How to get to Christ the Redeemer: Train, vans, hiking and ticket prices
Christ the Redeemer is the attraction visitors have the most questions about. There are several ways to get to the statue, and each one changes the experience. I've been up many times, using every option available, and I have a favorite: the train, in the late afternoon. I explain why in my post on the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer.
But I know the train isn't always the most convenient choice, especially if you're combining Christ the Redeemer with other attractions. And then there are the adventurers who'd rather take the trail. To make it easier, here's how to get to Christ the Redeemer by train, van, trail or Uber, fully up to date, so you can plan your visit.
In this guide: the train, all three van departure points, the hiking trail, how to get there from different neighborhoods, ticket prices, whether you need to book in advance, and the full hours table.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
The view from Christ the Redeemer is worth the trip, especially in the late afternoon.
How to get to Christ the Redeemer - short version
Visiting Santa Teresa, Downtown, or arriving on a cruise?
The new van line from the Catedral Metropolitana is your best bet.
Staying in Copacabana and want to skip the ride to Cosme Velho?
The van from Praça do Lido is the most convenient.
Visiting Flamengo Park or the Museum of the Republic before?
The van line from Largo do Machado is a convenient option.
Want a bit of adventure?
Take the van or a taxi to the Paineiras Visitor Center and hike the last stretch.
Travel update (October 2026)
New van line from Downtown Rio. There's now a third official van departure point, at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Downtown. Departures run from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the same price as the other vans. More on how to find it below.
Access works until May 2027. Between August 2026 and May 2027, the escalators to the monument platform are being replaced by inclined elevators. During the works, maximum visitor capacity is reduced by 50%, which may make tickets more competitive, especially in peak season. If you have limited mobility, keep in mind the visit may be less comfortable during construction.
How to get to Christ the Redeemer
Corcovado Train to Christ the Redeemer (my recommendation)
The cog train is the most enjoyable way up and the one I always recommend. The 20-minute ride climbs through the Tijuca Forest and drops you right at the base of the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Kids love it, and you might spot monkeys on the way.
Where to board: Cosme Velho station, Rua Cosme Velho, 513 (see it on Google Maps). There's no metro nearby, so the easiest way to get there is by Uber or taxi from anywhere in the city.
Hours: First departure at 7:20 a.m., last departure at 6 p.m., with returns until 7 p.m. Trains leave every 20 minutes.
Price: R$ 134 for adults, R$ 107 for children 6 and up, free under 6. Monument access is included.
Why it's the best option for late afternoon: All vans make their last trip down at 6 p.m. The train keeps running for another hour, so the final stretch of your visit has noticeably fewer people. If you want to watch Rio go from golden hour to city lights, this is the only way to do it. I explain why in my guide to the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer.
Official vans to Christ the Redeemer
The official vans are a practical option, especially if you're staying in Copacabana or Centro. All three lines cost the same and include monument access. The last vans return at 6 p.m., an hour before the last train.
Important: No van goes directly to the summit. Every line stops first at the Paineiras Visitor Center, where you switch to a separate van for the final stretch. Vans from the Visitor Center to the top run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From Copacabana (Praça do Lido)
Boarding point: Praça do Lido, Copacabana (see it on Google Maps). Departures from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The nearest metro is Cardeal Arcoverde, about a 10-minute walk.
From Largo do Machado (Flamengo)
Boarding point: In front of Nossa Senhora da Glória Church, Largo do Machado (see it on Google Maps), right across from Largo do Machado metro station. Departures from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
New: From the Metropolitan Cathedral (Downtown)
Boarding point: Catedral Metropolitana, Avenida República do Chile, 245 (see it on Google Maps). Departures from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Take the metro or the VLT (light rail) to Carioca station. From there, walk along Avenida República do Chile and enter the Cathedral parking lot. Turn right; the ticket office is past the Christ statue.
Price: R$ 132 for both adults and children, the same on all three lines. Monument access is included.
Hiking trail (for adventurers)
A recently opened trail connects the Paineiras Visitor Center to the statue. The trail itself is free, and there's a new lookout point along the way. Before the trail opened, I once walked up the road from the Visitor Center. The new trail is a much nicer way to do it, through the forest and with a lookout point along the way.
Duration: About 45 minutes, moderately challenging.
Tickets: You'll still need a ticket to enter the monument.
How to combine it: Take a van to the Visitor Center, hike up, and take the van back down to Copacabana, Largo do Machado or the Cathedral. It's a flexible option if you want to see more of the Tijuca Forest.
