How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios

Rio de Janeiro to Búzios (about 175–190 km along the Região dos Lagos) is easy once you choose between the direct intercity bus, a hotel pickup shuttle, a private transfer, or renting a car for a coastal road trip. Here’s how to compare, book, and ride smoothly.

At A Glance (Rio de Janeiro to Búzios)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Intercity Bus (Novo Rio → Búzios Rodoviária)	~3.5–4.5h (traffic-dependent)	Low cost, reliable schedules
🏷️ Cost: ~R$ 90–180 one-way (class/date) » compare bus options
🚐 Shared Shuttle (Hotel/Airport Pickup)	~4–5.5h door-to-door	No transfers, light luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~R$ 130–250 pp » shared transfers | Klook picks
🚖 Private Transfer (Car/Van)	~3–4h (direct)	Families, groups, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~R$ 700–1,600 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | GYG transfers
🚘 Self-Drive Rental Car	~3.5–4.5h (with stops)	Flexibility & beach-hopping
🏷️ Cost: ~R$ 150–300/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals | Trip.com car hire

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Cheapest & reliable: Intercity bus from Rodoviária do Rio (Novo Rio) to Búzios.
• Fastest door-to-door: Private car/van (or rideshare apps for shorter hops inside Rio).
• No-hassle pickup: Shared shuttle from hotels/airports (GIG/SDU) to your Búzios address.
• Most flexible: Self-drive—add Cabo Frio/Arraial do Cabo stops on the way.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Peak seasons: Summer weekends/holidays sell out—book buses/transfers early via Trip.com or GetYourGuide.
• Luggage & early arrivals: Stash bags at city locations using Radical Storage Rio if your bus/shuttle is later.
• Ride-hailing: Uber and 99 are widely used within Rio/Búzios for local rides; for fixed long trips use GetTransfer.
• Driving notes: Common route is BR-101 → RJ-124 (Via Lagos toll) → RJ-106 → RJ-102 into Búzios. Avoid late-night driving if tired.
• Staying in Búzios: Browse inns near Rua das Pedras/Orla Bardot or beach districts on Booking.com Búzios.

🚌 Option #1 — Intercity Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Frequent Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Direct coaches run from Rodoviária do Rio (Novo Rio) to Rodoviária de Búzios, with air-con, assigned seats, and luggage hold. Expect ~3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic.
• How to book (with price): ~R$ 90–180 one-way. Compare departures/seats on Trip.com (buses) or buy at the station. Official: Check current timetables on the operator’s site (e.g., Viação 1001) and the terminal site (Rodoviária do Rio).
• Pros: Budget-friendly, no transfers. Cons: Fixed departure times; holiday traffic can add time.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus

1. Get to Rodoviária do Rio (Novo Rio) by metro + taxi/ride-hail (Uber/99) or direct taxi from your hotel.
2. Buy or retrieve your ticket (ID needed). If booking online, keep your e-ticket QR ready from Trip.com.
3. Board at the indicated bay; stow large bags below and keep valuables with you.
4. Arrive at Rodoviária de Búzios; take a short taxi or local van (lotação) to your accommodation.

Getting to the main embarking points (Novo Rio & Búzios Rodoviária)

• Novo Rio (Rio Bus Terminal): Centrally connected; allow extra time in rush hours.
• Búzios Rodoviária: A few minutes from Centro/Rua das Pedras; taxis and lotações wait outside.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Shared Shuttle (Hotel/Airport Pickup, Easy Door-to-Door)

Convenient Hotel/airport pickup Multiple stops

• Overview: Minivans collect passengers from Rio neighborhoods (Copacabana/Ipanema/Leme) and airports (GIG/SDU), then drive to Búzios addresses.
• How to book (with price): ~R$ 130–250 per person. Compare times and pickup zones on GetYourGuide or Klook.
• Pros: No terminals to navigate; door-to-door. Cons: Extra pickup drops can add time; luggage space may be limited.

