Olá, this is your complete guide to visiting Christ the Redeemer in 2024! Join me, your Brazilian friend, on a journey to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks!
Imagine standing on top of a 710m mountain, overlooking the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro, with the sun casting its golden glow over the landscape. That’s the scene you’ll find when you visit Christ the Redeemer, a towering monument that symbolizes not just Brazil’s rich history, but also its enduring spirit of resilience and hope.
With its outstretched arms embracing the vast expanse of the city below, Christ the Redeemer has won the hearts of millions, earning its place as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Visiting Christ the Redeemer is more than just checking off a touristy bucket list. It’s about feeling connected to something bigger than yourself. Whether you’re a devout believer or just someone looking for a cool adventure, this place has something for everyone.
Getting to Christ the Redeemer may seem like an adventure, but don’t worry! Whether you opt for the panoramic train ride, a van tour or a hike through the Tijuca Forest, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget.
As it is a tourist attraction that attracts many people every day, it is essential to plan your visit a little in advance. By booking online you can guarantee your tickets and avoid many queues.
Join me as we explore the best ways to get to Christ the Redeemer and find out everything you need to know about ticket prices and booking options.
Table of Contents
What are the opening hours for visits to Christ the Redeemer?
Christ the Redeemer is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm and there are several ways to get there.
How to get to Christ the Redeemer?
By train
Taking the train to Corcovado Hill is the most popular option (and the best, in my opinion) for visitors to reach Christ the Redeemer.
The 20-minute journey gives you breathtaking views and also offers an insight into Brazil’s rich history. Fun fact: this same railroad played a crucial role in transporting materials for the construction of the iconic statue!
Located on Rua Cosme Velho, Corcovado Train Station is easily accessible by public transport (bus line 583 or 584), Uber, or cab services. And when you’ve finished your train ride to the top, just take a quick elevator or climb the stairs to the base of the statue.
Especially in high season, queues can reach up to two hours. So in order to avoid possible queues, buy your tickets in advance here. Tickets include a return train ride and access to the Christ the Redeemer monument.
Departures take place every 20-30 minutes, with journeys operating without a fixed schedule, giving visitors the freedom to linger. Take your time to absorb everything, but be prepared for possible queues when you return.
Tip from your Brazilian friend: to enjoy the best view on the way up, make sure you sit on the right side of the train (and on the left side on the way back).
Practical summary with all the important information about the Corcovado train:
- Train + ticket price:
- Normal fare: R$ 97,50
- Elders (+60 years old): R$ 33,50
- Children (5-11 years old): R$ 67,00
- Children (0-4 years old): free
- Person with disability: R$ 85,00
- Buy tickets online: official website
- Buy tickets at the station: Corcovado station has self-service machines and ticket offices that are open from 8am to 4pm.
- Boarding: every day from 8am to 5pm at rua Cosme Velho, 513
- Last return: 5pm – 6pm
By official van
Getting to Christ the Redeemer by van is a convenient and economical option for visitors. Although you miss out on the panoramic ride that the train offers, vans can provide a quicker route to the iconic monument.
The official van service is run by the Paneiras-Corcovado Consortium and they are the only ones who can get to the base of Christ the Redeemer. If you opt for tours, you will have to take an official van for the final leg of the journey.
There are three boarding points for the vans: Largo do Machado, Praça do Lido, in Copacabana, and the Paineiras Visitor Center. Largo do Machado and Praça do Lido have departure points close to metro stations, making the journey easier and more practical for travelers.
Anyone going from Largo do Machado or Praça do Lido must stop at the Paineiras Visitor Center, which is on the way to the base of Christ the Redeemer. When you arrive at the Paineiras Visitor Center, you’ll have the chance to explore the exhibition hall, buy souvenirs or grab a bite to eat before continuing your journey to the foot of Christ the Redeemer.
Remember that although vans offer a convenient means of transportation, during high season the queues can be long. Therefore, buying your ticket in advance can ensure that you have a trouble-free experience and can make the most of your visit.
Boarding at Largo do Machado
If you choose the Largo do Machado boarding option, you will find the van in front of the Nossa Senhora da Glória Church. To locate the exact spot on Google Maps, search for Paróquia Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Glória.
