Transport · Updated 4 October 2026

Rio Metro Guide: Lines, Stations, Fares & Hours

Written and reviewed by Lotte — Rio local, founder & editor of PlanRio · How we research · Last reviewed 4 October 2026

MetrôRio is the most predictable way to cover its main South Zone–Centro corridor when Rio's roads are slow. The standard fare is R$7.90, and marked gates accept contactless Visa, Mastercard and Elo cards or devices. The key planning detail is that Line 1 and Line 4 run as a connected route, while Line 2's pattern and transfer section can change by day.

This guide covers the current fare, payment choices, regular hours, useful stations, airport connections and the small transfer details that can save a missed train. For a stop-by-stop trip, use the free Rio Metro route planner.

Quick answer

Network: Lines 1 and 4 continue as one route; Line 2 connects Pavuna with Botafogo
Standard fare: R$7.90 per metro journey; the published metro–BRT integration is R$9.70 with Jaé
Regular hours: Mon–Sat 5:00 am–midnight · Sun and holidays 7:00 am–11:00 pm
Quick payment: tap a Visa, Mastercard or Elo contactless card/device at a marked gate
Pink-marked women-only cars: available every day, throughout service

The three lines explained

Lines 1 and 4 — the connected red route

The joined route runs from Uruguai in Tijuca through Centro and the South Zone to Jardim Oceânico in Barra da Tijuca. Visitor stations include General Osório and Nossa Senhora da Paz in Ipanema, Cantagalo, Siqueira Campos and Cardeal Arcoverde in Copacabana, plus Botafogo, Flamengo, Cinelândia and Carioca. Follow the station signs and the train's destination display rather than assuming a separate train change at the Line 1/4 boundary.

Line 2 — Pavuna to Botafogo, with a changing shared section

Line 2 serves the North Zone and Maracanã. MetrôRio lists Pavuna–Botafogo as its route, but on weekdays Line 2 operates from Pavuna to Botafogo and shares stations with the Line 1/4 service; weekends and holidays can use a different shared section. Check the platform display for the train's destination, especially if you are going to the stadium or changing lines.

The Barra extension — Line 4

Line 4 added the stations from General Osório through Nossa Senhora da Paz, Jardim de Alah, Antero de Quental and São Conrado to Jardim Oceânico. The final station connects to BRT for onward trips around Barra; the metro itself does not stop at the Olympic Park or at Pedra da Gávea's trailheads.

Which station for which place

Ipanema beach: General Osório is handy for Posto 8; Nossa Senhora da Paz is closer to Posto 9 and the central beach stretch.
Copacabana beach: Cardeal Arcoverde for the Leme end, Siqueira Campos for the central area, or Cantagalo farther south.
Sugarloaf cable car: Take the metro to Botafogo, then use a local bus or ride-hailing for the Urca cable-car entrance; it is not beside the station.
Christ the Redeemer by train: Go to Largo do Machado, then take a connecting bus or ride to the Corcovado railway station in Cosme Velho.
Maracanã Stadium: Rei Pelé–Maracanã station (Line 2)
Lapa (samba clubs): Cinelândia (10-min walk through Passeio Público)
Centro (Centro Histórico): Carioca or Uruguaiana
Santa Teresa tram: Carioca is the metro stop for the Bondinho terminal near Rua Lélio Gama; follow current signs for the boarding point.
Jardim Botânico: There is no metro station in the neighbourhood; connect by bus or ride-hailing from the South Zone.

Tickets, payment and transfers

For a one-off trip, buy a Unitário ticket at a station or use an authorised QR Code ticket sold through RecargaPay. At a contactless gate, MetrôRio accepts Visa, Mastercard or Elo bank cards and compatible phones or watches. Keep the card or device you intend to use separate from the rest of your wallet, and carry a backup payment method in case your bank declines the tap.

A Giro card costs R$11.90 to start: R$4 is a refundable card deposit and R$7.90 is the first ride credit. It is valid on MetrôRio; it is not a general-purpose bus, VLT or BRT card. You can reload it at station machines or online. If you plan a metro–BRT connection, the operator currently lists a R$9.70 integrated fare with Jaé; check the card and transfer rules before relying on that fare.

