Cycling in Rio de Janeiro
Rio has over 450 km of bike lanes, a world-class shared-bike system and one of South America's most famous road climbs inside a rainforest. Whether you want a flat beachfront cruise, a Sunday car-free ride or a lung-burning 8 km hill session, this is where to ride, what to rent and how to stay safe on the road.
Bike share
Bike Itaú R$8/day
Best flat ride
Leme → São Conrado
Best climb
Vista Chinesa 8 km
Best day
Sunday car-free
Six routes worth cycling
Beachfront: Leme → São Conrado (18 km)
Rio's flagship ciclovia. Fully separated bike lane along Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Vidigal and São Conrado. Rent an Itaú bike at any station.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas loop (7.5 km)
Flat, car-free, family friendly. Combine with a caipirinha stop at Palaphita Kitch afterwards.
Vista Chinesa climb (8 km, 380 m)
The city's benchmark road climb through Tijuca Forest. Shaded, technical descent — use disc brakes.
Mesa do Imperador loop (18 km, 500 m)
Extension beyond Vista Chinesa to the Emperor's Table. Quiet forest road, panoramic viewpoints.
Aterro do Flamengo (car-free Sunday)
On Sundays the bay-side road closes to cars from 7 AM to 6 PM — 8 km of flat riding with Sugarloaf views.
Barra → Grumari coastal road (50 km round-trip)
Ocean-side rolling hills, wild beaches, one steep climb to the Grumari viewpoint. Bring water — few kiosks between Recreio and Grumari.
Bike rental in Rio 2026
| Type | Where | Price/day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share (city bike) | Bike Itaú stations everywhere | R$8 | 60-min rides, app required |
| Cruiser | Beach kiosks, Ipanema/Copacabana | R$40–R$70 | Cash, no lock included |
| Hybrid / trekking | Special Bike (Barra), Alma Bike | R$80–R$120 | Helmet included |
| Road / carbon | Bike Vip Club (Leblon) | R$200–R$300 | Deposit, pedals + helmet |
| E-bike | Bike Itaú Plus, tour operators | R$25–R$180 | Great for the Vista Chinesa climb |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bike Itaú (Bike Rio) work?
Download the Tembici app, register with a credit card and passport number, and unlock bikes at any orange station. A day pass is around R$8 for unlimited 60-minute rides, monthly R$25. Stations dot the entire South Zone, Barra and Downtown.
Is it safe to cycle in Rio?
The dedicated seafront ciclovia from Leme to São Conrado is fully separated from traffic and safe day and night. Outside these bike lanes ride defensively — Rio drivers are unpredictable. Never cycle after dark outside lit main roads.
Where can I hire a road bike in Rio?
Specialised road-bike rental is available from Bike Vip Club in Leblon, Special Bike in Barra and Alma Bike in Ipanema. Expect R$150–R$300/day for carbon rigs including helmet and pedals.
Is the Vista Chinesa climb open to cyclists every day?
Yes, the road is open 24/7 but weekend mornings (6–10 AM) are safest as it fills with cyclists and traffic slows. The full climb is 8 km at 6% average gradient to a 380 m Chinese-style pavilion with panoramic views.
Can I bring my own bike on the metro?
Yes, outside peak hours (weekdays before 6 AM, after 8 PM and all weekend) full-size bikes ride free in the last carriage. Folding bikes are allowed any time.
Book a guided bike tour
Guided rides with bike, helmet and English-speaking local rider included: