How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios: 4 best ways and routes

Find out how to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios with ease! Búzios does not have an airport, so there are three available transportation options to reach the destination: bus, car, or transfer service.

The best way to get to Búzios if you are traveling from another state or country is to fly into one of Rio de Janeiro’s airports, which is 175 kilometers (108.74 miles) away from the destination. Then take one of the land transportation options.

The closest airport to Búzios is in Cabo Frio, 30 kilometers (18.64 miles) from the city, but it does not have many regular flights. Cabo Frio Airport only operates one regular domestic route, with flights from Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The airports closest to Búzios are:

• Galeão (GIG): Handles international and domestic flights.
• Santos Dumont (SDU): Handles domestic flights.
• Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): Operates regular flights from Belo Horizonte.

How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios by car?

Traveling by car allows you to enjoy the beautiful coastal landscapes and makes it easier to get around between Búzios’ beaches. If you are flying into Rio de Janeiro, consider renting a car at the airport for greater convenience.

To drive from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios, a toll fee of BRL 12.70 (USD 1.97) is charged on weekdays and BRL 21.10 (USD 3.45) on weekends and holidays. The road is well-maintained and well-signposted.

On weekends and holidays, traffic can become heavy, especially around New Year’s, as Búzios is one of the most popular destinations in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate this occasion. Use the Google Maps or Waze app to avoid navigation errors. Check out the driving routes to Búzios from different cities.

From Rio de Janeiro to Búzios:

• Distance: Approximately 175 kilometers (108.74 miles).
• Travel time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes, which can extend up to 7 hours during holidays like New Year’s.
• Route: Take the Rio-Niterói Bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn left onto BR-101. After 72 kilometers (44.73 miles), continue on Via Lagos (RJ-124). At the São Pedro da Aldeia roundabout, take RJ-10 towards Búzios (14 kilometers — 8.6992 miles). Turn right and follow the road to the entrance of Búzios.

When renting a car in Rio de Janeiro, it is crucial to be familiar with the city to avoid relying solely on navigation apps, as GPS might direct you through dangerous areas. If you choose this mode of transportation, avoid driving around Rio de Janeiro unnecessarily. Rent the car specifically for the journey from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios. Even in this case, exercise great caution while driving.

How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios by bus?

The bus is the most economical way to travel from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios. The bus ride to the destination is smooth and even relatively quick if there is no traffic.

Bus fares to Búzios vary significantly, being higher on weekends and during peak seasons (summer, vacations, and holidays). Check out the main ways to get to Búzios by bus from Rio de Janeiro.

From Rio de Janeiro to Búzios by bus:

• Bus company: Auto Viação 1001.
• Route: Rio de Janeiro bus station to Búzios bus station.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Fares: Between BRL 70.00 (USD 11.53) and BRL 160.00 (USD 26.36).

The buses operated by Viação 1001, departing from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios, stop at the Niterói and Manilha bus stations. From these two locations, the route to Búzios is essentially the same. Buses run daily and at various times throughout the day.

Buser also offers buses from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios at a very competitive price. Tickets start at BRL 50.00 (USD 8.24) and must be purchased at least one month in advance.

How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios by transfer?

For those seeking comfort, transfers are the best option to get to Búzios. Travel agencies offer private cars or shared vans that depart from Rio de Janeiro’s airports to Búzios.

The greatest advantage of this mode of transportation is the convenience of being picked up and dropped off wherever you prefer, whether at the airport or your hotel.

The shared transfer is more affordable but takes longer due to multiple stops along the way. Additionally, you will be traveling with other passengers.

On the other hand, the private transfer is more expensive but offers greater privacy, as you travel only with your group or alone. It is also faster, as it goes directly to your destination without additional stops.

Transfer to Búzios:

• Private transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios.

How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios by taxi or Uber?

Taking a taxi or Uber is also a popular option for traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios. If you haven’t booked a transfer and don’t want to take a bus, this can be a convenient way to reach your destination.

It takes roughly two hours and thirty minutes to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios by taxi or ride-sharing app, and the fare starts at BRL 400.00 (USD 65.94). At the airport, you can usually bargain with the taxi driver about the fare. During major holidays, the cost is typically higher, and many drivers are reluctant to make the trip due to heavy traffic.

What is the best way to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios?

For convenience, the best way to get from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios is by private transfer. This option will make your trip much more comfortable and hassle-free because the transfer will pick you up from your hotel or the airport and drop you off right at your Búzios lodging.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling on a budget, the best way to reach your destination is by bus.

To plan your trip hassle-free, check out the best places to stay in Búzios.