Niterói lies across Guanabara Bay, and you get there on a regular ferry that takes about 20 minutes. It's an easy, inexpensive day trip: the crossing, Oscar Niemeyer's Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) and a walk along the waterfront with Rio in the background. This guide helps you plan the day without missing the last ferry.
At a glance
- Getting there: Barcas Rio ↗ ferry from Praça XV (Rio's Centro) to Praça Arariboia (Niterói's Centro). Up to 22 minutes, R$ 5.00.
- Don't miss: MAC, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Admission is free on Wednesdays.
- Mondays: MAC is closed. Pick another day.
- Sundays and holidays: the ferry runs once an hour. Plan your return with time to spare.
- From the pier to MAC: it isn't next door. Plan on a taxi, a ride-hailing car or a local bus.
The ferry: schedule and fare
The Praça XV–Arariboia line is public transportation. According to Barcas Rio ↗, accessed October 27, 2026, the fare is R$ 5.00 and the crossing takes up to 22 minutes. The operator promotes payment with the QR code in the Riocard app.
| Day | From Praça XV to Niterói | From Niterói to Praça XV |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 6:00 to 0:00, every 15 to 30 minutes | 5:40 to 23:30, every 15 to 30 minutes |
| Saturdays | every 30 minutes, 6:00 to 23:30 | every 30 minutes, 5:30 to 23:30 |
| Sundays and holidays | every hour, 6:00 to 23:00 | every hour, 5:30 to 23:30 |
The Praça XV station ↗ is in the Centro, a short walk from the Paço Imperial. If you want the crossing to be an outing in itself, also see boat trips on the bay. Barcas Rio also runs a line from Praça XV to Charitas (up to 28 minutes, R$ 7.70); check its schedule on the website before using it.
MAC Niterói
The saucer-shaped building on the Mirante da Boa Viagem is the main visit. According to Niterói City Hall ↗, which published the information in September 2026:
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30.
- Admission: R$ 20; half price R$ 10. The ticket office takes cash only. Admission is free for everyone on Wednesdays.
- Other free entry: according to the City Hall museums page ↗, children under 7, Niterói residents, people with disabilities and visitors who arrive by bicycle, among others. That same page lists lower prices, so confirm the price at the ticket office.
- Until November 22, 2026: exhibitions marking the museum's 30th anniversary, one of them designed for children.
The plaza around the museum is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00 and looks out over Rio and the bay.
What to add to the day
- Museu Janete Costa: in Ingá, between the Centro and MAC, in two 19th-century townhouses. Admission is free, according to City Hall.
- Icaraí waterfront: Niterói's urban beach, good for a walk and lunch. Before swimming, check INEA's bulletin: the rating varies by stretch.
- Parque da Cidade (optional): a lookout on Morro da Viração with views of Rio, the bay and the ocean beaches. Niterói's parks page ↗ says it's open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 to 18:00 and free, but the page dates from 2021: confirm before going. You get up by car or taxi.
The ocean beaches, such as Itacoatiara or Camboinhas, are far from the Centro. Don't add them to the same day as MAC: they deserve a separate outing.
A plan for the day
- Morning: ferry from Praça XV and transfer to MAC.
- Midday: MAC and the lookout plaza.
- Lunch: in Icaraí or in Niterói's Centro.
- Afternoon: a walk along the Icaraí waterfront or Museu Janete Costa.
- Return: taxi or bus to Praça Arariboia and the ferry to Praça XV. On Sundays, check the time of the next ferry before leaving the museum.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunday a good day to go?
You can, but the ferry runs once an hour. A Saturday or a weekday gives you more flexibility.
Can I drive over the bridge?
Yes, over the Rio–Niterói bridge. The ferry, on the other hand, drops you right in Niterói's Centro. For getting around Rio, see how to get around Rio.
Are there other day trips nearby?
Yes. Compare options in day trips from Rio.
Sources: Barcas Rio: Praça XV–Arariboia line ↗, Niterói City Hall: MAC's 30th anniversary ↗, Niterói City Hall: museums ↗ and parks ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.