Rio.com / Rio Carnival / Getting to the Sambadrome

There are different ways to get to the Sambadrome so you don’t miss the Carnival Parade.

Because Rio Carnival is one of the biggest events of the year and the Samba Parade is the greatest show on earth, Rio gets packed of people everywhere, so the organizers do their best to guarantee that everyone enjoy the show and the parties with the less hassle as possible. Few streets are blocked for traffic and new traffic routes are in place,  therefore the City of Rio offers different options for you to get to the Sambadrome during Carnival, easily and without getting lost. Choose the one that will best serve you.

By taxi

Taking a cab is a great way to get to the Sambadrome. Several taxi companies offer fixed rates to and from the Sambadrome. The Sambadrome has several entrances; therefore the taxi driver will need to know the Sector number in order to take you to the right entrance. Two companies are allowed into the area surrounding the Sambadrome; The Coopatur (it can be reached at +55 21 3885-1000) for even numbered sectors and Coopertramo (You can call at +55 21 2560-2022 OR 2560-1474) for odd number sectors. You can still hail a standard street cab, as the driver will be able to get you fairly close to the entrance.

 

By our shuttle service

For the revelers that like a door to door type of service, we offer a shuttle bus that picks you up at beach front hotel either in Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon, that is closer to the hotel of your stay.  Upon return of the Sambadrome the shuttle bus will be leaving every 80 minutes after midnight, i.e, at the end of each samba school parade, allowing you to go back to the hotel at the time of your convenience. Our special guides will be at the Sambadrome to help you.

These are the options for your choice:

1-    Roundtrip Shuttle Service
To Sambadrome: You get picked up at the hotel and is dropped off at your sector entrance.

Back to the Hotel: Every 80 minutes after the end of a samba school parade a bus will be leaving the Sambadrome back to the hotels along Leme to São Conrado beach.
For US$ 79 per person – Details of this service will be available at our Help Desk during the week of Carnival.

2-    Transfers with private guide are offered in three different packages
Package 1 – Hotel/Sambadrome/Hotel – Roundtrip transfer with English speaking guide the entire time you are at the parade – You get to leave the Sambadrome at a time of your choice, but please do let our guide knows half an hour prior to the time you wish to leave. Car service for up to 9 people will cost US$ 1,450.

Package 2 – Hotel/Sambadrome guide included and Sambadrome/Hotel guide not included – US$ 1,298

Package 3  – Hotel/Sambadrome guide included and Sambadrome/Hotel guide not included using shuttle service – US$ 950

Package 2 and 3 include de guide on your way to Sambadrome. The English speaking guide will not be able to be at the parade. However you will be able to contact our representatives inside de stadium while at the parade in case you need assistance.

By Metro/Subway

Another alternative is to use the subway and get off at “Praça Onze” station, which is just a 15 minutes walk from the station. People heading for even numbered sectors must use this station while those in odd numbered sectors ought to get off at “Central” station. There are plenty of sign boards pointing to the Sambadrome, so no one is ever likely to lose their way. Those without numbered seating ought to get to the Sambadrome 2 hours in advance, especially on Carnival Sunday and Monday in order to get a good spot.

The subways run 24 hours a day during Carnival. Police can be found up and down the streets surrounding the Sambadrome. The crowds are quite intense and it is advisable to come prepared. Wear comfortable walking shoes and keep valuable out of sight.