Top Ways to Navigate Brazil

When you think of Brazil, vast expanses of tropical rainforests, wet wetlands, rolling plains, rugged plateaus, and lush mountains come to mind.

You may picture that exploring the world’s fifth-largest country would take forever, but with some planning, traversing this vast land is surprisingly straightforward.

Nowadays, you can journey through Brazil’s diverse ecosystems and unique landscapes swiftly by bus, carpooling, ride-hailing services, or flying to skip lengthy and uncomfortable boat rides across the Amazon.

Whether your visit to Brazil is for its lively cities, rich heritage, or breathtaking natural scenery, here are the best methods to get around.

Opt for flights to cover extensive distances and bypass slow road or river travel

Given Brazil’s enormous size—many of its states surpass entire countries in area—flights are convenient and often necessary for visiting multiple cities during a short trip, despite the environmental impact. Domestic air travel can be more expensive and environmentally taxing compared to bus, car, or boat travel, depending on the distance.

Conversely, the alternative could mean spending several days packed into a bus or riverboat. All major cities are served by airports. Brazil's largest airlines, GOL and LATAM, frequently offer flight deals for early bookings and provide flexibility for flight changes. Additionally, several smaller budget airlines, like Azul, also operate throughout the country.

You might score a cheaper flight by using this local travel tip: wait until the weekend to book your ticket. The GOL South America Airpass and LATAM’s South American Airpass are available for non-South American travelers, but you must also purchase an international flight with these airlines or their partners.

Buses are the primary mode of overland transportation in Brazil

For those with more leisure time, buses offer an affordable and popular way to navigate Brazil, especially between major cities and towns, with scenic views along the way. Bus options range from basic comum (standard) buses to more comfortable leito (overnight sleeper) buses, covering most areas of the country.

There are numerous private bus companies that sell tickets online: Águia Branca is one recommended choice. Alternatively, tickets can be bought at rodoviárias (bus stations typically located on city outskirts) or through travel agencies. Be prepared to show identification when purchasing tickets and boarding the bus.

A great value option for booking intercity travel in Brazil is Buser, catering to budget-conscious locals and visitors. By using the Buser app and booking at least a day in advance, a trip from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo will cost you about R$60, which is half the regular fare.

Bus routes to major cities operate at least twice daily from most significant hubs, although services to more remote villages may be limited to daytime hours. Always verify your bus departure point; in smaller villages and rural areas, it could range from a gas station to the entrance of a local guesthouse.

Bus travel tip for Brazil: Schedules can often change unexpectedly. Arrive at least an hour and a half before your departure time to avoid waiting for hours for the next bus!

Boats operate throughout the Amazon and along the coastal areas

While water travel in Brazil may lack speed and glamour, it offers plenty of adventure. Services can be categorized into riverboat journeys inland and short trips along the coast. Ferries and speedboats operated by local companies like CCR Barcas and Biotur will whisk you away to Brazil’s tropical islands from coastal cities. It's advisable to buy tickets directly at ticket offices located at mainland ports.

Basic wooden riverboats and spacious overnight ferries with hammocks strung across the deck serve towns and cities in the Amazon region, often being the only means of transportation. Ferry terminals known as hidroviarias connect major riverside cities, especially Manaus, Santarém, and Belém.

For travelers with a bit more to spend, luxury cruises are available, featuring stops at some of the Amazon’s most stunning beaches and biodiversity hotspots. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for smaller single or double-deck boats or larger three-deck riverboats.

Tickets for larger riverboats can be bought online from private ferry companies such as Macamazon or directly at the hidroviarias. Ferries usually depart once daily, but it's wise to build some flexibility into your plans as departures may not always stick to the schedule.

One of the Amazon’s most breathtaking riverboat journeys leads to the heart-shaped island of Alter do Chão. Departing from either Manaus or Belém, travelers can witness the famous “meeting of the waters” – where the dark Rio Negro flows parallel to the sand-yellow Salimoes River – before arriving in Santarém. From there, a quick bus or rideshare trip will take you to the island.

Only experienced drivers should take to the roads in Brazil

Driving in Brazil isn't for the timid. With unclear signposts and a plethora of one-way streets, finding your way out of major cities like Rio can be daunting. This challenge is compounded by frenetic highways, thrilling driving styles, and numerous potholes.

Self-driving car rentals remain a viable option for those seeking flexibility or transporting bulky sports gear like surfboards or kiteboards. When renting, local Brazilian companies like Unidas and Localiza provide competitive rates, with special promotions dropping prices to R$80 per day for compact cars. Keep in mind that insurance is an additional cost, but it's a valuable safeguard.

If you're eager to drive but want to dodge safety concerns, consider using the carpooling app BlaBlaCar. This platform lets you book rides with drivers heading your way who have extra seats available. Fares are quite affordable, averaging around R$20 for a journey lasting an hour.

Opt for taxis and rideshares for quick trips

In Brazil's major cities, ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99 are popular choices. The fares through these apps are generally cheaper than traditional metered taxis, and they provide the added security of being able to track and share your ride.

In rural regions, taxis must be booked via phone; you can obtain local taxi numbers at bus stations, your accommodations, or nearby restaurants and bars. If you take a taxi, ensure the driver activates the meter, or you might end up paying inflated tourist rates.

Tip for utilizing ride-hailing apps in Brazil: Drivers may be hesitant to accept short trips; opting for longer rides can decrease the likelihood of cancellations and delays.

In Brazil, trains primarily operate on heritage routes.

Due to the country's challenging terrain, there are few passenger trains, and those that do exist are generally slower and less efficient than buses. However, if you're after a unique travel experience, the trains in southern Brazil and Minas Gerais state offer a nostalgic way to travel from one place to another.

For a journey through history, take the weekend tourist train from the picturesque, UNESCO-listed town of Ouro Preto to Mariana in Minas Gerais, enjoying stunning views of the lush Brazilian countryside along the way. Tickets are available online from the Vale transport company.

Public transportation is highly effective in major cities.

Large Brazilian cities like Rio, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte boast robust transport networks featuring metro systems, buses, vans, and sometimes trains. In vast cities like São Paulo, navigating the metro can be a bit daunting due to confusing routes and notoriously crowded trains and platforms. Nevertheless, it remains an affordable and often quicker option than battling São Paulo’s heavy traffic.

Before boarding a bus or the metro in São Paulo, get a refillable Bilhete Único smart card from any metro station booth or ticket machine; Rio offers a similar card called Riocard. The best resource for public transport routes and schedules across Brazil is Google Maps.

Travel accessibility in Brazil

In 2000, Brazil enacted a law requiring operators to ensure public facilities are accessible for individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility. However, progress has been slow. You will find ramps and elevators in shopping malls and public transport stations, as well as designated spaces for wheelchairs on buses and metros.

Curb ramps on sidewalks, Braille signage, and phones for the hearing-impaired are uncommon, especially in rural areas. However, most parking facilities in Brazil do offer designated spaces for visitors with reduced mobility. For additional information on accessible travel, visit Dinogo Planet’s free Accessible Travel Resources.