Enjoy Carnival 2027 with the Rio Subway

Unlike most major metropolitan cities, Rio de Janeiro was a bit behind in building a subway system. The Metro Rio, as it is called, was first opened in 1979. The system is still rather small with only 3 lines and 41 stations.

Taking the Metro

The subway runs from 5 am to midnight Monday through Saturday and 7 am to 11 pm on Sunday and holidays. During Rio Carnival 2027, the subway is available 24 hours a day. The Metro is best to use when accessing areas from Copacabana through to Downtown Rio. It is considered the safest way to travel with clean and air-conditioned stations and subway cars. Expect it to be crowded during rush hours just like any other big city.

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Finding Your Way

There are maps in the subway stations to help you navigate the system. In 2006, all the signs were changed to include English as well as Portuguese. Do not rely on the public announcement system to let you know your train has arrived. It is often difficult to hear. There are some areas where the subway does not run. In its place, the system uses buses called Metro bus or Metro na Superficie. You must buy special subway tickets to use these buses.

Metro Rio also has a connection to the Bus Station Rodoviária Novo Rio, Barra da Tijuca, Jardim Botânico, and Gávea (and many others). If you are a woman, you have the option of traveling on the last train marked in pink (in rush hours and during the week) as no men are allowed. Some stations offer bicycle parking; check them out on Metro Rio map.

The Main Lines

The first line serves Copacabana, downtown, and Tijuca. The second line features stops for Maracana stadium, the zoo, and Rio State University, and then extends to the suburbs. A recent change in 2009 has lines one and two traveling together. The third line travels from Jardim Oceanico (in Barra daTijuca) to Ipanema. Be sure you are not getting on the wrong line.

Before taking the subway, it is advisable to obtain a map from your hotel or look on te Metro Rio website or app, and familiarize yourself with the different routes. This way, it will not seem so confusing once you reach the subway station.

Visit the Main Attractions close to Rio subway stations