When we first came here to catch a bus to São Paulo, we had to transfer from a city bus and walk a…read morebit. We thought this area was super sketchy and felt uncomfortable even during the middle of the day. This time around we just took uber which was actually cheaper and faster. We got to the station way before our bus departure so we spent some time looking around. Breakfast at the Via Rio was ok. They serve casa da Pão de queijo products but their coffee was mediocre. The Forno Minas looked like they had real espresso machines. At least the cleaning ladies came around to wipe down the tables. Downstairs the air conditioning works, upstairs where the majority of the station is, does not and so they have heavy industrial fans to circulate the air. They have a new TIM shop, instead of just a kiosk and it looks like the kind you find at a mall that offers technical service. Bathrooms are pricy here. R$2 just to use the toilet. They used to have showers upstairs but I didn't see them this time. Platform loading was a bit of a mess, no order in the lines but at least we had assigned seats. Costa Verde didn't leave on time but I suppose that's to be expected.

This bus station is nicer than some airports! Plenty of options for food plus shops for goodies and…read morestuff to read during your trip. I've used this bus station a few times and it's easy to get to and out of. Usually I grab an Uber (25-30 to/from Copacabana) but also once after midnight a prepaid taxi.