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The two options today
Lucena lies on the other side of the Paraíba River from Cabedelo, and it is that river that shapes the journey.
- Ferry from Cabedelo — the short route, but with limited capacity and subject to the weather
- By road, going around the river on state highways — longer, but with no ferry timetable to depend on
Lucena is about 50 kilometres from João Pessoa along the north coast. Those crossing by ferry land at Costinha — the municipality's first beach.
What to consider before setting off
As the ferry has limited capacity, weekends and public holidays tend to mean queues. Those travelling with children, luggage or a fixed appointment usually prefer the road.
It is worth checking the crossing's operating times on the day — they change with the tide and the weather.
What changes with the Ponte do Futuro
The works under way link the BR-230, in Cabedelo, to the BR-101 North. The main structure will be about 2.1 kilometres long, and there is also a second bridge, of some 420 metres, over the Rio da Guia in Lucena.
The Paraíba state government's official forecast is completion in the last quarter of 2026. Once it is finished, dependence on the ferry ends — and Lucena stops being a full-day outing and becomes an afternoon destination.
