 on weekends, and the crossing takes one hour.
Important! Do not take the boats that leave from the pier next to Mercado Modelo. Since you are taking a bus, you need to go the "Terminal Marítimo São Joaquim", and take the ferry that goes to Bom Despacho where the bus terminal is located.
Step 3 - Bus from Bom Despacho to Camamu
After docking in Bom Despacho, you will descend the boat ramp and immediately see the ticket booths and the buses. Go to the bus company Aguia Branca, which has two direct buses per day to Itacare (09:00 and 13:00), or Cidade Sol, which offers several buses per day (08:00, 11:00, and 15:00). If there is no direct bus to Itacare, buy a ticket on the first available bus to the city of Valenca or Camamu with the bus company Cidade Sol. From there you will find frequent connections to Itacare.
Duration: around 5 hours and 30 minutes on a direct bus Cost: 75 to 80 BRL
Check times and prices on the link below:
Private Transfer from Salvador to Itacaré
You must first get to the Island of Itaparica, which we will describe below:
From the airport, you can take a taxi or Uber from Salvador airport (or downtown) to one of the maritime terminals, where they take a boat to Itaparica Island. There are two options for the crossing: the Mercado Modelo maritime terminal, where you take one of the normal boats to Mar Grande, or the São Joaquim maritime terminal, from where the ferry departs for Bom Despacho. Generally, the best option is the boats leaving from the Mercado Modelo maritime terminal... they are faster and leave more frequently.
From the Pelourinho, you will need to get the Terminal Maritimo Mercado Modelo, which is located near the bottom of the famous Lacerda Elevator. This is an easy walk for those staying in the Pelourinho. From the boat terminal, you will need a ticket for one of frequent boats (every 40 minutes) to the Terminal Vera Cruz (Mar Grande), on the Island of Itaparica (Ilha de Itaparica).
Cost of the boat crossing: Around 15 BRL
Average time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Step 2: Our driver will wait for you with a sign in Mar Grande or Bom Despacho to start your transfer to Itacaré.
There is an option to go via the continent where no boats are involved, but this option is cheaper and quicker, and certainly more scenic (see map above).
Average travel times:
- Salvador Airport to the boat terminals - 40 minutes
- Crossing the Baía de Todos os Santos - 40 minutes by normal boat, 1 hour by ferry
- Transfer between Itaparica and Itacaré - 4 ½ to 5 hours
Get a quote for a private transfer!
How to Travel between Peninsula de Marau and Itacare
Barra Grande x Itacare by Bus
The only practical way to get from Barra Grande to Itacaré by bus is by taking one of the speedboats to Camamu, followed by a bus to Itacaré via highway BA-001.
How: Take one of the speedboats that leave every hour from the Barra Grande pier. The Associacao Maritima has boats leaving every hour from 06:00 (except Sundays and public holidays) until 17:00. For more information, visit our page Speedboat Crossing Camamu x Barra Grande. When you arrive in Camamu, the bus station is on the edge of the canal, in front of a large store called Ipiranguinha. See prices and timetables on the link below:
Private Transfer Barra Grande x Itacaré (boat + car)
Speedboat to Camamu, followed by asphalt to Itacare.
This is the most practical way to get to Itacaré from Barra Grande. From Barra Grande, speedboats leave every hour for the pier in the center of Camamu. Arriving in Camamu, the driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. From Camamu, you’ll drive along one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in Bahia, BA-001.
If you book your transfer with Marau Transport & Tour, we can include the speedboat crossing in your reservation for the same price you’d pay at the counter.
Travel time from Barra Grande to Itacaré: 1 hour and 30 minutes (1 hour by car, half an hour by speedboat).
Transfer from Marau to Itacare via the unpaved road BR030
This off-road transfer includes the following destinations:
- Itacaré x Algodões Beach
- Itacaré x Cassange Beach
- Itacaré x Taipu de Fora Beach
- Itacaré x Barra Grande
Travel time Itacaré x Peninsula de Maraú: between 1:30 and 3 hours, depending on the destination and road conditions.
