Ernestinho Carioca
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GETTING AROUND RIO

Getting around with ease
is part of the journey.

Choose based on where you are, where you are going, the time, your luggage and who is travelling with you. Each transport option has its own guide with steps, payment methods, official links and tips. Check fares, routes and schedules before setting out.

MetrôRio
🚇MetrôRioCopacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo, Downtown, Maracanã, Tijuca and connections to Barra

The easiest way to avoid traffic between the South Zone, Downtown and parts of the North Zone. See my full guide for lines, payment, connections and tips.

Payment Contactless, Giro, QR codes and other methods listed by MetrôRio

Fare Check the current fare

  • Check the final station to make sure you are travelling in the right direction.
  • At peak times, let passengers off before boarding and wear your backpack in front of you.
  • Passengers over 65 may request free travel by showing an original document proving their age.
Open the full guide →
Uber and rideshare apps
🚕Uber and rideshare appsUseful when a route does not work well by Metro or when you have luggage. Check the pickup point and fare in the app.

Check the license plate, driver and pickup point. At airports, stadiums and events, use the designated pickup area.

Open the full guide →
Bike Itaú and cycling in Rio
🚲BicyclesA good option for the waterfront and short trips when the route is suitable. Check bikes, plans and stations in the official app.

Use cycle lanes where possible, avoid unplanned long rides in intense heat, and check where to return shared bikes.

Open the full guide →
Private transport in Rio
🚐Ernestinho private transferFor travellers who prefer to arrange an airport, hotel or other private transfer in advance.

Message me to confirm the date, pickup point, luggage, group size, price and availability before booking.

Open the full guide →
Car rental in Rio
🚘Car rentalCompare options if you are leaving Rio or have an itinerary that calls for more independence.

The guide covers documents, deposits, insurance, tolls, fuel, parking and when renting makes sense. Use Ernestinho’s Rentcars affiliate link.

Open the full guide →
Rio BRT
🚌Rio BRTGaleão, Barra, Recreio, Riocentro, Olympic Park and connections across the West Zone

Dedicated articulated-bus corridors serving Barra, Recreio, the West Zone and major connections. See the guide to choose a corridor, service and payment method.

Payment Jaé

Fare Current municipal fare

  • Jardim Oceânico is the most useful connection between the Metro and BRT.
  • Check whether the service is local, express or direct before boarding.
  • Rock in Rio and other major events may have special services, so do not rely on a normal day's schedule.
Open the full guide →
Barcas Rio ferries
⛴️Barcas Rio ferriesNiterói, Charitas, Paquetá, Cocotá and crossings to Ilha Grande

Ferries connect Praça XV with Niterói, Paquetá, Charitas and Cocotá. My guide explains which terminal to choose, where to check schedules and how to plan your return.

Payment Check accepted payment methods at the station

Fare From R$ 5.00, depending on the route

  • The Praça XV–Arariboia crossing takes about 22 minutes and is the classic connection to downtown Niterói.
  • Service to Paquetá is limited: plan your outbound and return trips before boarding.
  • Boats to Ilha Grande depart from Angra or Mangaratiba, not Praça XV.
Open the full guide →
VLT Carioca
🚊VLT CariocaSantos Dumont, Cinelândia, Downtown, Praça XV, the Port Zone, AquaRio and Novo Rio

A modern tram linking Santos Dumont, Downtown and the Port Zone. Open the guide for routes, ticket validation, stops and connections.

Payment Jaé and other accepted methods; validate your ticket when boarding

Fare Check the current fare ↗

  • Not every stop has ticket gates, but you still need to validate your ticket.
  • For AquaRio, use Utopia AquaRio stop; for Museu do Amanhã, use Parada dos Museus.
  • Check the line and destination, as several services share parts of the route.
Open the full guide →
SuperVia trains
🚆SuperVia trainsMaracanã, São Cristóvão, Madureira, the North Zone, Baixada and metropolitan connections

The suburban rail network mainly departs from Central do Brasil and reaches neighbourhoods and municipalities beyond the Metro. For visitors, it is most useful for specific trips and events.

Payment Riocard, contactless payment and methods accepted by SuperVia; Jaé is not accepted

Fare Check the current fare ↗

  • Do not confuse Central do Brasil rail station with the Metro's Central station. They are connected, but belong to different systems.
  • Check the branch, platform and final station.
  • Check service updates on the day: maintenance and events can change train frequency.
Open the full guide →
City buses
🚍City busesRoutes beyond the Metro and connections between neighbourhoods

Buses serve neighbourhoods beyond the Metro and VLT. See my guide to choose a route, check payment, make connections and travel with confidence.

Payment Jaé on city buses

Fare Current municipal fare

  • Do not ask only whether it “goes nearby”; show the exact destination.
  • Follow your route on your phone without displaying it by the door.
  • At night, avoid waiting alone at empty stops; compare with a rideshare.
Open the full guide →
🚋Santa Teresa TramA historic way to travel uphill from Downtown to the neighbourhood

Carioca station, tickets, published schedules, capacity and tips for planning your return.

Open the full guide →
🔁Gentileza TerminalConnections between Transbrasil BRT, VLT and city buses

A guide to navigating the levels, finding entrances and checking routes and transfers.

Open the full guide →
Galeão International Airport
✈️GIG AirportFarther from the South Zone, so timing and planning matter.

Rideshare, taxis, private transfers and public transport suit different needs. Plan ahead if you have luggage or arrive at night.

Santos Dumont Airport
✈️SDU AirportCentrally located, much closer to Downtown and the South Zone.

The VLT, rideshare, taxis and Metro connections are options depending on your destination.

Novo Rio Bus Terminal
🧳Novo Rio Bus TerminalA terminal for intercity and interstate buses.

For most visitors, a rideshare, taxi or VLT connection makes arrival and departure easier.

BEFORE YOU BOARD

Cards, connections and planning your route

💳Payment and cardsEach transport system has its own cards and rules, which may change.

Before travelling, check current payment methods for the Metro, BRT, VLT and buses. I avoid listing a fixed fare here so an old price is not mistaken for current information.

🧭Combining transport optionsIn Rio, many journeys work better when you combine more than one type of transport.

The South Zone and Downtown are often easy by Metro and on foot; Barra and Recreio may require Metro + BRT; the Port Zone connects well by VLT.

📍The last legReaching the right station does not always mean you are at the door.

Also consider the final walk, hills, heat and your return time. In Rio, these details can make a big difference.

♿AccessibilityPlan the station and the specific access route.

If mobility is an important consideration, check elevators, access routes and connections before you leave, and see the Accessibility section of my Rio Guide.

Llegar sin complicartetambién es parte del viaje.: MINIATURA GUIA RIO COMO MOVERSE
Llegar sin complicartetambién es parte del viaje.: PORTADA TRANSPORTE

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