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How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
Flights between Santos Dumont (Rio) and Congonhas (São Paulo) take about 1 h and run very frequently. Buses take about 6 h, and driving about 5 h 30–6 h via the Via Dutra (BR-116). There is no passenger train.
Best option: Flight. The shuttle flight between the two city-centre airports is fast and frequent.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Shuttle flights Santos Dumont–Congonhas (LATAM, GOL, Azul); also Galeão–Guarulhos | about 1 h | many an hour at peak | about R$300–900 | Santos Dumont and Congonhas are close to the city centres. |
| bus Several bus companies from Rio's Novo Rio terminal to São Paulo's Tietê terminal | about 6 h | every 30 minutes or so | about R$100–250 | Overnight buses save a night's hotel. |
| car Via Dutra (BR-116) | about 5 h 30–6 h | tolls about R$50–80 plus fuel | Traffic around both cities can be heavy. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Fly from Santos Dumont and Congonhas to save time.
- Overnight buses are comfortable; choose 'leito' class.
- Avoid driving at rush hour.
- Book flights ahead for the best fares.
Common questions
Is there a train between Rio and São Paulo?
No. There is no passenger train between the two cities. A high-speed rail project has been discussed for years but has not been built. Your options are flying, taking a bus or driving. The flight is fastest, about 1 hour.
Which airports should I use?
Santos Dumont in Rio and Congonhas in São Paulo are both close to the city centres and handle frequent shuttle flights. Galeão and Guarulhos are the international airports, farther out. For most domestic travellers, Santos Dumont to Congonhas is the most convenient pairing.
How long is the bus?
About 6 hours from Rio's Novo Rio terminal to São Paulo's Tietê terminal, with buses running very frequently. Overnight buses in 'leito' class have fully reclining seats. Buses are much cheaper than flying but take longer once you add traffic.
Can I do São Paulo as a day trip from Rio?
Possible by plane, with early and late flights, giving you several hours in São Paulo. By bus or car it is too long. São Paulo's museums, neighbourhoods and food scene deserve several days, so most visitors stay overnight or longer.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.