There are advantages and disadvantages of taking the little cog train up to the Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro. (Alternatively, you have the choice of taking the minibus shuttle, which also offer advantages and disadvantages.). Making the right decision can make a whole lot of difference on the quality of your experience to get to the top of Corcovado Mountain; every year thousands of tourists make the wrong choice and end up having a mediocre experience.
Advantages of taking the train up to the Christ statue
1 – The train ride gives you a glimpse of the Brazilian rain forest.
2 – A small band plays live samba during the last five minutes on the way up and during the first five minutes on the way down.
3 – Since there is no taxi driver waiting for you (as it happens in case you take the minibus), you can remain at the statue for as long as you choose, as long as you make the return train trip down the mountain before 7:00 p.m.
Note: when you buy your ticket down at Corcovado train station, you have to take the next train uphill scheduled on your ticket. Your ticket is valid for any seat, but only on that train. However, to come down, you just queue for the next train whenever you feel like descending Corcovado: your return ticket is valid for any return train at any time.
Disadvantages of taking the train
1 – On peak days, the trains reach capacity quickly and early (they each fit only 120 people), and the first available ticket may be for a train departing an hour or two (or more) after your arrival at the ticket booth.
2 – The train does not stop at the Dona Marta Overlook, which can be reached only by taxi/car. So, if the visibility is poor at Corcovado, you will need to take a taxi only to Dona Marta Overlook to possibly see the city. A taxi fare from the Corcovado Train Station at Cosme Velho neighborhood to Dona Marta and return is about R$24; US$12; €10, and takes about 30 minutes (seven minutes to Dona Marta, 15 minutes for photos, and seven minutes back).
To understand the advantages of the train versus the minibus as well as how to avoid standing in line and other important visiting information to have a great time, download instantly the e-book Christ the Redeemer Statue – A Comprehensive Guidebook to Visiting the Rio de Janeiro Landmark atop Corcovado Mountain.
Read related articles about Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro:
Can I walk up to the top of Corcovado Mountain?
Code of Conduct atop Corcovado Mountain
Facilities on the summit of Corcovado Mountain