For a short getaway from Rio, the CCR Barcas ferries will take you over to Niteroi which is on the…read moreother side of Guanabara Bay. There were different configuration of the ferry based on my two trips and they departed every 20 minutes from either port. The fare was only R5 each way and was a much quicker route to Niteroi versus the traffic jam that I observed on the President Costa e Silva Bridge. Boarding areas were split into preferred/requiring assistance/60+ years and above and everyone else. However, neither was monitored so it was a little bit of a free for all. After everyone settled in their seats, the ferry wasn't very full at all but this was mid-morning after the rush hour was over. From Rio to Niteroi, I suggest sitting on the upper deck on the right side which gave you views of Rio. A cafe was located here but wasn't operating. Overall very smooth ride back and forth that took less than 1/2 hour in each direction. I believe I was the only non-local on each of the ferries so Niteroi wasn't a popular tourist destination. I went to see the UFO shaped Museu de Arte Contempranea but there also was a large shopping mall within 5 minutes walk from the Niteroi ferry building.

This is a commuter ferry that links Rio de Janeiro to the nearby city of Niteroi which lies across…read morethe water to the east. It is a basic commuter ferry that is not meant for tourists and is nothing fancy. I took this ferry once just for the experience of it. You get good views of the cities from the water. Other than that, it is fairly uneventful. The two cities are actually linked by a bridge anyway for cars. Therefore, the ferry is meant for those who do not own cars or for convenience's sake.

The Trem do Corcovado was one of two ways of traveling up to see Christ the Redeemer statue. Both…read morethe station and the trains (2019) looked new. To ensure you want to visit on the day and time you want then book online. You could buy a ticket in person or at the kiosk but I read elsewhere that there could be lines and/or a ticket may not be available depending on season or crowds. I bought my ticket online and was emailed a receipt which i showed the ticket counter along with my passport. I also had to sign and date a pick up form before the staff handed over my ticket. Quick transaction and took much less time than the 40 minutes recommended to arrive before my timed entry. The train was running every half an hour in August 2026. It would meet the other train about 10 minutes into the 20 minute ride. Sometimes there would be a stop at one of two stations along the track that would add some time. The boarding area was a short walk from the ticket counter. Bathrooms were located next to the ticket office but also at the final station at the top. The waiting area was inside the large building. To kill some time while waiting there were posters that detailed key historical dates of the train's operation and some other information to read though only in Portuguese. Everyone had to take the obligatory candid photo (standing in front of a photo of the train and Christ the Redeemer) before boarding. To buy it pay R80 before you board the returning train. It was a smooth ride each way considering how steep the grade was. If you sit on the right side on the way up then there were views of Rio if the weather was clear. The escalator from the top station to the statue was under renovation as of 8/3/2026 and staff were very selective who could use the sole working elevator. Stairs were the only other option. There was no time limit to visit the statue but when going back down with the train you have to present your ticket again.

Yelp Review 2025 #192:…read more Located in Cosme Velho, this train station is where you need to go to get to Christ the Redeemer. I took the earliest train which is around 7am. I got to the station 25 minutes early and there was about 20 people ahead of me. We all had online tickets - do not forget to print out your ticket and sign it as per instructions so you're not slowing it down for everybody. There are employees that are willing to assist you and answer any questions you may have. You start at the entrance then they move you to another line to check your ticket. The next line is for pictures with their photographer. The last line is to get on the train. They will fill the train before closing the doors. My tip: put on bug spray! I got eaten by mosquitoes at the station, inside the train and all the way to Christ the Redeemer. Google Maps will tell you it takes close to an hour from Cosme Velho station to Christ the Redeemer station which is not correct. It only takes about 25-30 minutes. The train doesn't have A/C but the windows are open. The train is bright and clean. Enjoy as you climb up through a jungle - you'll hear animals. About 20 minutes in, look out the window for an amazing view.