Public transportation in Brazil is generally reliable, though there are a few nuances to keep in mind. In many Brazilian cities, locals primarily use buses and even trolleybuses, offering varying levels of comfort. You can find route maps with precise stop designations in the first pages of telephone directories in your hotel room. However, exercise caution as thefts can occur on buses, so be mindful of your belongings.
In Brazil, you'll find green-colored tourist buses that operate near beaches and can stop on demand. Tickets for these buses can be purchased from the conductor. The most luxurious and expensive buses in Brazil are "leito" buses, which feature beds instead of seats. These buses are ideal for long-distance travel, including overnight journeys, so it's advisable to book them in advance, typically a day or two before your departure. There is one route, the Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo route, which runs every half hour and doesn't require advance reservations.
In regions with abundant rivers and coastal areas, traveling by water is a viable option. Various forms of river and sea transportation, such as motorboats, boats, ferries, and coasters, are available and typically cost about the same as bus fares.
Brazil has a well-developed domestic airline network that connects nearly all major population centers across the country. For long-distance travel, air transportation is the preferred choice. Domestic flights within the country can be relatively expensive, typically costing around 200-300 EUR. However, it's worth considering this option when you need to cover substantial distances. For instance, a bus journey from El Salvador to Rio can take as long as 36 hours.
Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo boast affordable, clean, and air-conditioned subway systems. Using the subway is a convenient way for sightseeing, although it's important to note that the metro lines in these cities may not always reach beach areas directly.
Taxis are a convenient way to navigate cities in Brazil, especially in Rio. There are two types of taxis in the country: yellow cabs and radio cabs. Yellow cabs are more affordable but may have drivers who don't speak English. On average, a radio cab will charge around 2 USD for the first kilometer and 1 USD for each subsequent kilometer. Brazilian cabs have three different fare rates for day, night, and holidays, each designated by specific numbers. Additionally, there are two service zones, southern (S) and northern (N), and traveling beyond these zones can almost double the fare. Keep in mind that fares may vary if you use different taxi companies. It's advisable to have the hotel clerk write down the exact address on a piece of paper to show the cab driver for easier communication.
Railroad connections in Brazil are limited, with only two major railroad lines. VALE S.A. operates one line that connects Belo Horizonte to Vitória and São Luís to Parauapebas in the state of Pará. Another company, Serra Verde Express Ltd, provides passenger transportation between Curitiba, Morretes, and Paranaguá. Rail transportation is not in high demand in the country, but in states like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Pernambuco, and Minas Gerais, there are tourist trains that run shorter distances.
