Are you looking for the best options on how to get to Arraial do Cabo? Known for its stunning beaches, Arraial do Cabo is a paradise located in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The city is approximately a three-hour drive from the capital, making Rio de Janeiro the main gateway to this charming destination. However, it’s also easy to get to Arraial do Cabo from other nearby towns, like Búzios, Paraty, and Ilha Grande.
We have compiled a thorough list of the main routes and the most effective ways to get to Arraial do Cabo to make your trip easier.
What is the Closest Airport to Arraial do Cabo?
Arraial do Cabo does not have its own airport. Therefore, the closest major airports for travelers heading to this destination are in Rio de Janeiro: Santos Dumont and Galeão.
- Galeão Airport (GIG): Also known as Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport, this is the largest airport in Rio de Janeiro. It receives both international and domestic flights from all over Brazil.
- Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): Santos Dumont Airport is the second largest airport in Rio de Janeiro and only receives domestic flights from Vitória, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.
How to Get from Rio de Janeiro to Arraial do Cabo?
The three main options for getting to Arraial do Cabo from the city of Rio de Janeiro are: bus, private transfer, and car.
By Bus: The Most Affordable Option
The bus is the most economical way to get from Rio de Janeiro to Arraial do Cabo. The bus ticket from Rio to Arraial do Cabo costs approximately $12 USD, and the company that operates this route is 1001.
Buses to Arraial do Cabo leave from the Novo Rio bus terminal, located in the Santo Cristo neighborhood in the city center. The trip takes about 4 hours, but depending on traffic, it can take up to 6 hours. 1001’s luggage policy allows passengers to bring one carry-on and one checked bag of up to 30 kg, though luggage inspections aren’t too strict. Additionally, there are buses available every day, with departures almost every hour between 5 AM and 11 PM.
Bus tickets can be purchased online through the 1001 company’s website or on third-party platforms like ClickBus, and they can also be bought in person at the Novo Rio terminal.
Once in Arraial do Cabo, the bus terminal is located in the city center, with a taxi stand in front. You can also request an Uber from the Arraial do Cabo Terminal to your hotel.
Tip: Another alternative for traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Arraial do Cabo is Buser, a popular platform in Brazil. Buser is known for being a reliable and affordable option, with prices generally lower than regular buses. The average cost of a ticket from Rio de Janeiro to Arraial do Cabo with Buser is about $8 USD, and tickets can be purchased directly on the company’s website. Buses depart from the Afonso Pena Station, located in the Tijuca neighborhood in downtown Rio de Janeiro. It’s advisable to buy the ticket at least three days in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.
By Transfer: The Most Comfortable Option
The most comfortable way to get to Arraial do Cabo is by hiring a transfer service. There are two options for transfers from Rio de Janeiro to Arraial do Cabo: private transfer and shared transfer.
The advantage of shared transfers is that it’s cheaper, although the trip may be less comfortable and longer. This is because, in addition to traveling with other people, you’ll need to wait to pick up and drop off several passengers at different hotels and points between Rio and Arraial do Cabo. Additionally, the shared transfer only picks up passengers at the airports and in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.
Private transfer offers the convenience of picking up the passenger at their chosen location, whether at a hotel or at the airport, and taking them directly to Arraial do Cabo. This option not only provides greater comfort but is also faster.
Therefore, private transfer costs start at $90 USD per person and can be booked on booking sites like Civitatis, Get Your Guide, and Viator. Meanwhile, shared transfer costs start at $50 USD and can also be booked online through Civitatis, Get Your Guide, and Viator.
By Car: The Most Flexible and Independent Option
Renting a car is an excellent option for those traveling in groups who want a more comfortable and flexible trip. The car is perfect for those wanting to explore the lake region, spend a day in Cabo Frio, or extend their trip to Búzios.
Daily car rental rates in Rio de Janeiro start at $27 USD, and the vehicle can be picked up at Santos Dumont Airport, Galeão, or various other points in the city.
Tip: If you plan to travel during major holidays in Brazil, like Carnival and New Year’s, or during the high season, especially in January, be prepared to face heavy traffic in the city. Also, finding parking spots during this period may be difficult due to high demand.
By Taxi: A Comfortable Alternative Option
If you haven’t booked a transfer to Arraial do Cabo but also don’t want to go to the bus terminal for a bus trip, a good option is to call a taxi or a ride-hailing car.