Coming from Boipeba, there are 2 options to go to Itacare:
Boipeba x Itacare by Bus
If you prefer going to Itacare by bus, when you arrive in Graciosa, you need to wait at the bus stop on the other side of the BA001. You can take the first bus going towards Itacaré, Ilhéus or Itabuna. All of these will pass through Itacaré. This way has to be well thought out, as the buses only pass every 2 hours on average, originating in Bom Despacho or Valença. Also, there is a risk the bus to Itacare may be full, especially during high season (January and February). All other times you should be ok.
Travel time by bus: approximately 3 hours.
For times and prices, check the link below...
Boipeba Itacare by Private Transfer
The safer, more reliable way to get from Boipeba to Itacare would be to hire a private transfer. When you arrive in Graciosa, the driver will be waiting for you at the Graciosa pier.
Marau Transport & Tour offers private car transfers between Boipeba and Itacare, as well as transfers from Itacare to Boipeba.
Average travel time: 2.5 hours by car, 40 minutes by speedboat
How to Travel between Itacare and Morro de São Paulo
Morro de Sao Paulo x Itacare by Bus
The most practical way, really the only way, to go to Itacare from Morro de Sao Paulo is to take one of the frequent speedboats to the city of Valenca. From the boat landing in Valenca, you will need to take a taxi to the bus terminal, which is on the other side of the city, unfortunately. It is possible to walk, but not recommended unless you are using a backpack. From the bus terminal you'll find frequent buses to Itacare, roughly ever 2 hours.
Private Transfer Morro de Sao Paulo to Itacare
MT&T offers transfers by private car between Itacare and Valenca, the city where the boats come and go from Morro de Sao Paulo. We can pick you up or take you to the boat terminal of Valenca, called the hidroviaria.
Average travel time: 2 hours and 45 minutes by car, 40 minutes by boat from Morro de Sao Paulo to Valenca.
Frequently Asked Questions - Itacare
What's the best way to get from Ilheus to Itacare?
Existem basicamente 3 maneiras de chegar a Itacaré saindo de Ilhéus.
There are basically 3 ways to get to Itacaré from Ilhéus:
Bus - This is the cheapest option, but the problem is getting from the airport to the bus station, which takes about half an hour. You have to take a cab or uber, so the bus isn't as economical as it seems at first glance.
Shared Transfer - Some companies provide a shuttle or van service and charge per person. There is usually a wait at the airport or a lot of driving on the way back. This is the best transfer option for 1 person, but for 2 or more people traveling together, it usually costs more than a private transfer.
Private Transfer - This is the best option for 2 or more people traveling together, or for someone traveling alone who prefers greater convenience. There's no waiting, the cars are more comfortable, the journey takes less time and it takes you directly to your hotel or accommodation.
How long does it take to get from Ilheus to Itacare?
1 hour and 20 minutes by car or transfer
1 hour and 45 minutes by bus, not including getting to the bus terminal
What is the closest airport to Itacare?
The closest airport is Ilheus (IOS), Aeroporto Jorge Amado.
Is it easy to get around Itacare?
Yes, most of the pousadas are in Praia da Concha beach area, which is also very close to the center of Itacaré. The 4 beaches in the center are also walking distance.
Taxis are always available in Itacaré.
Should I rent a car to get to Itacare?
In most cases it's not necessary. It will end up costing less if you get a transfer, and get a local taxi when needed.
It might be a good idea, however, if you are planning on visiting neighboring towns and beaches.
What is the cheapest way to get to Itacare from Ilheus?
The cheapest way to get to Itacare from Ilheus is by bus. However, it's not always the most efficient option, since you still have to go to the bus station, wait, then walk to your lodging in Itacare. Private transfer is the better way if you have 2 or more people.
Things to See on the Way to Itacare
Scenic overlook in Serra Grande
This is the most asked for quick stop along the way to Itacare. It's on the main road, and taking a few quick pics will take less than a minute!
Cabana da Empada
A great quick stop if you're looking for a quick and filling snack! They are ready to eat, and if you're in a hurry you can get it go.
Cardápio das empadas na Cabana da Empada
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Airport Transfer & Taxi
Airports, Beaches and Ports
• Professional drivers • Variety of nice cars • Excellent value
Private transfers are the best option for 2 or more people traveling together, or for someone traveling alone who prefers greater convenience. There's no waiting, the cars are more comfortable, the journey takes less time, and it takes you directly to your hotel or accommodation.
You must first get to the Island of Itaparica, which we will describe below:
Barra Grande x Itacare by Bus
