- Must visit
Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro
Renowned modern art museum beside Guanabara Bay, celebrated for Brazilian collections and a landmark Affonso Eduardo Reidy building.
Cheapest price
$23
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
8 h 6 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
340 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santos to Rio de Janeiro, RJ is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santos to Rio de Janeiro, RJ will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
Of the 4 buses that leave Santos for Rio de Janeiro, RJ on Tue, Aug 18, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 18 the direct buses cover the 340 km distance in an average of 8 h 6 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Tue, Aug 18 the slowest buses will take 9 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santos to Rio de Janeiro, RJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $46.
Distance: 211 miles (340 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $356 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 57m Average total duration 8h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santos to Rio de Janeiro, RJ:
A bus is $315 (€255) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santos to Rio de Janeiro, RJ costing on average $356 (€289).
Other travel options to Rio de Janeiro, RJ take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 27m.
Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $72 (€59) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $31 (€25). The journey takes 8h 27m versus 6h 38m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Util, Viação Sampaio.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Util | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Util | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 08:56AM | Duration 8h26 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Viação Sampaio | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Util | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 10:41AM | Duration 8h41 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Util | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Viação Sampaio | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Viação Sampaio | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Viação Sampaio | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Util | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Viação Sampaio | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Util | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
The table below shows live departures for Santos to Rio de Janeiro, RJ buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:00 AM Santos | 8h30 | 8:30 AM Rio de Janeiro, RJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:15 AM Santos | 7h55 | 9:10 AM Rio de Janeiro, RJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:30 AM Santos | 6h40 | 9:10 AM Rio de Janeiro, RJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Santos to Rio de Janeiro, RJ run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 211 miles (340 km) distance in 6h 40m.
Distance 211 miles (340 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€18) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 7:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Rio de Janeiro, RJ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rio de Janeiro, RJ trip today.
Renowned modern art museum beside Guanabara Bay, celebrated for Brazilian collections and a landmark Affonso Eduardo Reidy building.
Contemporary museum in Praça Mauá with immersive exhibits on science, sustainability, and the future in a Calatrava-designed building.
Major art museum in Praça Mauá presenting Brazilian history through large-scale exhibitions in a restored palace and modern annex.
World-famous beach neighborhood with a broad promenade, lively atmosphere, and easy access to sea, sports, and sunsets.
Upscale beach district known for its iconic shoreline, upscale shops, and the classic sunset gathering at Arpoador.
Scenic rock peninsula between Copacabana and Ipanema, famous for sunset views, surfing, and postcard photos.
Black bean stew with pork, usually served with rice, farofa, collard greens, and orange. A national classic deeply tied to Rio's traditional weekend meals.
Crispy cassava flour toasted with butter, often mixed with bacon, egg, or herbs. A staple Brazilian side that adds texture to feijoada and grilled dishes.
Fried cassava dough fritter stuffed with shrimp and creamy catupiry cheese. A beloved Rio boteco snack with strong beach and bar culture roots.
Refined Brazilian restaurant in Jardim Botânico, famous for tasting menus, seasonal ingredients, and elegant service in a polished setting.
Historic Portuguese seafood restaurant in Copacabana, known for cod dishes, classic recipes, and old-school Rio dining atmosphere.
Traditional Confeitaria Colombo branch in the fort at Copacabana. Go for coffee, pastries, and snacks with memorable ocean views.
Moderate for Brazil: hotels in tourist areas can be pricey, but dining and transit are reasonable versus major beach cities.
A 10% service charge is often added in restaurants; extra tip is optional. Round up for cafés. Taxis do not require tipping, but rounding up is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Galeão International Airport, Rio de Janeiro -> Cinelândia, Rio de Janeiro
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santos to Rio de Janeiro, RJ by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Rio de Janeiro, RJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santos to Rio de Janeiro, RJ buses use the Santos, Estação Rodoviária Jaime Rodrigues Estrela Júnior to Rio de Janeiro, Rodoviária Novo Rio station pair. Use this guide to compare Santos and Rio de Janeiro, RJ bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Santos, Estação Rodoviária Jaime Rodrigues Estrela Júnior is 2 km from Santos city centre. Public transport options include:
Santos, Estação Rodoviária Jaime Rodrigues Estrela Júnior has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court with several options
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are multiple ATMs inside.
Ticket office support is available at Santos, Estação Rodoviária Jaime Rodrigues Estrela Júnior.
Available at Santos, Estação Rodoviária Jaime Rodrigues Estrela Júnior: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santos, Estação Rodoviária Jaime Rodrigues Estrela Júnior: Wheelchair ramps and elevators.
Rio de Janeiro, Rodoviária Novo Rio has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court with various restaurants and snack bars
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are multiple ATMs inside station.
Ticket office support is available at Rio de Janeiro, Rodoviária Novo Rio.
Available at Rio de Janeiro, Rodoviária Novo Rio: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rio de Janeiro, Rodoviária Novo Rio: Wheelchair ramps and elevators.
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