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Transport


Underground

Rio’s modern and air-conditioned metro network is not very extensive but efficient, clean and comfortable. It is the quickest way to get to the main neighbourhoods of the South Zone from the town centre (20min to Copacabana).

A combined metro and bus service (Metrô/ônibus) links the metro stations to other parts of the town.

The metro operates Monday-Saturday from 5am-midnight. On Sundays and public holidays, it runs from 7am-11pm. On New Year’s Eve and during the carnival, the metro runs all night long.


Bus

The buses are cheap, numerous and go to most of the city’s districts. All the large streets have bus stops and the lines are indicated on the signs by the roadside. You board the bus by the front door and leave by the rear door.

Single tickets cost between R$2 and 3.5; make sure you have the right change because you have to go through a turnstile.

Buses are considered safe during the day, but beware of pickpockets at rush hour. It is advisable to take a taxi at night if you are carrying luggage or objects of value.


Car

The uninitiated are ill advised to consider driving in Rio. Generally speaking, the Brazilians drive dangerously fast and huge traffic jams build up very quickly. It is also not recommended to drive at night.

The minimum age to rent a car is 25. Insurance is compulsory; check that it is included in the price of the rental.


Bicycle

Tourists are ill advised to bicycle around the busy traffic-ridden main streets and avenues.

A path set aside for joggers and bicyclists skirts Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, which is ideal for a bike ride; there are other cycle paths (ciclovias) along the seafront at Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Barra da Tijuca and Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Bicycles can be rented near the beaches.

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