Airports The main airport serving the region is the
Salgado Filho International Airport, which underwent major expansions in recent years, expanding its passager terminals and parking facilities. The main runway is currently being expanded, allowing longer flights in the future. The airport is linked to the region's subway system,
Trensurb, by the
Aeromovel, a compressed air moved light rail. The airport is operated by the German company
Fraport AG. Because
Salgado Filho Airport cannot expand beyond its only runway, a new airport was proposed in the city of
Portao and
Nova Santa Rita that would house up to four runways. The new airport is named
20 de Setembro Airport after the symbolic state independence from Brazil in the
Farrapos War.
Rail The Greater Porto Alegre is served by
Trensurb, a heavy-rail system linking downtown Porto Alegre to downtown
Novo Hamburgo passing through
Canoas,
Esteio,
Sapucaia, and
São Leopoldo. There are plans to expand the line to the city of
Portao and to the southern neighborhoods of
Porto Alegre. The line comprises a mix of elevated and surface-level rail. A second line of heavy-rail is planned to run from
Cachoeirinha to downtown Porto Alegre and up to
Viamao, but recent economic downturns have halted the project. This line will include an underground and elevated rail. Several projects of light-rail are planned or under construction in the area, linking the main subway line to the neighborhoods in Canoas and Porto Alegre.
Highways The major highways that cross the region are BR-290 (Freeway), BR-116, BR-290, BR-386, BR-448, RS-040, and RS-118.
Ports The major port is Porto Alegre, but several companies have private terminals along the regions' rivers. The region also has ferry lines, linking Porto Alegre to Guaiba and between neighborhoods in the capital. == Sports ==