Rio de Janeiro - Getting Around
Public Transport
The underground service provided by Metrô Rio (tel: (21) 3982 3600; website: www.metrorio.com.br) is safe, clean, air conditioned, fast and efficient, although limited in the area it covers. There are two lines in operation from Monday to Saturday 0500 to 0000; Sundays and holidays 0700 to 2300. Line 1 runs from Siqueira Campos (Copacabana) to Sãens Pena (Tijuca), while Line 2 runs from Estácio (Centro) to Pavuna, in the north of the city. Metrô tickets are only available at the stations - for a single journey or a carnet of 10 tickets. Visitors are advised to keep their wits about them when emerging from stations into unfamiliar surroundings, as pickpockets are common.
Buses are cheap, regular and run to all parts of the city. Many different companies operate the municipal services, including Real (tel: (21) 2263 7689) and Novo Horizonte (tel: (21) 2233 7210). Services operate 24 hours and are relatively safe - incidences of crime are rare, although travellers must exercise caution during rush hour and at night, when pickpockets prey. Tickets are available from the conductor, who sits next to the turnstile at the back of the bus. These cost a fraction more on the air-conditioned frescão buses.
An integrated Metrô and bus ticket (one-way combined fare), called Metrô/Ônibus, is available at Metrô stations.
Taxis
Special taxis (either blue or red) operate from the airports. Payment is by pre-paid vouchers, which are available at airport kiosks.
Radio taxis are safe and reliable but 30% more expensive than yellow taxis. Providers include Central de Táxi (tel: (21) 2195 1000; website: www.centraltaxi.com.br), Coopertramo (tel: (21) 2209 9292; website: www.radio-taxi.com.br) and Transcoopass (tel: (21) 2560 4888; www.transcoopass.com.br). Brazilians generally do not tip taxi drivers, although rounding the total fare up to the nearest Real is appreciated.
Driving in the City
Car Hire
Some major companies with car hire offices in the city include Avis, Avenida Princesa Isabel 350, Copacabana (tel: (21) 2543 8481; website: www.avis.com.br), Hertz, Avenida Princesa Isabel 500, Copacabana (tel: (21) 2275 7440; website: www.hertz.com.br), and Localiza, Avenida Princesa Isabel 150, Copacabana (tel: (21) 2275 3340; website: www.localiza.com.br). These companies also have offices at the international airport.
Rates vary according to the model of the car and whether or not it has air conditioning and include unlimited mileage. The minimum hire is usually for a day, with reductions for longer periods. It is sometimes possible for drivers to negotiate further discounts and it can be cheaper for visitors to make an advance reservation from abroad.
Bicycle Hire
Energetic visitors can hire bicycles from Bike&Lazer, Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 135B, Ipanema (tel: (21) 2521 2686).
Tours of Rio de Janeiro




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