Getting to Christ the Redeemer requires more than just showing up. You can’t drive to the summit or walk up without serious hiking experience. All visitors must use official transportation for at least part of the journey, and choosing the right option depends on your budget, time, and preferred experience.
Transport Options
Corcovado Train
The classic route. This cogwheel railway departs from Cosme Velho station and climbs through Tijuca Forest for 20 minutes. The journey itself feels like part of the attraction, with glimpses of tropical vegetation and occasional city views through the canopy.
Departure Point: Rua Cosme Velho, 513 Schedule: First train 8 AM, last ascent 5 PM Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes Cost: Around R$97 ($19-20 USD) including monument entry
Tickets include the round-trip ride and summit access. Book online well in advance, especially for weekends or Brazilian holidays. Walk-up tickets rarely exist during busy periods.
Getting to the station requires a taxi, Uber, or bus. The closest metro station is Largo do Machado, but that’s a 40-minute uphill walk from there. Several city buses serve Cosme Velho, including Circular 1 from Copacabana and Ipanema.
Official Vans
Faster and more direct than the train, though less scenic. Official vans depart from three main pickup points and take you straight to Paineiras Visitor Center, then transfer you to a second van for the final ascent.
Pickup Points:
- Praça do Lido, Copacabana (near Cardeal Arcoverde metro)
- Largo do Machado (outside Nossa Senhora da Glória Church, 2 minutes from metro)
- Paineiras Visitor Center (for those arriving by taxi/Uber)
Schedule: 8 AM to 5 PM, departures every 15-20 minutes Cost: R$101.50 from Copacabana/Largo do Machado, R$56.50 from Paineiras
The Copacabana pickup works best for beachfront hotel guests. Largo do Machado suits travelers using public transport. Book online and arrive 20 minutes early for check-in.
Guided Tours
Many agencies bundle transportation, Christ the Redeemer tickets, guide service, and hotel pickup into single packages. Tours typically start around $100 per person and often combine Christ the Redeemer with Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, or other Rio highlights.
This option eliminates logistics stress but costs more than booking transport independently. Good for first-time visitors or those wanting expert commentary.
Hiking
A steep 2.3-kilometer trail climbs from Parque Lage through Tijuca Forest. The ascent takes 2-3 hours and requires moderate fitness. This route isn’t recommended in poor weather, after dark, or for anyone unfamiliar with Rio’s hiking conditions.
The trailhead sits accessible by taxi or Uber. Some locals hike up and take the train down to save money, but authorities discourage hiking without proper preparation or group support.
Getting to Departure Points
For Largo do Machado pickup: Take Line 1 or 2 to Largo do Machado station. The van pickup sits 2 minutes away outside the church.
For Copacabana pickup: Cardeal Arcoverde station on Line 1 puts you 10 minutes’ walk from Praça do Lido.
For Cosme Velho train station: Largo do Machado is the closest metro, but you’ll need a 40-minute uphill walk, taxi, or bus from there.
Several city buses reach Cosme Velho:
- Circular 1 from Leblon, Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo
- Troncal 8 from Centro, Lapa, Glória
Bus fare costs around R$5 (less than $1 USD). The trip from Copacabana takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. This represents the cheapest route but requires patience and some walking at Cosme Velho to reach the train station.
The quickest option for reaching any departure point. From Copacabana to Cosme Velho station runs 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay R$30-50 for the ride.
Private vehicles and ride-shares cannot drive past Paineiras Visitor Center. You must transfer to official vans for the final stretch regardless of how you arrive.
Train vs Van: Which is Better?
Choose the train if:
- You want the scenic forest experience
- You’re visiting for the first time
- You don’t mind coordinating transport to Cosme Velho
- You booked tickets weeks in advance
Choose the van if:
- You’re staying in Copacabana
- You prioritize speed and convenience
- Train tickets sold out
- You prefer flexible scheduling
Both cost roughly the same and include monument entry. The train takes longer but feels more like an attraction itself. The van gets you there faster with less hassle.
Booking Tips
- Reserve online: Both train and van tickets sell out during peak season. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends or holidays.
- Allow extra time: City traffic, queues, and check-in procedures can delay you. Build in buffer time.
- Verify pickup locations: Double-check your departure point when booking. Missing your slot means rebooking or losing your ticket.
- Use official sellers only: Avoid unlicensed operators. Book through official websites or reputable tour companies.
What You Can’t Do
- Drive your own car to the summit (not permitted past Paineiras)
- Walk up without proper hiking experience and preparation
- Take unauthorized transport (only official trains and vans have access)
- Show up without tickets during busy periods (they’ll be sold out)
FAQ
Can I drive to Christ the Redeemer?
No. Private vehicles cannot go beyond Paineiras Visitor Center. You must use official vans or the train for the final ascent.
What’s the cheapest way to get there?
City bus to Cosme Velho (R$5) plus train ticket (R$97) totals around R$102. This saves almost nothing versus the direct van but offers local experience.
Which pickup point is most convenient?
Praça do Lido in Copacabana works best for beachfront hotel guests. Largo do Machado suits those using metro or arriving from other neighborhoods.
How early should I arrive?
At least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Security checks, ticket verification, and boarding take time.
Can I hike up and take the train down?
Technically yes, but authorities don’t recommend hiking without experience. The trail is steep and can be unsafe in poor weather.
Do I need to book transport separately from admission?
No. Train and van tickets include both transport and monument entry in a single price.
What if I miss my scheduled time?
Contact the operator immediately. Some allow rebooking to a later slot if space exists, but policies vary. Missing your slot without notice typically means losing your ticket.