Where Is Fernando de Noronha? How to Get to the Island
By Danilo Dirê · Updated 2026 · 5 min read
Fernando de Noronha is a volcanic archipelago located in the South Atlantic Ocean, 545 km from the city of Recife (Pernambuco) and 360 km from Natal (Rio Grande do Norte). It is a Brazilian territory administered as a Federal District of Pernambuco state. The main island is the only one open to visitors and covers approximately 17 km².
How to get there
Only by plane
There are no direct flights from international airports to Fernando de Noronha. All flights connect through Recife (REC) or Natal (NAT). Flight time from Recife is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes; from Natal, about 1 hour 30 minutes. The only airline operating the route at the time of writing is LATAM Airlines.
| Origin | Connection | Flight time to Noronha |
|---|---|---|
| São Paulo (GRU/CGH) | Recife or Natal | ~4h total |
| Rio de Janeiro (GIG/SDU) | Recife or Natal | ~4h30 total |
| Recife (REC) | Direct | ~1h20 |
| Natal (NAT) | Direct | ~1h30 |
On the island
Getting around
There are no traffic lights or large roads. The island is navigated mainly by buggies (open 4x4 vehicles), motorcycles and on foot. EmNoronha operates its own fleet of Hilux trucks for the Ilha Tour, picking guests up directly from their accommodation.
Coordinates
Location at a glance
545 km
Distance from Recife
360 km
Distance from Natal
~17 km²
Island area
FAQ
What you need to know
Is Fernando de Noronha a country?
No. It is a Brazilian territory — an archipelago administered as a Federal District within the state of Pernambuco.
Can I get to Noronha by boat?
There is no regular passenger ferry service. Access is exclusively by plane, connecting through Recife or Natal.
How long is the flight from Recife?
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Natal, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Do I need a passport?
No. Fernando de Noronha is Brazilian territory. A national ID (RG) is sufficient for Brazilians. Foreign visitors need a valid passport.
Keep reading
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80% of the island in one day, with a certified guide.
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