Transport and Driving in Brazil

Owing to its vast geographic size, getting around Brazil is not always easy. Location also makes a big difference in the available transport options. Major cities have taxis, buses, and metro systems, as well as international and domestic airports. In smaller cities, the options are more limited. Travel between cities may require planes, buses or boats.

Getting Around São Paulo
Getting Around in Rio De Janeiro

Public transport in Brazil

Buses

Buses are by far the most common and flexible form of public transport in Brazil. All major cities have a public bus system, as well as a central bus station that provides options for travelling to other cities. Most cities now accept contactless payment cards and mobile apps alongside cash, and city bus fares are usually inexpensive. Inter-city bus fare can be more expensive, but they are reliable and cost less than flying. Still, due to the size of Brazil, it’s not practical to cross the entire country by bus.

Metro

There are metro systems in a handful of cities in Brazil, but their usefulness varies. In Rio de Janeiro, the metro is clean and safe. In São Paulo, the metro can be a good option, but it is usually packed.

Trains

Although there are a few notable tourist-oriented routes, passenger trains in Brazil are few and far between. Most railways are used for cargo transport only.

Ferries and boats

In some parts of Brazil, mainly Amazonia, water travel is the only form of transport. Although travelling through the Amazon River by boat can be slow, it’s a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Some larger boats will have classes with different comfort levels, and reputable operators generally maintain good safety standards. It’s advisable to research operators beforehand and choose well-established companies.

Ensure you take plenty of food and water, as trips can take anywhere from four to six days, depending on where you will be travelling from and to. 

Useful links

• SPTrans: São Paulo Public Transport
• Rio Ônibus: Rio de Janeiro Bus Information

Taxis in Brazil

Brazil’s major cities have large taxi fleets that run on meters. Taxis typically congregate in designated pontos throughout the city. Taxi fares are not terribly expensive, but you need to beware of being ‘taken for a ride’ in unfamiliar places. When in a new city, hiring a radio taxi (with a prepaid fare) can be a good option. For those who don’t have a car and rely on taxis, taxi drivers can usually offer cards with their number for future calls. They appreciate a regular customer and may be willing to give discounts for standing appointments or longer trips.

Ride-hailing applications are widely available in Brazil’s major cities. 99 is the country’s largest domestic ride-hailing app. There are also Uber and Taxi.Rio, an app developed by Rio de Janeiro’s government to connect passengers with traditional taxis.

Useful links

• Uber Brazil
• 99 App
• Taxi.Rio
• Rádio Táxi São Paulo

Driving in Brazil

Brazil’s road system is woefully inadequate. While there are paved highways between major cities, they’re frequently in disrepair and can be dangerous. This leads to a high number of road fatalities in Brazil every year. Traffic within and between major cities can be congested.

That said, many expats in Brazil choose to own a car for the flexibility it provides. Some expat employment packages even provide drivers, and others will support the process of getting a car and a licence. Car ownership is expensive, with high car and petrol prices. Be aware that Brazil has a zero-tolerance drink-driving law – blood alcohol levels above 0.01 percent bring fines and licence suspension, and higher levels can lead to imprisonment and criminal charges.

Driver’s licences

Expats will be allowed to drive in Brazil with their home country’s licence, along with their passport, for an initial six months. Thereafter, they will need a Brazilian driver’s licence if they intend to live in the country for a while. New arrivals must have a valid temporary or permanent residence visa to qualify for a Brazilian driver’s licence.

Newcomers from countries with reciprocal agreements with Brazil can exchange their full driver’s licence from their home countries for a Brazilian licence. Brazil recognises licences from countries that are signatories to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Mercosur member countries (Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) also have reciprocal driving arrangements.

Those from countries without such agreements will need to take a four-part test, provide a range of paperwork and pay the related fees to secure their Brazilian driver’s licence.

Useful links

• Gov.br: Brazilian Driver’s Licence Information
• Denatran: National Traffic Department

Domestic flights in Brazil

For domestic travel, unless you have days and weeks to spend on buses, a domestic flight will be the best option. Brazil’s domestic airline market is dominated by LATAM, followed by Gol and Azul. Flying can be expensive, but buying a ticket well in advance can help offset the cost.

Useful links

• Infraero: Brazilian Airport Authority
• LATAM Airlines
• Gol Airlines
• Azul Airlines