Getting around Rio de Janeiro: metro, tram, ferry and taxi

At a glance

Getting around Rio by metro

MetrôRio runs three lines that matter to visitors:

Lines 1 and 2 share the stretch between Central do Brasil and Botafogo, and that is where you change. MetrôRio notes that you need to be on the platform before closing time to be sure of the transfer.

Hours: Monday to Saturday from 05:00 to midnight, Sundays and holidays from 07:00 to 23:00. Some station exits keep shorter hours; check the station page on the MetrôRio site.

Paying is simple: tap a contactless Visa, Mastercard or Elo card, debit or credit, or a phone with contactless payment, on the turnstile reader. MetrôRio also sells its Giro card and a single-trip QR ticket.

Connections listed by MetrôRio:

• VLT tram at Central do Brasil, Carioca and Cinelândia;
• BRT at Vicente de Carvalho and Jardim Oceânico;
• suburban trains at Central do Brasil, São Cristóvão, Maracanã, Triagem and Pavuna;
• ferries: from Carioca station walk along Rua São José, cross Rua 1º de Março and continue to Praça XV.

VLT tram

The VLT is a modern tram in the centre and the port area. It runs every day from 05:00 to 23:00.

You pay with a Jaé card, sold at the machines at every stop except Praia Formosa and not on board, or with a QR code from the Jaé app, a new one for each trip. Validate at the stop or inside the tram. Large items, bicycles and animals (guide dogs excepted) are not allowed. For the Santos Dumont airport stop, see the Rio airports guide.

BRT

BRT buses run on dedicated lanes. A visitor mostly meets them in Barra da Tijuca, where the metro connects at Jardim Oceânico, or on the way to Galeão airport on the Transcarioca line, which runs daily from 04:00 to midnight.

City buses

The US State Department advises against municipal buses in Brazil at any time of day, especially at night. Since 30 May 2026 Rio’s buses have not taken cash on board: you pay with a Jaé card, and during 2026 the city added PIX and bank cards at the validators. By day the metro covers most visitor routes, and in the evening a car is simpler.

Ferries to Niterói

Barcas Rio ferries leave from Praça XV in the centre. VLT lines 2 and 4 stop at Praça XV, or you can walk from Carioca metro station.

• Praça XV to Praça Arariboia, central Niterói: up to 22 minutes.
• On weekdays boats leave every 15 to 20 minutes at peak times, on Saturdays every 30 minutes (06:00 to 23:30), on Sundays and holidays every hour (06:00 to 23:00).

What to see on the other side: Niterói from Rio.

Taxis

• The UK Foreign Office advises against hailing taxis on the street; use authorised taxi booths, found at most airports.
• The US State Department says registered taxis have red plates and show company details, suggests marked taxis such as those at major hotels, and advises not to get in if anyone other than the driver is inside.

Uber and ride apps

Ride apps work in Rio. The UK Foreign Office advises booking through the official app, waiting somewhere safe, checking that the plate and driver details match the app, watching for route changes and sharing your trip. The US State Department suggests choosing services with rider safety features and avoiding drivers with few or low ratings. You need mobile data, so set up a SIM or eSIM before the trip.

Typical routes

Official advice on public transport

The US State Department rates Brazil at Level 2, “Exercise increased caution” (advisory of 31 August 2026), and asks travellers using metro systems in major cities to stay aware of petty crime. The UK Foreign Office (page updated 29 September 2026) advises not wearing expensive jewellery or watches and not using your phone while travelling by train or metro. In an emergency call 190 (police), 192 (ambulance) or 193 (fire brigade). More in Rio safety tips.

How we help

The metro closes at midnight (23:00 on Sundays) and the VLT does not take large luggage, so for late evenings, suitcases or a full day of sights we book a car with a driver. The driver follows your plan and waits at each stop. See private driver in Rio, airport transfer or a private tour of Rio with a guide who speaks your language.

What to tell us in your request

• dates and the times you need a car
• number of people and children’s ages
• your hotel area and the places you want to reach
• luggage, if it is an airport or hotel transfer
• whether you also want a guide, and in which language

Terms and payment are set out in the proposal; you pay nothing before you confirm. Write to us.