Which routes to check
BarcasRio lists routes between Praça XV and Arariboia (Niterói), Charitas, Paquetá and Cocotá, as well as Costa Verde crossings. Routes, terminals and schedules differ. Choose the exact terminal and check that day’s timetable, especially on weekends and holidays.
Praça XV–Arariboia is usually the most direct link between downtown Rio and central Niterói. Charitas serves a different area and may operate differently. Plan your return from Paquetá in advance, as service is less frequent than on urban routes.
Journey time, fare and schedules
The official page lists fares including R$5.00 for routes such as Arariboia, Paquetá and Cocotá; Charitas is listed at R$7.70, while Ilha Grande crossings have their own fares and terms. Prices and journey times vary by route, so check the official table before buying.
Do not plan your return based on a remembered schedule or screenshot. The operator may change frequency, suspend trips due to weather or run a special timetable. Check your outbound service and last return before planning the rest of your day.
Preparing to board
Identify your departure terminal and destination precisely. Arrive early enough to find your way and buy or validate an accepted payment method. If connecting to the VLT or Metro at Praça XV, allow time for the walk and to locate the terminal.
If you have a bicycle or large luggage, or need assistance, check boarding and accessibility rules with BarcasRio. Space and services may vary by vessel and terminal. Do not assume a shared bike can be taken on board.
A trip to Paquetá or Niterói
For Paquetá, check the crossing time and return schedule before boarding; the island visit works best when you are not relying on an unconfirmed departure. In Niterói, find the terminal closest to your destination and complete the trip by bus, taxi or rideshare.
The views change with the weather and time of day. Keep your belongings secure on deck and follow crew instructions. If there is strong wind, rain or a weather alert, check whether services are operating normally.
The routes I distinguish before setting out
Praça XV ↔ Praça Arariboia: up to 22 minutes, with a published fare of R$ 5,00. This is the urban crossing I would check first for a trip from downtown Rio to downtown Niterói.
Praça XV ↔ Charitas: up to 28 minutes, with a published fare of R$ 7,70. Charitas is in another part of Niterói: do not confuse it with Arariboia.
Praça XV ↔ Cocotá: up to 61 minutes and R$ 5,00 according to the current timetable.
Praça XV ↔ Paquetá: up to 81 minutes and R$ 5,00. For me, the return timetable is part of the outing: I check it before boarding.
The crossings from Angra dos Reis/Mangaratiba ↔ Ilha Grande are also listed under Barcas Rio, but involve a different kind of journey and are currently shown at R$ 20,50 and up to 110 minutes.
📱 Paying with a QR code
Barcas Rio says you can pay using the Riocard Mais QR code. In the app, open “Cartão Digital” and choose QR code payment. I would prepare the code before reaching the entrance so I do not have to set up my phone in the queue.
⚠️ Paquetá: check your return first
Paquetá does not have the frequency of a short urban route. Before planning lunch, a walk or a bike ride, I check the return departure I actually want to take. Timetables vary between weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and operational changes may occur.
⭐ Ernestinho’s tip
If you are going to Niterói, do not choose between Arariboia and Charitas just by which ferry leaves first: check where your destination is after you disembark. For Paquetá, I also save a screenshot of the day's timetable before leaving Praça XV.
Ferry FAQs
Does the Praça XV–Arariboia ferry take me to Niterói?
Yes, in downtown Niterói. From there, plan the final leg according to the place you want to visit.
Are Charitas and Arariboia the same terminal?
No. They are separate terminals in Niterói serving different areas.
Can I pay with my phone?
Barcas Rio lists payment by Riocard Mais QR code through its app.
Does the Paquetá ferry run at the same frequency all day?
Do not assume so. Check the official timetable for that day and confirm the return trip too.
Can I go directly from Praça XV to Ilha Grande?
No. The published Ilha Grande crossings leave from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba.
Sources and useful links
Before setting out, I check fares and service updates with the operator. Prices, schedules and payment methods may change.
Editorial review: September 25, 2026.
