Getting Around in Rio de Janeiro

Getting around in Rio de Janeiro is relatively straightforward, even with the city’s sprawling and chaotic nature. Several transport options are available: buses, ferries and the metro, which are all part of an integrated transit system. Taxis are also prevalent throughout the city.

Public transport in Rio de Janeiro

Metro

Public transport in Rio de Janeiro centres around an established metro system known as the Metro Rio. This is the easiest and safest way of getting around the city. The metro is generally safe and clean, although care should be taken if using it at night. Like in any other city, it can get crowded during rush hours.

The system operates Monday to Saturday from 5am to midnight, and Sundays from 7am to 11pm.

Tickets can be purchased at any metro station, and a rechargeable travel card, known as the Giro card, is available for frequent commuters. Women-only carriages are available during peak times from 6am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm. The Jaé payment system was integrated with metro stations in August 2025 for passengers using municipal transport connections.

Buses

Buses connect most of the city and are an inexpensive way of getting around. The bus services are privately operated, so services and costs will vary. Buses travel along set routes around Rio, usually sticking to the main roads, with the destination displayed on the front of the bus. Payment is made using the Jaé card system, which replaced the RioCard in early 2025.

Buses are often overcrowded, and robberies and muggings can occur. Expats should keep an eye on their belongings at all times. Travelling on buses at night is not recommended.

The metro now has buses called Metro na Superfície in areas that aren’t covered by its network. Rio also has an expanding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system with several corridors: TransOeste, TransCarioca, TransOlímpica, and the newer TransBrasil line that opened in 2024. The city is planning to replace some BRT corridors with modern light rail (VLT) systems in the coming years.

Light rail (VLT)

Rio operates a modern light rail system called VLT Carioca that primarily serves the city centre and port area. The system is expanding, and Line 4 opened in 2024 to connect the Terminal Intermodal Gentileza with Praça XV. The VLT integrates with metro, bus, and ferry services, and the city has ambitious plans to expand the network to replace some BRT corridors with light rail technology.

Ferries

Regular ferry services run between Rio and Niterói on the other side of Guanabara Bay. Ferry operations changed to a new consortium in early 2025, resulting in significantly reduced fares that make ferry travel more affordable for daily commuters. It’s not uncommon for people to live in Niterói and commute by ferry daily. Most ferries operate during the week, with reduced services on weekends.

Working in Rio de Janeiro

Useful links

• Metro Rio
• VLT Carioca
• BRT Rio
• Barcas Rio: Ferry services
• Rio Card/Jaé

Taxis in Rio de Janeiro

Taxis in Rio de Janeiro are the safest mode of transport at night. They’re plentiful and can easily be hailed off the street. They frequently congregate around major hotels and at taxi ranks throughout the city. Most taxi drivers are likely only to speak Portuguese, so expats should have their destination written down on paper.

Most taxis are metered, but drivers may quote a fixed price for certain destinations. Expats should clarify the fare before getting in the vehicle. Licensed taxis are usually painted yellow. There are also some independent, unlicensed taxi operators. Expats should be cautious of illegitimate operators.

The popular ride-hailing service Uber is available in Rio de Janeiro and now includes traditional taxi integration. It is generally considered safer than regular taxis, and the fares may be cheaper. Rides can be hailed via the Uber app. There are also local ride-hailing alternatives, which include 99Taxis and EasyTaxi. Most ride-hailing services require vehicles to be newer, made from 2013 onwards.

Useful links

• Uber Rio
• 99 App
• EasyTaxi
• Taxi Rio

Driving in Rio de Janeiro

With Rio’s extensive public transport network, expats don’t necessarily need a car to get around in Rio de Janeiro. Many expats still choose to purchase or rent a vehicle for convenience, especially if wanting to tour areas outside the metropolitan region.

Traffic can be nightmarish in Rio, particularly during peak times. Cariocas are also known for their aggressive driving. Parking can be a major frustration for those driving in Rio. There is also a risk of robbery and carjacking. Expats should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves while in Rio.

Initially, a national driver’s licence from their home country or an international driving permit should suffice, but expats who want to drive in Rio for the long term will need to have a Brazilian driver’s licence.

For more on Brazilian driver’s licences, read about Transport and Driving in Brazil

Safety in Brazil

Useful links

• DETRAN Rio: Official Traffic Department

Cycling in Rio de Janeiro

Cycling in Rio de Janeiro is a popular means of getting around the city. Rio has worked to encourage cyclists by building an extensive network of dedicated cycle lanes, particularly around the many beaches and popular tourist areas.

The city introduced e-bikeshare services in 2024 as part of its low-emission zone initiative. Major infrastructure improvements in recent years featured the restoration of the Ciclovia Tim Maia in 2023, which reconnected key coastal areas.

Bicycle racks can be found across Rio. The government has also launched a shared bike rental programme, Bike Itaú. Daily or monthly passes can be bought online or through an application that can be downloaded to any smartphone.

Useful links

• Bike Itaú

Walking in Rio de Janeiro

Many of Rio’s tourist areas are easily traversed on foot when walking in Rio de Janeiro, but expats should be cautious due to the risk of mugging. Walking in any area late at night is not recommended.