Choosing the metro as your means of transportation to the boarding points? Largo do Machado is your best option, as it is closer to Christ the Redeemer than Copacabana.
To get to the boarding point from the metro: get off at Largo do Machado station, take exit A and cross Largo do Machado. The boarding area is located in front of the Nossa Senhora da Glória Church
Vans leave every 30 minutes and the journey takes around 30 minutes in normal traffic conditions. The van travels directly to Christ the Redeemer without any stops along the way.
Practical summary with all the important information about boarding at Largo do Machado:
- Van + ticket price:
- Normal fare: R$101,50 (low season/weekdays) and R$126,50 (high season/weekends)
- Elders (+60 years old): R$58,00 *this rate is only valid for Brazilians or foreign residents over the age of 60.
- Children (5-11 years old): R$71,00
- Children (0-4 years old): free
- Buy tickets online: official website
- Buy tickets at the boarding point: based on availability and with possible queues
- Boarding: every day from 8am to 2:30pm in front of the Nossa Senhora da Glória Church, Largo do Machado
- Last return: 5pm – 5:30pm
Boarding at Praça do Lido, Copacabana
The boarding point in Copacabana is at Praça do Lido, Posto 2 on Copacabana Beach.
The vans leave every 30 minutes and the journey takes around 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions. The van travels directly to Christ the Redeemer without any stops along the way.
Practical summary with all the important information about boarding at Praça do Lido, Copacabana:
- Van + ticket price:
- Normal fare: R$101,50 (low season/weekdays) and R$126,50 (high season/weekends)
- Elders (+60 years old): R$58,00 *this rate is only valid for Brazilians or foreign residents over the age of 60.
- Children (5-11 years old): R$71,00
- Children (0-4 years old): free
- Buy tickets online: official website
- Buy tickets at the boarding point: based on availability and with possible queues
- Boarding: every day from 8am to 2:30pm
- Last return: 5pm – 5:30pm
Boarding at Paineiras Visitor Center
Although it’s the cheapest option to get to Christ the Redeemer, access to the Paineiras Visitor Center will require a cab, Uber or private car.
To get to the base of Christ the Redeemer and access the monument, it is necessary to use official transportation, such as a train or van. To guarantee priority boarding, buy your tickets in advance.
However, this option has its downsides. The availability of Uber for the return trip may be limited, and cabs may refuse to charge by the taximeter. Parking near the base involves steep slopes and parking fees imposed by the locals.
Boarding the van at the Visitor Centre is ideal for those arriving with a guide or organized tour (more information in the next section), which will drop you off and pick you up on the way back.
Practical summary with all the important information about boarding at Paineiras Visitor Center:
- Van + ticket price:
- Normal fare: R$56,50 (low season/weekdays) and R$81,50 (high season/weekends)
- Elders (+60 years old): R$13,00 *this rate is only valid for Brazilians or foreign residents over the age of 60.
- Children (5-11 years old): R$26,00
- Children (0-4 years old): free
- Buy tickets online: official website
- Buy tickets at the boarding point: based on availability and with possible queues
- Boarding: every day from 8am to 3pm
- Last return: 5pm – 5:30pm
By guided tours
If you’re looking for a convenient option that combines visits to various tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro while saving time on planning, guided tours are the way to go.
You can choose between shared or private tours, with varied itineraries. These tours usually include entrance tickets to Christ the Redeemer.
By cab, uber or complementary vans
To get to the base of Christ the Redeemer and access the monument, it is necessary to use official transportation, such as a train or van.
Unofficial transportation options cannot go beyond the Visitor Center, requiring visitors to use the official van service to reach the base of Christ the Redeemer.
If you opt for unofficial transport, buy the ticket + van transport at the Visitor Centre in advance to minimize waiting times.
Cab
In Rio de Janeiro, you can use the Taxi.Rio app to request an official cab, ensuring that you are charged the correct fare based on the taximeter.
However, if you opt for a cab to the Paineiras Visitor Center, you may have trouble finding one for the return trip.
Enter the following destination in the app: Centro de Visitantes Paineiras.
Uber
Uber will usually be cheaper than a cab. If you choose this option, be aware that it can be difficult to get a car on the way back.
