Rio de Janeiro City Guide - Getting Around

SECTRAN (tel: (21) 2299 3468; website: www.sectran.rj.gov.br) oversees public transport in Rio.

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.

Yellow taxis operate with a meter and can be hailed on the street. The flag (bandeira) indicates the tariff and usually reads '1'. However, after 2300, on Sunday and on holidays the tariff will be '2', which indicates a price hike of about 20%. Taxis are fairly priced, although some late-night drivers might quote excessive fixed prices. Travellers should check that the meter is reset and indicates the correct tariff. There is a minimum fare, plus a charge per kilometre. Tourists are strongly advised to only use taxis that have an official identification sticker in the window.

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.

With such a good public transport system, there is little need for tourists to drive in Rio de Janeiro. Those who attempt it need nerves of steel and a solid sense of direction to cope with the hectic traffic and confusing one-way streets. However, driving can be a good option for local excursions and visiting some of the further beaches. Seat belts should be worn and extreme caution employed. Doors should be kept locked. Rio's traffic is a law unto itself and parking is difficult everywhere, although practically impossible in the centre. Rush hour is Monday to Friday 0800 to 0900 and 1700 to 1900, although some areas are bumper to bumper at many hours of the day. For visitors making a day trip to Rio by car, the best option is to park in a secure car park, leaving the car with an attendant. Parking in Rio is very cheap.

There are many car hire companies in Rio, including international providers. The minimum age to hire a car is 21 years, although this is sometimes even higher, depending on company policy. Insurance is essential. A credit card is usually required as security but also for payment, seeing as many companies are reluctant to accept traveller's cheques or US Dollars. An International Driving Permit is not normally required - just a driving licence. Rates include basic, third-party cover and collision waiver and personal accident insurance are extra.

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.

Rio has 74km (46 miles) of cycle paths that, wherever they exist, are very much preferable to riding in the city's traffic. Most paths run alongside beaches and extend intermittently from the Marina da Glória, Centro, through Flamengo, Copacabana and Ipanema, to Barra da Tijuca. Six km (4 miles) of cycle paths traverse the Tijuca National Park.

Energetic visitors can hire bicycles from Bike&Lazer, Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 135B, Ipanema (tel: (21) 2521 2686).