Uber or taxi
Uber and taxis can't take you to the top, but they can drop you at two places: Cosme Velho train station and the Paineiras Visitor Center. To the Paineiras Visitor Center, it works for the way up, if you want to take the van or hike from there. The catch is coming back: finding an Uber at the Visitor Center isn't easy, so plan to come down by van instead.
How to get to Christ the Redeemer from where you're staying
From Copacabana: Take the van from Praça do Lido, an easy walk from most of the neighborhood. If you're going late afternoon, take an Uber to Cosme Velho station for the train instead.
From Ipanema or Leblon: The train is usually the easiest, with an Uber straight to Cosme Velho. Or take the metro to Cardeal Arcoverde, Copacabana, and walk to the van at Praça do Lido.
From Flamengo or Botafogo: Take the metro to Largo do Machado and board the van there. Cosme Velho station is also a short Uber ride away.
From Centro, Lapa or Santa Teresa: Take the metro or VLT to Carioca and walk to the new van line at the Catedral Metropolitana.
From the cruise port (Píer Mauá): Take the VLT from Parada dos Navios to Carioca, then walk to the Catedral Metropolitana for the van.
From Barra da Tijuca: Take an Uber to Cosme Velho station for the train, and allow 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Not sure where to stay? See my guide to where to stay in Rio de Janeiro.
Christ the Redeemer tickets: prices and where to buy
Tickets cost about the same whichever way you go up, and every option includes monument access.
Corcovado Train: R$ 134 for adults, R$ 107 for children 6 and up, free under 6. Buy on the official website.
Official vans (all three lines): R$ 132 for both adults and children. Buy on the official website.
Buying on the official websites gets you the lowest price. If you prefer an easier booking experience, GetYourGuide and Viator are reliable alternatives. Avoid buying at the station, as lines can be long and availability limited in high season.
My pick is the train. The few extra reais are worth it: you get 20 minutes through the Tijuca Forest, and you can stay after the last vans leave.
Prices are in Brazilian Reais and subject to change. Always confirm on the official website before booking.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
Christ the Redeemer rarely sells out, except on peak dates like Carnival and New Year's Eve. With capacity reduced until May 2027, booking a day or two ahead is a good idea, but wait for a clear day first. I explain how in my guide to the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer.
Christ the Redeemer opening hours
The monument is open from 7:20 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter, with extended hours during special events. The first train leaves Cosme Velho at 7:20 a.m. (8 a.m. in winter) and the last one at 6 p.m. Vans depart until 4 p.m. from Copacabana and Largo do Machado, and until 4:30 p.m. from the Catedral Metropolitana. The last vans down leave the Visitor Center at 6 p.m. Confirm on the official website before you go.
Want to be there before it opens? On a handful of dates, the sanctuary opens early for the Christ the Redeemer Sunrise Experience, with private train access and breakfast included.
Same place, different crowds: late afternoon (left) vs. morning. Trust me and go late.
Keep planning your trip:
🌇 Best time to visit Christ the Redeemer
Why late afternoon and the last train beat the early morning rush.
🚡 Best time to visit Sugarloaf Mountain
Rio's other iconic view, and what to expect at sunset.
📍 Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions
The complete list of Rio's landmarks and sights, organized by category.
🗓️ Rio de Janeiro itinerary
How to fit Christ the Redeemer into a day-by-day plan for 3 to 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get to Christ the Redeemer?
The train ride takes about 20 minutes from Cosme Velho. By van, count on 30 to 40 minutes including the transfer at the Paineiras Visitor Center. Add your travel time to the boarding point, and plan for at least 2 to 3 hours on site.
What's the best way to get to Christ the Redeemer with kids?
The train. It's an experience in itself, with views of the Tijuca Forest and the occasional monkey, and children under 6 ride free.
Is Christ the Redeemer accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
Yes, with some caveats. Wheelchair loans and adapted vans are available. Because the summit is a protected historic site, access to the upper level is assisted rather than fully independent, and the works running until May 2027 may make the visit less comfortable. Contact the official team in advance to plan your visit.
Can I drive to Christ the Redeemer?
No, cars can get up to the visitors center only. From there, you need to join one of the official vans.
Written by Karina
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Karina spent over a decade working in the tourism industry, with experience in some of the world's leading travel destinations. She created Going to Rio to bring that same standard of practical, traveler-first guidance to visitors exploring Rio de Janeiro. Learn more about Karina
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