Enter the following destination in the app: Centro de Visitantes Paineiras.
Complementary Van
Near the Corcovado train station, you’ll find an alternative transportation option: complementary vans. Although not official, these vans are authorized for the route and are identified by a “Corcovado Car Service” sticker.
These vans charge R$40 for round-trip transportation (excluding the ticket to Christ the Redeemer). They conveniently drop you off and pick you up at the Visitor Center.
The complementary vans can be a useful backup if you arrive without train tickets and encounter long queues. They also serve as an alternative for travelers who can’t secure a return trip by cab or Uber.
Hiking
If you’re up for an adventure and want to get to know Christ the Redeemer in a unique way, the hike is a great option!
The trail kicks off at Parque Lage, in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood. From there, you’ll trek through the forest, eventually reaching the train tracks leading to Christ the Redeemer. The journey is worth it, especially if you like nature and a good challenge!
You will arrive at the entrance to Christ the Redeemer and there you can buy the entrance ticket. You can also choose to take the train down. Below are the prices for visitors taking the trail:
- Adults: R$ 55,50 (high season, weekends and holidays) and R$ 30,50 (low season)
- People with disabilities: R$ 30,50 (high season) and R$ 18,00 (low season)
- Train descent: R$ 33,50
To get to Parque Lage by metro, take a “metro na superfície” ticket. Get off at Botafogo station and follow the signs for “Metrô na Superfície” towards Gávea. This bus will drop you off very close to the entrance to Parque Lage.
Now, let’s dive more into the hike itself. While it starts off relatively easy, the trail gradually becomes steeper, requiring the use of chains and ropes at certain points. The route takes around 3 to 4 hours round trip, so be prepared for a good hike.
Although the trail is well-marked, hiring a local guide is a smart option for safety and navigation, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Though it’s not compulsory, having someone experienced by your side can make your experience even better!
To get to Parque Lage, you have some options:
- By metro: get off at Botafogo Station and take the Botafogo/Gávea Integration bus.
- By bus: Several bus lines pass by Parque Lage. Look for an option that passes through Rua Jardim Botânico, so you won’t go wrong.
- By car or by uber
So, if you’re ready to put on your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable journey to Christ the Redeemer, hiking is the way to go! Just remember to stay safe, walk in a group and bring water and snacks for the journey.
How much does it cost to visit Christ the Redeemer?
When figuring out how to visit Christ the Redeemer, it’s essential to think about the costs, especially as they can vary depending on how you get there.
All the options include the price of the ticket and the journey to and from the statue. But remember that some options may have extra costs.
Here’s a quick summary for adults:
- By train:
- Ticket + Transport: R$ 97,50
- By van (Largo do Machado):
- Ticket + Transport: R$101,50 – R$126,50
- By van (Copacabana):
- Ticket + Transport: R$101,50 – R$126,50
- By van (Paineiras Visitor Center):
- Ticket + Transport: R$56,50 – R$81,50
- Hiking:
- Ticket: R$ 55,50 – R$ 30,50
- Train descent: R$ 33,50
Although the Paineiras Visitor Center van offers the most economical option, it’s worth considering the additional costs involved in getting to the center itself.
At the end of the day, the important thing is to choose what works best for you and your wallet and to take into account where you are staying in the city.
Tips & more info for your visit to Christ the Redeemer
- Christ the Redeemer was inaugurated in 1931 and took almost 10 years to complete.
- The height of the Christ the Redeemer monument is 30 meters.
- If it’s a bad visibility day and you’ve opted for the van, you can rest assured that they’ll give you 30 days to reschedule your visit.
- At Christ the Redeemer there is a live webcam every day so you can see if the weather is good, click here to see it.
- The accessibility of Christ the Redeemer is good, but not 100% easy. When you reach the climbing point, there is a part that can be done by elevator, but another part that can only be done by escalator.
- Rio de Janeiro has an average temperature of around 24 degrees so don’t forget to wear light and comfortable clothes. As well as clothes, don’t forget to take water and use sunscreen.
- The base of Christ the Redeemer is a chapel, so don’t miss it.
- As it’s one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, it’s best to buy your tickets in advance to avoid the queues.
