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    How to get to Christ the Redeemer | Your comprehensive guide

    Christ the Redeemer TicketsDirections

    Where is Christ the Redeemer located?

    Address: Parque Nacional da Tijuca - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil

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    Christ the Redeemer is located on Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, within Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban rainforests in the world. At 710 meters (2,329 feet) above sea level, it overlooks the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views.

    About Christ the Redeemer

    Getting to Christ the Redeemer by train – The most scenic option

    Wondering how to get to Christ the Redeemer statue? There are three main ways to reach Christ the Redeemer: by Corcovado Train, official van, or car. Each option has its pros and cons, so here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

    The Corcovado Train is the best-known and most scenic way to reach Christ the Redeemer. This historic railway takes visitors on a 20-minute journey through the Tijuca National Park, climbing the mountain through dense vegetation.

    • Where to board: Trem do Corcovado station in Cosme Velho.
    • Getting there: To get there, you can either take an Uber or the metro to Largo do Machado, then the Integration Bus (Ônibus de Integração) in the direction of Cosme Velho. 
    • Best seats: Sit on the right side for the best views going up and the left side on the way down.
    • Arrival: The train drops you off at the foot of the statue, where you can take an elevator or stairs to the top.
    Visit Cristo Redentor

    Things to know before boarding the Corcovado Train

    • The train is the most scenic option but it is also the most crowded, so make sure to plan and book your tickets in advance. 
    • Buy your ticket online in advance. On-site purchases can have wait times of up to two hours, with nothing to do at the station.
    • Your ticket includes round-trip transportation and entry to Christ the Redeemer.
    • You cannot mix transportation methods. If you go up by train, you must return by train (not by van and vice versa).
    • The Corcovado train (or Bondinho as it’s known in Portuguese) slowly ambles up Corcovado Mountain through the Atlantic forest, allowing you to experience the largest urban rainforest in the world in close proximity.
    • Train passengers do not have access to the Paineiras Visitor Center.

    More about Christ the Redeemer

    Getting to Christ the Redeemer by van -The most convenient option

    Copacabana Boarding

    Copacabana Boarding

    • How to get there by metro: Take the metro (Line 1 or 2) to Cardeal Arcoverde Station, then catch a local bus or walk (10 minutes) to Copacabana.
    • Best for: Best for those staying in the tourist hub.
    • Journey time: 45 minutes (depending on traffic)
    Largo do Machado Boarding

    Largo do Machado Boarding

    • How to get there by metro: Take the metro (Line 1 or 2) to Largo do Machado Station, and the van boarding area is right outside the exit.
    • Best for: Best for those using public transport, especially metro riders, as it's just steps from the station exit.
    • Journey time: 30 minutes (traffic-dependent).

    Know before taking a van to Christ the Redeemer

    • Your ticket includes round-trip transportation and entry to Christ the Redeemer.
    • The return point must match the departure point. If you board at Largo do Machado, you must return there (not Copacabana, for example).
    • You cannot mix transportation methods. If you go up by van, you must return by van (not by train and vice versa).
    • Van passengers can visit the Paineiras Visitor Center, which has an exhibition room, shops, and restaurants.
    • Vans from Praça do Lido and Largo do Machado first stop at the Paineiras Visitor Center, where you then transfer to another van that takes you to the statue
    • All vans have air conditioning and the green seal because they have low emissions of pollutants. They ascend through the Tijuca forest to the monument, stopping at the Paineiras Visitor Center.

    Christ the Redeemer's opening hours

    Getting to Christ the Redeemer by car

    Driving to Christ the Redeemer is not advised due to parking limitations and navigation issues.

    • Travel time: 30 minutes (from the Rio International Airport)
    • No parking is available at the Visitor Center. You will need to park on a steep roadside, potentially walking uphill for up to 10 minutes.
    • GPS may take you through unsafe routes if you are unfamiliar with Rio de Janeiro.
    • If arriving by car, you will need to take an official van from the Paineiras Visitor Center for the final stretch.

    Hiking to Christ the Redeemer

    Wondering how to get to Christ the Redeemer statue by hiking? The hike to Christ the Redeemer takes you through Tijuca National Park, offering a scenic yet challenging experience.

    • Starting point: The trail begins at Parque Lage, a beautiful historic park in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood.
    • Trail length: 2.3 miles (3.8 km).
    • Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours, depending on fitness level.
    • Safety concerns: It is not recommended to hike alone due to safety risks, as incidents of theft have been reported. Go in a group or join a guided hiking tour for a safer experience.
    • Pro tip: A small fee is required at the final checkpoint before entering Christ the Redeemer so be sure to carry cash with you.

    Frequently asked questions about how to get to Christ the Redeemer

    Where is Christ the Redeemer located?

    It is in the Tijuca National Park, on Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    Can I take the train up and return by van (or vice versa)?

    No, mixed transportation is not allowed. You must return using the same method you used to go up.

    What is the best way to get to Christ the Redeemer?

    The Corcovado Train is the most scenic, while the official van is the most budget-friendly and convenient.

    Can I drive directly to Christ the Redeemer?

    No, private cars are not allowed beyond the Paineiras Visitor Center. You must take the official van for the final stretch.

    Is there public transport to the van departure points?

    Yes, you can take the metro to Largo do Machado or a bus/Uber to Copacabana.

    What is the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer?

    The best time to visit is early morning (before 8:30 am) or late afternoon (after 3:30 pm) to avoid crowds. Avoid visiting on cloudy or rainy days, as fog can block the view.

    Can I visit the Paineiras Visitor Center?

    Yes, you can visit it if you choose the van option on your ticket, as only van passengers can do so. Train passengers do not have access to the Visitor Center.

    Are there any walking routes available?

    For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails leading up to Christ the Redeemer. However, this option requires a significant time investment, often taking over two hours and is unsafe, so it’s not recommended.