Thus, taxi fares to Arraial do Cabo start at $100 USD, but the price may vary depending on the time of day or other factors. You can also try negotiating the price directly with the driver. Another alternative is to request a ride-hailing car, like Uber or 99, although it can be difficult to find drivers willing to make that long of a trip.
How to Get from Rio de Janeiro Airport to Arraial do Cabo
- By Bus: You’ll need to take a taxi, Uber, or bus to the Novo Rio bus terminal, where you can catch a bus to Arraial do Cabo, as mentioned in the previous instructions. The fastest bus from Galeão Airport to Novo Rio Terminal is line 324. However, the safest and most viable option to get to the terminal is by taxi or Uber. From Santos Dumont Airport to the terminal, you can take the VLT, which costs only $1.5 USD and has a stop right in front of the airport. Another option is to call a taxi or ride-hailing car.
- By Transfer: This is the most comfortable option. You just need to book a transfer with pickup at the airport, whether at Galeão or Santos Dumont. As soon as your flight lands, someone will be waiting to take you directly to Arraial do Cabo.
- By Car: You can also rent a car with pickup at the airport and then continue your trip to Arraial do Cabo. Both Galeão and Santos Dumont have car rental agencies.
How to Get from Búzios to Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo is about 1 hour by car from Búzios, and the most common ways to get to Arraial do Cabo from Búzios are: car, bus, and transfer.
By Bus: The Most Affordable Option
The bus is an affordable and convenient option to go from Búzios to Arraial do Cabo, as the distance between the two cities is quite short. The company that operates this route is Salineira with the line B152. Tickets cost an average of $1.50 USD and are paid at the time of boarding. Buses run five times a day, with schedules between 7:40 AM and 9:45 PM. You can board at the bus station or at any stop along the route; check with your accommodation for the nearest bus stop.
Another alternative is to take a bus to Cabo Frio and, from there, take another bus to Arraial do Cabo. However, this option is slower and requires paying for two tickets.
By Transfer: A Comfortable and Quick Option
The transfer is a very viable option to go from Búzios to Arraial do Cabo. With the transfer, you have the convenience of being picked up and dropped off at the location of your choice, such as hotels or tourist spots. This not only saves time but also makes the trip more practical and comfortable. A private transfer from Búzios to Arraial do Cabo costs from $50.00 USD.
By Taxi: A Good Cost-Benefit Option
Taxis or ride-hailing cars are a popular option for getting to Arraial do Cabo from Búzios. This is because they offer a good cost-benefit ratio, providing a fast and comfortable trip with attractive prices, especially for those traveling in groups. Thus, an Uber from Búzios to Arraial do Cabo costs an average of $17.00 USD, while a taxi costs an average of $28.00 USD.
By Car: The Most Flexible Option
Opting for car rental gives you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. This option allows you to make stops at points of interest along the way and explore areas less accessible by public transport.
How to Get from Ilha Grande to Arraial do Cabo
Ilha Grande and Angra dos Reis are located about 300 km from Arraial do Cabo, a journey of approximately 5 hours by car. The most common ways to get from Ilha Grande to Arraial do Cabo include combinations of boat and car or boat and bus.
Regardless of the option chosen, you need to take the ferry from Ilha Grande to Angra dos Reis. Once in Angra, your transportation choice will determine the route to follow.
From Ilha Grande to Arraial do Cabo by Ferry + Bus
There is no direct bus from Angra dos Reis to Arraial do Cabo. Therefore, you first need to take a bus from Angra dos Reis to Rio de Janeiro and then another bus to Arraial do Cabo. The company Costa Verde operates the route between Angra and Rio de Janeiro, with tickets costing an average of $14.00 USD and the trip taking about 3 hours.
Buses leave daily from the Angra dos Reis Bus Station to Novo Rio Station, where you can catch a 1001 bus to Arraial do Cabo. Upon arrival at Novo Rio Station, follow the instructions on how to get to Arraial do Cabo by bus from Rio de Janeiro. Doing this trip in one day can be quite exhausting.
From Ilha Grande to Arraial do Cabo by Ferry + Car
This is a more comfortable and flexible option. To travel from Ilha Grande to Arraial do Cabo by car, the most recommended alternatives are renting a car or booking a transfer service. In the case of a transfer, the driver can pick you up directly at the ferry port and take you to your hotel in Arraial do Cabo.
For those who prefer to rent a car, you can pick up the vehicle in downtown Angra dos Reis. The cost of car rental in Angra dos Reis starts at $40.00 USD.