After a few days in Rio, many visitors head on to Búzios, the charming peninsula in the Lakes Region (Região dos Lagos). It is about 170 km away, and you can make the trip by private transfer, by bus or by car. The best choice depends on where you are staying, the size of your group and how much luggage you have.
Rio to Búzios private transfer
The driver picks you up at your hotel (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Barra or any address) or at the airport and drops your group at the door of your guesthouse, at a fixed price. No need to get to the bus station or drag suitcases between buses and taxis. Travelling with children? See also family transfers in Rio.
Coming straight from the airport? See GIG to Búzios transfer.
Rio – Búzios door to door
Enter your hotel address in Rio and your guesthouse in Búzios to see the fixed transfer price.
Bus from Rio to Búzios
Buses leave from the Novo Rio bus station in Santo Cristo, operated by Viação 1001, with several departures a day. The trip takes about 3 hours and arrives at the Búzios bus station, in the town centre.
- Buy your ticket in advance on public holidays and in high season.
- From the South Zone to the bus station, allow 30 to 50 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing app.
- In Búzios you will still need a taxi to your guesthouse, especially in Geribá, Ferradura or João Fernandes.
By car
The route is via the Rio-Niterói Bridge, the BR-101 and the Via Lagos, with tolls on the bridge and on the Via Lagos. The road is good, but traffic leaving Rio and on the bridge can be heavy. In Búzios some streets are narrow, and parking near the beaches is hard to find in high season.
Travel time from different parts of Rio
| Starting point | Approx. distance | Time by car |
|---|---|---|
| City centre / Santos Dumont | 170 km | 2.5–3 h |
| Copacabana / Ipanema | 180 km | 2 h 45 min–3 h 15 min |
| Barra da Tijuca | 200 km | 3–3.5 h |
| Galeão Airport | 180 km | 2.5–3 h |
Times without heavy traffic. On public holidays and Friday afternoons, add an hour or more.
Comparison: transfer, bus or car
| Option | Door to door | Luggage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | Yes | Room for everyone | Families, groups, anyone who does not want to drive |
| Bus | No | Luggage hold, with changes | Solo travellers with light luggage |
| Rental car | Yes | Depends on the car | Travellers exploring the region |
Other destinations in the Lakes Region
See also how to get from Rio to Cabo Frio and how to get from Rio to Arraial do Cabo.
