Rio De Janeiro Public-Transport

Rio De Janeiro Public-Transport information

Buses

The poor reputation of Rio's buses is mostly undeserved. Services are frequent and cheap, and the route is usually displayed on the side of the bus. Pickpockets are probably the greatest danger, operating mostly during rush hour. The flat fare is BRL1.80 and passengers pay when passing through the turnstile at the back of the bus. The main bus terminal for interstate services, Rodoviária Novo Rio, is on Av Francisco Bicalho, São Cristóvão. Tel: +55 (0)21-2291-5151.

Metro

The metro is considered safe and efficient although as it currently consists of only two lines, the area it covers is somewhat limited. Line 1 runs out of Copacabana Station and Line 2 from Estacio Station. Purchase tickets at the station for BRL2.25 per single journey.

Driving

The minimum driving age in Brazil is 18 but to hire a car you usually have to be at least 25 years old, depending on the firm. A valid national driving licence is needed if wishing to rent a car while in Brazil. If you are holding a national licence that doesn't have a photograph eg. the old-style UK licence, then it is advisable to obtain one with a photo or, alternatively, an international driving permit before arriving. Driving is on the right hand side and you must overtake on the left hand side. Speed limits of 90km per hour (56mph) on expressways and 60-80km per hour (37-49mph) on major roads within the city apply. In urban areas lower speed limits may be applicable - road signs indicate where these apply. Road signs throughout the country are written in Portuguese. You can expect road conditions in Rio to be generally good and well maintained - on non-highways outside cities the same may not apply. Rio is not the easiest city to negotiate considering the complex one-way systems, the lack of parking spaces and the general disregard for safety by most drivers. Fully comprehensive insurance is essential when driving around the city, you should also take care to lock your doors while travelling as well as when parked - car crime is not an uncommon occurrence.

Rent a Car

click here to find a great deal on car rentals in Rio de Janeiro.

Taxis

The yellow taxis with a blue stripe are known as comuns and are widely available. Fares are cheap with the flag fall starting at BRL3 but be sure the meter has been cleared from the previous trip. The meter should read "1" for most trips and "2" for journeys after 22h00, Sundays and public holidays as well as for the entire month of December. For those wishing to head out of town fares can be negotiated; it is advised that you do so rather than relying on the meter. Considered safer and more reliable, the white radio taxis charge around 30 per cent more but will come to your pick-up point, something worth considering for late-night trips. Some reliable firms in the city include: Transcoopass: Tel: +55 (0)21-2560-4888/2590-6891 Cootramo: Tel: +55 (0)21-3976-9944 Centraltáxi: Tel: +55 (0)21-2593-2598/2195-1000 If staying outside the city centre ask your hotel for a recommended local firm that serves the immediate locale.