Teleférico do Pão de Açúcar: A Ride to Rio's Heights
Ascend to breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro via the iconic Sugarloaf Cable Car, a historic landmark since 1912.
The Teleférico do Pão de Açúcar, also known as the Sugarloaf Cable Car, is more than just a mode of transport; it's an integral part of the Rio de Janeiro experience. Since its inauguration in 1912, this pioneering cable car system, one of the first in the world, has been whisking visitors to the summit of Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), providing unforgettable views. The journey begins at Praia Vermelha (Red Beach), a charming beach in the Urca neighborhood. The first cable car ascends to Morro da Urca (Urca Hill), 220 meters above sea level. Here, you can explore the area, take photos, and enjoy the views before continuing to the summit of Pão de Açúcar. The second cable car then whisks you to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which stands at 396 meters. From the summit, the entirety of Rio de Janeiro unfolds beneath you. You'll be treated to panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, and the distant hills and coastline. The cable car itself has even starred in movies, including the James Bond film 'Moonraker'. The vision of engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos, the construction of the cable car was a feat of engineering, especially considering the technology available at the time. Today, the cable cars can carry up to 65 passengers and operate frequently throughout the day.
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid potential queues, especially during peak season.
- Visit on a clear day for the best visibility and photo opportunities.
- Consider visiting twice – once during the day and once at dusk – to experience different perspectives of the city.
- Allocate at least 2.5 hours for the entire visit, including travel time and enjoying the views from both Morro da Urca and Pão de Açúcar.
A brief summary to Teleférico do Pão de Açúcar
- Av. Pasteur, 520, Rio de Janeiro, Urca, State of Rio de Janeiro, 22290-255, BR
- +55212546-8433
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
- Thursday 9 am-8 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-8 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-8 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-8 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Botafogo Metro Station, take the integration bus line SP-513 to the final stop on Rua Voluntários da Pátria. From there, walk a short distance to the entrance of Parque Bondinho. A single metro fare is approximately R$5.00. The integration bus is included in this fare.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Rio de Janeiro. A taxi ride from Copacabana to the Teleférico do Pão de Açúcar typically costs between R$30 and R$50, depending on traffic.
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Ferry/Bus
Visitors arriving from Niterói can take a ferry to Rio de Janeiro and then transfer to bus line 107 towards Urca. Get off at UNIRIO University and walk 180 meters to Parque Bondinho. Ferry fares vary, and a local bus fare is around R$4.05.
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Parking
Limited parking is available near the entrance to the cable car. Alternatively, visitors can park at the Rio Sul Shopping mall and present their Parque Bondinho ticket for a discounted daily rate of R$18. However, it's advised not to come by car.
