Getting Around Rio

So what´s the best way getting around Rio? Well there are quite a few options. The public transport system in Rio is all in all a chaotic phenomenon; There are various operators on the same bus lines, several types of taxis with different rates, motorcycle taxis in the favelas, traffic changing directions; I could just go on. I will try to give you the most important information and I hope it will be of help.

Local Buses
What's important to remember is that some types of transport can be just fine at one certain hour or weekday while on a weekend at another hour it's not. There are so many gringos I met that taking the bus to Lapa on a Friday evening at 9 PM felt it was just fine; When I've been telling them that the same thing on a Monday is not advisable they have a hard time to understand. I have explained this and a lot more in my Buses in Rio section. The reason to be cautious at these times is the risk of getting robbed; getting around Rio has to be done with sense. The same goes for the various vans and kombis that are offered as a supplement to the buses.

Taxi
In all types of motorised transport it is best to carry change, many times the driver can´t even break a 10 R$ bill, also flying a 50 bill on the wrong bus is not to recommend. A taxi driver can most of the time sort the situation out by changing with a nearby pharmacy or in a newsstand, if it´s in the middle of the night it's trickier. In my Taxis in Rio you can find out more about this type of transport.

Subway
An exception from the rule is the subway, aside from some route changes depending on the traffic directions it is very dependable and the pride of Rio de Janeiro's public transport system. Read all about it in the Subway in Rio section.

On Foot
Walking is perfectly fine if you stick to where other people walk, it's when the streets are empty or if there are some dodgy characters around you will have to be cautious. There are also some areas that are particularily bad certain times. The city centre is fine as long as the shops are open; after that the shop securities go home and it turns in to a no-go zone.

Renting Bicycles & Cars
A really nice way to get around in Rio is on a bicycle, I have explained all about renting and where you can go in Bicycle in Rio . Renting a car is also a good idea if you want to drive around in Brazil, go to Rio de Janeiro Car Rental to find out about renting, driver´s licenses and so on.


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