To transfer between Lines 1/4 and 2, use the shared section from Central do Brasil/Centro to Botafogo. For a guaranteed connection, MetrôRio says you must be on the transfer platform before the network's closing time. On weekends and holidays, check where the shared section is operating that day.

Metro vs Uber: when to choose what

Use the metro: when your start and destination are near stations and the published service is running; check platform directions for transfers.
Use a bus or ride-hailing for the last mile: useful for places such as Santa Teresa, Jardim Botânico, Urca and addresses uphill from a station.
Plan around closing time: if your return is late, check the last train from your actual station and compare a licensed taxi or ride-hailing option before you leave.

Safety, tips & etiquette

Keep phones, wallets and bags secure in crowds and near train doors; carry luggage where it does not block aisles or other passengers.
Pink-marked women-only cars are available every day throughout service. Their position is marked on platforms and train doors; the operator specifies different car positions by direction.
Do not board while consuming alcoholic drinks; MetrôRio says it may refuse boarding in that situation. Follow staff instructions and current station notices.
Save your route and station details before entering the system; mobile connectivity and app information can vary underground.
Special operations for Carnaval, Réveillon, matches and concerts are announced separately. Check the current MetrôRio notice rather than assuming normal hours or 24-hour service.

Connections worth knowing

Metro + BRT: Vicente de Carvalho and Jardim Oceânico are the metro interchange stations; the published integrated metro–BRT fare is R$9.70 with Jaé, under the current rules. Metro + VLT: Central do Brasil, Carioca and Cinelândia connect with the light rail across Centro and Porto Maravilha. Metro + ferry: Carioca is the metro stop for the Praça XV ferry terminal; follow the signed walk to the boats. For airport choices, see the GIG and SDU airport guide and Rio transport guide.

Before you ride

Data for maps & ride apps

MetroRio's app, live station maps and the last-mile Uber all need mobile data from the moment you land.

Get an eSIM

GIG airport transfer

The metro doesn't reach GIG — a pre-booked door-to-door transfer skips the BRT change with luggage.

Book GIG transfer

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Related guides

FAQ

How much is a Rio metro ticket in 2026?

The standard MetrôRio fare is R$7.90 per journey. The operator accepts contactless Visa, Mastercard and Elo cards or devices at marked gates; you can also use a Unitário ticket, Giro card or QR Code bought through an authorised channel. Its published metro-plus-BRT integration is R$9.70 with a Jaé card, subject to the integration rules.

What are the Rio Metro's operating hours?

Regular service is Monday–Saturday 5:00 am–midnight and Sundays and public holidays 7:00 am–11:00 pm. Special event operations can differ, so check MetrôRio's current notice for Carnaval, Réveillon, a match or a concert. Be on the transfer platform before the published closing time if you need to change lines.

Is the Rio Metro safe for visitors?

Use ordinary city precautions: keep your phone and wallet secure, especially near doors and in crowded cars, and keep luggage under control. The metro can be a practical option on its corridor, but no mode is risk-free; choose the route and return plan that suit your time and destination. Pink-marked women-only cars are available throughout service, every day.

Does the Rio Metro go to GIG or Santos Dumont Airport?

No metro station is inside either airport. Santos Dumont is linked to central Rio by the VLT light rail; GIG has bus and BRT connections, including an interchange with the metro at Vicente de Carvalho. Check the current route, fare and operating plan in our Rio airport and transport guides before travelling with luggage.

Which Rio Metro station should I use for Copacabana and Ipanema?

For Copacabana, compare Cardeal Arcoverde at the Leme end, Siqueira Campos in the central area and Cantagalo toward the south end. Ipanema is served by General Osório near Posto 8 and Nossa Senhora da Paz closer to Posto 9; pick the station that fits your exact beach access or address.

Official metro information

Fares, service patterns and event operations can change. Check MetrôRio's live information before you travel:

First time in Rio?

A little route planning can save both time and unnecessary backtracking. Check how the metro, last-mile bus and airport transfers fit your own itinerary before you set your daily transport budget.

→ Rio for First Timers