Brazil Public Transportation Guide for Tourists (2026) — Buses, Metro, Uber & More
Notice a pattern? Most of these apps need a data connection. Downloading offline maps helps, but real-time information — bus arrival times, ride-hailing, and live navigation — requires internet access.
This is precisely why experienced Brazil travelers set up their connectivity before the flight. A travel eSIM from a provider like FlyConnecta activates instantly on your phone — no physical SIM swap, no passport registration at a store, no CPF hassles. You land, turn on data, and everything just works.
Intercity Travel in Brazil
Brazil is vast. Getting between cities requires planning.
Long-Distance Buses
Brazil has an extensive long-distance bus network operated by dozens of private companies. These are comfortable, affordable, and serve routes that flights don't.
- Booking: Use ClickBus or BusBud apps/websites
- Classes: Convencional (basic), Executivo (reclining seats), Leito (full sleeper beds)
- Example: São Paulo to Rio: ~6 hours, from R$90 in executivo class
- Tip: Overnight "leito" buses are popular for 8–12 hour routes. They save you a hotel night.
Bus terminals (rodoviárias) are found in every Brazilian city. Major ones like Tietê in São Paulo are enormous and well-organized.
Domestic Flights
For distances over 500 km, flying is often the practical choice. Airlines include LATAM, GOL, Azul, and Voepass.
- Book through Google Flights or directly on airline websites
- Domestic flights can be surprisingly affordable if booked in advance (R$150–400 one-way)
- Airports in São Paulo (GRU/CGH), Rio (GIG/SDU), Brasília (BSB), and Salvador (SSA) are well-connected
BlaBlaCar
The carpooling platform BlaBlaCar is active in Brazil, especially for medium-distance routes (200–500 km). It's cheaper than buses and a great way to meet locals. The app works in Portuguese but is navigable.
Safety Tips for Public Transportation
Brazil's public transport is generally safe during daytime, but common-sense precautions apply:
- Keep your phone out of sight on buses — phone snatching through open windows happens, especially at stops
- Avoid empty metro cars late at night; ride in busier carriages
- Use the women-only car on São Paulo and Rio metro if traveling as a woman — it's available during rush hours
- Don't flash expensive items — keep cameras in bags, avoid visible jewelry
- Sit near the driver on buses if traveling alone at night
- Avoid bus terminals late at night — use ride-hailing apps instead for late arrivals
- Download offline maps as a backup in case you lose your data connection
- Share your ride details with a travel companion using Uber/99's trip sharing feature
Pro tip on phone safety: Having a data connection via eSIM means your phone is always trackable via Find My iPhone/Google Find My Device. If the worst happens, remote lock and wipe functions only work with an active internet connection.
City-by-City Transport Tips
São Paulo
- Use the metro during rush hours — traffic is legendary
- Uber/99 between 7–10 AM and 5–8 PM can take forever due to traffic
- The Bilhete Único's bus-metro integration saves money
- Download the SPTRANS app for official São Paulo bus info
Rio de Janeiro
- The metro runs along the beach neighborhoods (Zona Sul) — it's your best option
- Use the VLT (light rail) in the Porto Maravilha/downtown area
- The BRT connects Barra da Tijuca to the city center
- Uber from the airport (GIG) to Copacabana costs around R$80–120
Brasília
- The city was built for cars, so public transport coverage is limited
- Uber/99 are essential here
- The metro runs from satellite cities to the central bus station
Salvador
- The metro connects the airport to Iguatemi shopping area
- Buses are the main transport in the Pelourinho historic center
- Uber is widely available and affordable
Curitiba
- Famous for its BRT system (bus rapid transit) — fast, efficient, and cheap
- The "tubular" bus stations are iconic
- Great public transport by Brazilian standards
Recife
- The metro connects Recife to Olinda and Jaboatão
- Buses cover the rest, but traffic can be heavy
- Uber/99 are reliable in the metropolitan area
FAQ: Brazil Public Transportation for Tourists
Is public transportation in Brazil safe for tourists?
Yes, during daytime hours, public transportation in major cities is generally safe. Take standard precautions: keep valuables hidden, avoid empty vehicles late at night, and stay aware of your surroundings. Metro systems in São Paulo and Rio are considered the safest options.
Can I use my credit card on Brazilian public transport?
Not directly. Buses and metro systems require either exact cash or a rechargeable transport card (like Bilhete Único in São Paulo or RioCard in Rio). However, ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99 accept international credit cards.
Is Uber available in all of Brazil?
Uber operates in over 500 cities across Brazil, covering all major tourist destinations. In smaller towns where Uber coverage is limited, the 99 app often has better driver availability.
Do I need a Brazilian phone number to use Uber or 99 in Brazil?
You can use Uber with your existing international account and phone number. For 99, you can sign up with an international number, though some features may be limited. Having a data connection is essential for both apps.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
The safest and most convenient option is Uber or 99 — request the ride from the designated ride-hailing pickup area at the airport. Some airports also have metro or express bus connections. Avoid unmarked taxis.
What's the cheapest way to get around Brazilian cities?
City buses are the most affordable option (R$4–6 per ride). Combine buses with the metro where available, and use integrated fare systems like the Bilhete Único in São Paulo to save on transfers.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to use public transportation?
No, but it helps enormously. Metro systems have clear signage. Buses are trickier since route information is mostly in Portuguese. Using Google Maps or Moovit with mobile data makes navigating without Portuguese completely feasible.
Can I use Google Maps for public transit directions in Brazil?
Yes! Google Maps has excellent public transit data for major Brazilian cities including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and others. It shows real-time bus and metro information when you have a data connection.
Stay Connected from the Moment You Land
Here's the reality: almost every transportation tip in this guide depends on having mobile internet. From checking Google Maps for your bus route, to requesting an Uber at the airport, to tracking your metro transfer — connectivity isn't a luxury in Brazil, it's a transportation tool.
International roaming charges can be shocking (some carriers charge $10–15/day). Local SIM cards often require a CPF that foreign visitors don't have, plus a trip to a carrier store. And relying on public WiFi in a country where phone theft happens? Not ideal.
FlyConnecta offers travel eSIM plans for Brazil (7, 15, or 30 days) that activate instantly on your eSIM-compatible phone. No physical SIM card, no store visits, no CPF requirement. You set it up before your flight and have data the moment you land at GRU, GIG, or any Brazilian airport.
It connects through Brazil's top networks — Vivo, Claro, and TIM — so you get solid coverage whether you're in downtown São Paulo or on a bus to Paraty.