Travel between Sao Paulo and Rio

[gabdegale]

bus has to be the best way to travel in Brazil and if you're on a budget it'll be the cheapest way. Also, on a bus you will get to see a good part of the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio as well as nice country side on the trip.

There are three types of buses: normal bus with AC, Executive bus, and bed bus, The last one (bed bus) is the most expensive option costing $50 while the normal bus will cost $30.

[djluck]

I agree taking the bus will be cheaper than flying, renting a car, or hiring a taxi drive to take you, an the 10 hour drive is just way too much when you're supposed to be on vacation.

By the way, locals will tell you that driving in Brazil (particularly night driving) is dangerous and even more a hustle for a foreigner for a lot of reasons such as the fact that you will need your license translation in Portuguese. Of course, you can drive with a US valid drivers license but if you are pulled over by the cops they will sweat you out some of your dollars.

[cancunhol]

I have to agree that 8 hours on a bus wouldn't be my idea of a holiday, especially in Brazil. I'd recommend that you take the plane as domestic airlines in Brazil aren't that expensive nowadays. Both Tam and Gol are the top two airlines offering cheap flights between Sao Paulo and Rio.

Also, remember that there are 2 airports at both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro - an international and a domestic airport in each case , so don't get it worn:)

[gestapo]

If you are staying in Rio don't bother with renting a car. The public transportation in Rio is great and varied so you can use buses, trains and subways. Taking the subway is the safest and fastest way of getting around in Rio at night. In fact, locals use it everyday to go from one place to another so that alone tells you something.

I agree that travelling by bus around Rio is a good option during the day but don't ever use it at night, nor use unmarked taxis at night. Rio taxis are yellow colored and can be hailed on the streets, but make sure it's a legitimate one.

[casandraM]

I wouldn't suggest hiring a car the minute you land in Sao Paulo as getting around by car in Sampa can be quite scary even if you’re in the passenger seat! If you’ve ever driven Italy, imagine that times 100...it's that bad over there.

People drive crazy fast and overtaking can be quite unpredictable, though nothing compares to the suicidal men on mopeds who zip in and out between the cars...not surprisingly I found out that on average 5 bikers die everyday Sao Paulo.

[mjonason]

As others have said, you'll be taking your chances driving in Brazil, so I would not recommend driving in Brazil for a first-time, especially if you're a non-Portuguese speaker. You're better off catching one of the many buses going to Rio. If you want to drive to Rio de Janeiro from Sao Paulo you will have to follow one of these 2 higways:

1. Rodovia Presidente Dutra or the Dutra Highway-BR-116 which goes straight to Rio
2. Rodovia Ayrton Senna-SP-070- which goes to Rio via Moji das Cruzes and also might have access to the Litoral Norte

[hDready]

I'd also recommend flying, especially since GOL is having a promotion for $49, though you have to book now online. I'd definitely not recommend anyone renting a car to travel to/ from Sao Paulo and Rio as it's extremely challenging if you are not used to the roads, signs, driving habits, etc. It's also a waste of hours on the road when you can be in either city in just an hour.

Originally Posted by smallbig

for me the best way to get from Sao Paulo to Rio is by plane as it only takes 50 minutes, though it's most expensive way for sure as it costs something like $220 round trip ticket. If you have about 8 hours to spend on a bus, then the bus is the cheapest option costing about $120 (around 200 Brazil reais ) for a round-trip ticket.

[forti6]

If you're into adventurous driving, Sao Paulo and Rio have definitely a lot of action, though it's not for the faint of heart. On my last trip to Brazil, I decided to rent a car to drive to Sao Paulo I have had the pleasure of experiencing the "controlled" chaos everyone refers to.

If have not experienced "controlled" traffic chaos before here are some tips to keep in mind:

1)Watch out for bikes. They're everywhere and they zig-zag around cars like mad maniacs.
2) Don't use your cell phone while driving
3) Dont run the red lights. It is true that you're allowed to run the red lights and locals do, but if you dont know the streets, you'll be crazy to do that..so dont!
4)Watch out for drivers, especially at night.
5)Keep your doors locked at all times and keep your eyes open.

Happy drivings!