A typical yellow taxi in Rio de Janeiro.
Without a doubt, the best way to get around in Rio de Janeiro is by taxi. Actually, there are tens of thousands of yellow taxis in Rio. Apparently, there are more taxis than customers as it is very easy to hail a free taxi.
It is easy to hail a cab in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Arpoador, Leme, Botafogo, Flamengo, Largo do Machado, Catete, Gloria, Sao Conrado, Lapa, and some areas of Barra da Tijuca. For a tourist, it is the best way to get around in and out of these neighborhoods.
Subway is also one of the best ways to get around in Rio de Janeiro. However, there are only three lines, and regrettably, stations are not pulverized all over the city as it happens in many metropolitan areas around the world.
Arco Verde Subway Station in Copacabana.
If there is a subway station close to your destination and a station close to your hotel, then subway may even be a better choice than a taxi. Not only cost-wise, but also to avoid traffic (rush hours is from 4 to 8 pm on weekdays). Bear in mind though that subway does get crowded during peak hours (8-10 am and 4-7 pm).
The worst district to get a taxi is probably Santa Teresa. Depending on the day and time of the day, it may take a few minutes to hail one. However, there are a few taxi stands in Santa Teresa (you can locate them in the maps presented in My Rio Travel Guide).
Apart from taxis and subway, Rio de Janeiro has an extensive public bus system. Regrettably, usually either at the bus stops or inside the buses there is no information on itineraries, schedules, or even maps, which makes the tourist life a bit harder to get around in Rio on buses.
A typical public city bus in Rio de Janeiro.
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Learn more details about how to get around in Rio de Janeiro in My Rio Travel Guide — the most useful, practical, and informative travel guide to Rio de Janeiro.
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