Cabo Frio is one of the busiest towns in the Lakes Region, with beaches such as Praia do Forte and Praia das Dunas and easy access to Arraial do Cabo and Búzios. Here is how to get from Rio to Cabo Frio, and how to go straight there from the airport.
The route
From Rio, the route follows the Rio-Niterói Bridge, the BR-101 and the Via Lagos (RJ-124). There are tolls on the bridge (towards Niterói) and on the Via Lagos, with a higher fare at weekends and on public holidays. From Galeão the route is the same, joining the bridge via the Linha Vermelha.
Private transfer from Rio to Cabo Frio
The driver picks you up at your hotel or the airport (Galeão or Santos Dumont) and takes everyone straight to your hotel or holiday home in Cabo Frio, at a fixed price. No bus station, no changes, and room for suitcases, beach chairs and pushchairs.
Rio – Cabo Frio transfer at a fixed price
Enter your pickup point (hotel or airport) and your address in Cabo Frio to see the transfer price.
By bus
Viação 1001 buses leave from the Novo Rio bus station and take 3 to 3.5 hours to the Cabo Frio bus station. It is the cheapest option for solo travellers; add the time to get to the bus station in Rio and the taxi to your hotel in Cabo Frio.
By car
The road is good and well signposted, but traffic leaving Rio, on the bridge and coming into Cabo Frio is heavy on public holidays, in summer and over New Year. Also factor in the tolls and parking near the beaches.
Comparison
| Option | Time | Door to door | Luggage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | ~2.5 h | Yes | Room for everyone | Families, groups, airport departures |
| Bus | 3–3.5 h + getting to and from stations | No | Luggage hold | Solo travellers with light luggage |
| Rental car | ~2.5 h | Yes | Depends on the car | Travellers exploring the region |
Cabo Frio, Arraial do Cabo and Búzios
From Cabo Frio, Arraial is about 30 minutes away and Búzios about 40. See how to get from Rio to Arraial do Cabo, how to get from Rio to Búzios and GIG to Búzios transfer.
