Located in the most extreme point of the Brazilian northeast, Rio Grande do Norte is the closest point of Brazil to Europe and Africa. This location offers advantages in terms of flight times, especially between the Iberian Peninsula and Brazil. For example, flights from Lisbon to Natal take just 7 hours, a considerable difference when compared to the almost 12 hours between London and São Paulo.

The only international airline that operates direct flights to the state of Rio Grande do Norte is the Portuguese airline TAP, which has 3 weekly flights connecting Lisbon or Porto to Natal, the state capital. Since TAP also connects Lisbon to other European capitals, one tip is to take advantage of the offer offered by TAP to make a 1 or 2-day stopover in Lisbon or Porto, with no increase in the price of the ticket. A stay in Lisbon is always pleasant, with an incredible atmosphere, a city that has been growing in positive reviews in recent years. After enjoying Lisbon or Porto, the traveler can then embark on the tropical climate and the wonders that only Rio Grande do Norte can offer.

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Flights from European Capitals to Lisbon as a stopover to Natal, Rio Grande do Norte

European Capital	Flight Duration (approx.)	Frequency (per day)	Aircraft Type
London (LHR)	2 hours 30 minutes	4-6 flights	A320/A321
Paris (CDG)	2 hours 20 minutes	4-5 flights	A320/A321
Madrid (MAD)	1 hour 15 minutes	6-8 flights	A319/A320
Berlin (BER)	3 hours	2-3 flights	A320/A321
Rome (FCO)	2 hours 45 minutes	3-4 flights	A320/A321
Amsterdam (AMS)	2 hours 45 minutes	3-4 flights	A320/A321
Brussels (BRU)	2 hours 40 minutes	2-3 flights	A320
Vienna (VIE)	3 hours 10 minutes	1-2 flights	A320/A321
Copenhagen (CPH)	3 hours 15 minutes	1-2 flights	A320
Dublin (DUB)	2 hours 40 minutes	1-2 flights	A320

Journey Times from European Cities

For international flights to Rio Grande do Norte, especially the main São Gonçalo do Amarante International Airport at Natal, European travelers need to take journey times into consideration, since this may further vary with the city of origin and route choice. The estimate and respective details concerning flight length, routes, and how direct or with stops is given here from key European cities:

London to Natal

Flights from London to Natal typically involve at least one stop, as there are no direct flights available. The common layover cities include Lisbon, São Paulo, or Rio de Janeiro. The average total flight duration can range from:

• 11 to 14 hours with one layover: British Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and LATAM Airlines often serve this route via Lisbon or major Brazilian cities.
• 14 to 16 hours with two layovers: Combination of airlines such as British Airways connecting through Lisbon and then São Paulo, or a European carrier followed by a domestic Brazilian flight.

Paris to Natal

Paris to Natal flights usually require a layover as well. The most common stopovers are Lisbon, São Paulo, or Fortaleza. Average journey times include:

• 10 to 12 hours with one layover: Air France in partnership with LATAM Airlines or Gol Linhas Aéreas, frequently stopping in São Paulo.
• 13 to 15 hours with two layovers: For instance, using Air France to Lisbon and then connecting with a Brazilian airline.

Frankfurt to Natal

Travelers from Frankfurt can expect multiple connections, with popular layover cities being Lisbon, São Paulo, or Salvador. The expected durations are:

• 12 to 14 hours with one layover: Lufthansa and TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon, or connecting through São Paulo with LATAM Airlines.
• 15 to 17 hours with two layovers: Connecting through Lisbon followed by a domestic transfer, such as Frankfurt to Lisbon to São Paulo to Natal.

Madrid to Natal

Flights from Madrid to Natal also typically involve layovers. Frequent stopover cities include Lisbon, São Paulo, and Recife. The average durations are:

• 10 to 12 hours with one layover: Iberia in partnership with LATAM Airlines or Gol Linhas Aéreas, commonly through São Paulo.
• 13 to 15 hours with two layovers: For example, using Iberia to Lisbon and then connecting through São Paulo.

Additional European Cities

For travelers coming from other significant European hubs, such as Amsterdam, Rome, or Zurich, the pattern remains consistent: direct flights to Rio Grande do Norte are rare, and journey times often reflect multiple layovers:

• Amsterdam to Natal: Approximately 13 to 16 hours with one or two layovers, often via Lisbon or São Paulo.
• Rome to Natal: Around 12 to 15 hours, typically with stops in Lisbon or São Paulo.
• Zurich to Natal: About 12 to 15 hours, commonly involving layovers in Lisbon or São Paulo.

Factors Affecting Flight Durations

• Airline Choices: Some airlines offer more efficient connections, reducing overall journey time. Travelers are advised to check the specific routes and partnerships that airlines offer.
• Layover Times: The duration of layovers can significantly affect total travel time. Shorter layovers can decrease the journey time but may not leave sufficient time for transferring between flights, while longer layovers offer more buffer but extend the overall duration.
• Seasonal Variations: During peak travel seasons or holidays, flight schedules and availability can vary, potentially leading to longer travel times.

Travelers should use reliable flight comparison tools, such as Kiwi or Google Flights, to find the best options for their itinerary, taking into account their preferences for layover durations and overall travel time.

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