Here are all the transport tips for getting around Rio de Janeiro. By taxi, bus, metro, bike or on foot, this article from our travel blog OneDayOneTravel will help you see more clearly the best transport options to take. And all this according to your visits and the areas you plan to visit of course ^^
One must always be vigilant when travelling in a big city. Rio is obviously no exception to this rule. The number one rule is to avoid all external signs of wealth and to dress simply. This will limit any malicious temptation. Read this article dedicated to safety in Rio.
Safety in Rio de Janeiro
1. How do you get to your hotel from the airport or bus station in Rio?
Galeaoairport, also known as Antonio Carlos Jobim, is located 15 kilometres from the city centre. From the airport, we recommend the taxi company AEROCOOP to reach the city. They are very reliable and the price is fixed at R$ 82 + R$ 2 per baggage to reach Ipanema for example. (info 2018)
Rodoviaria Novo Rio is the main bus station in Rio. All the buses that criss-cross Brazil and the main Latin American countries leave from this station.
Getting around Rio de Janeiro
There are many different ways to get around Rio.
By taxi, metro, bus, bicycle or on foot, Rio offers many facets to travellers who take the time to visit it.
2. Getting around Rio de Janeiro by metro 
Rio's 2 metro lines stretch for over 40 kilometres. The metro is modern and considered safe. It serves the Ipanema district (Osorio station), the Copacabana district, Botafogo, and the Centro district (Cinelandia station), among others.
Travelling by metro is a very convenient way to explore Rio's neighbourhoods cheaply and quickly. It runs from 5am to midnight Monday to Saturday and from 7am to 11pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Access to the Rio metro fares in real time
3. Getting around Rio de Janeiro by bus 
Frequent, cheap, safe but be careful with your belongings! There are many bus routes in Rio de Janeiro. It is difficult to find your way around.
Fortunately, the city is long and the bus lines have simple routes, most of which connect the city centre with the touristy south. The best way to find your way around is touse Google maps, which will give you all the information you need about your bus route.
Beware, there are few maps and information in bus shelters. It is best to know the number of your bus before you leave. In addition, buses speed through the city streets and trying to stop them can be a challenge in itself.
It should be noted that this means of transport is very noisy and journeys are often hectic. Buses use major roads and are therefore often crowded and slowed down by traffic.
A ticket costs around €1.16 for a one-way trip (March 2019 price). On board, in addition to the bus driver, a second transport agent welcomes you. This ticket inspector acts as a ticket collector. He collects the money and takes you through a turnstile. They also act as a social link. They are often friendly people of all ages who are easy to talk to. Don't hesitate to ask them for advice.
More information on bus routes to take in Rio
4. Taking a taxi in Rio de Janeiro 
Taxis in Rio de Janeiro are very useful for visiting the city and even indispensable for getting around at night. It is advisable to call them before taking a taxi. Radio taxis are the safest but also the most expensive form of transport.
There are also motorbike taxis if you are alone or in a hurry.
5. Getting around Rio on foot or by bike 
Rio is a very large city, but the touristy South Zone has a number of cycling and walking routes. For example, around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas there is a 7.5 kilometre path for cyclists and joggers.
By the sea, the coastal road along the bays of Ipanema and Copacabana is closed to traffic every Sunday. The road then becomes a promenade open to all, and it's crowded! All means of transport without a motor are used.
We hope that this article has helped you to see more clearly the transport and travel in Rio de Janeiro. Access all of our articles on the city of Rio in the link below.