Step-by-step: Shared Shuttle

1. Select your pickup (hotel in Zona Sul or GIG/SDU) on GetYourGuide or Klook.
2. Be ready 10–15 minutes early; keep your phone reachable for driver messages.
3. Ride to your Búzios address; confirm exact drop-off if staying on a narrow lane.
4. For the return, book your Búzios→Rio pickup a day in advance.

Getting to the main embarking points (Zona Sul & Airports)

• Hotels (Copacabana/Ipanema): Wait in the lobby; watch for van/driver name.
• Airports: GIG/SDU arrivals hall meeting points are well signed; message the provider if delayed.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Private Transfer (Fastest Door-to-Door, Most Comfortable)

Direct Great for groups Higher cost

• Overview: A sedan/van with meet-and-greet from your Rio address or airport straight to your Búzios accommodation—no stops unless you ask.
• How to book (with price): ~R$ 700–1,600 per vehicle. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide for fixed-price rides.
• Pros: Fastest door-to-door; child seats on request. Cons: Cost vs. bus/shuttle; traffic still applies.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Enter pickup/drop addresses and flight info (if any) on GetTransfer; choose vehicle size for your group/luggage.
2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, night surcharge, waiting time) and share your live location on the day.
3. Meet the driver (hotel lobby or arrivals hall) and ride ~3–4 hours to Búzios.
4. For returns, set pickup 5–6 hours before an international flight from GIG to be safe.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

• Pickup in Rio: Hotels/apartments in Centro, Zona Sul, Barra, or GIG/SDU terminals.
• Drop in Búzios: Any neighborhood (Centro, Geribá, João Fernandes, Manguinhos).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive Rental Car (Flex & Side Trips)

Freedom Beach stops Tolls & parking

• Overview: Pick up a car in Rio (city or GIG), head via Ponte Rio–Niterói, then BR-101 → RJ-124 (Via Lagos, toll) → RJ-106/RJ-102 to Búzios. Detour to Cabo Frio or Arraial do Cabo for quick photo stops.
• How to book (with price): From ~R$ 150–300/day. Compare vehicles/insurance on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire. In Búzios, scooters/ATVs are popular for beach-hopping—see BikesBooking Búzios.
• Pros: Full control, easy for groups with gear. Cons: Tolls/parking costs; holiday traffic at Via Lagos.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car (city or GIG) and set navigation to Búzios. Ensure you have a working credit card for tolls/fuel.
2. Exit Rio over Ponte Rio–Niterói, follow BR-101 to RJ-124 (Via Lagos), continue on RJ-106/RJ-102 into Búzios.
3. Plan a rest stop around Rio Bonito/Araruama; avoid peak Friday PM and Sunday PM if possible.
4. On arrival, check if your hotel offers off-street parking; street spaces fill up in high season.

Getting to the main embarking points (Car Depots & Route)

• Car depots: Downtown Rio and GIG have the widest hours; confirm return location/hours before booking.
• Route tips: Keep some cash/card for tolls; fill up before leaving the metro area.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Rio de Janeiro to Búzios)

How long does it take from Rio to Búzios?
Typically 3.5–4.5 hours by car/bus; add time on holiday weekends and Friday/Sunday peaks.

Bus or shuttle—what’s better?
Bus is cheaper and time-predictable to the terminals. Shuttles are door-to-door and great with luggage, but can take longer due to multiple pickups.

Is it safe to drive?
Yes for most visitors—stick to daylight hours if possible, obey speed limits, and plan fuel/rest stops.

Do I need cash for tolls?
Many plazas accept cards, but keep some cash as backup. Rental cars may use electronic tags—ask your agency.

Where to stay in Búzios?
Centro/Rua das Pedras for nightlife; Geribá/João Fernandes for beaches. Compare options on Booking.com Búzios.

How to get around once in Búzios?
Use taxis/ride-hailing for short hops, rent a scooter/ATV via BikesBooking, or join boat/beach tours from GetYourGuide Búzios.