The Bondinho is the cable car that climbs Sugarloaf Mountain from Praia Vermelha, in Urca, with a stop on Morro da Urca. Tickets are sold for a date and a time slot, and they cover the full round trip. If you pick the right time and know how changes work, the visit pretty much organizes itself.
At a glance
- Where: Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar, Av. Pasteur, 520, Urca.
- What's included: four boardings in one day (round trip to Sugarloaf Mountain, with a stop on Morro da Urca).
- Best time, according to the park: the morning. Between 3 and 6 p.m. demand is higher and there may be lines.
- Date change: free, once, until the start of your visit.
- Price: shown on the official website when you pick a date.
What the ticket includes
The route links Praia Vermelha, Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain. According to the full-ride information ↗, the ticket includes four boardings (round trip to Sugarloaf), valid on the same day and once per segment. At the top there are viewpoints, cultural spaces and places to eat. Extras such as helicopter flights or guided tours cost more and have their own schedules.
Hours and boarding slot
The official website's header says the park opens every day from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with last boarding at 7:30 p.m., but other sections of the site list different hours. Check bondinho.com.br ↗ on the day of your visit.
When you buy, you pick a time slot, and you can only board within that slot. The park recommends going in the morning ↗, when there are fewer visitors, and warns that between 3 and 6 p.m. demand is higher and there may be lines for the cable car.
Morning or sunset?
- In the morning: fewer people and more time to explore both hills at an easy pace.
- At sunset: the most requested slot. If you choose it, book ahead and expect some waiting.
The park stays open in the rain because it has covered areas, but it may pause operations for a while in strong wind or lightning.
Ticket types
According to the park's FAQ ↗:
- Bilhete Bondinho: the standard ticket. Half price is available for over-60s, children aged 3 to 12, young people aged 13 to 21, people with disabilities and a companion, students and other groups, with proof on the day of the visit.
- Up to age 2: free, with ID and accompanied by an adult.
- Promocional para Brasileiros: only for people born or living in Brazil.
- Acesso Rápido (fast access): priority lines at every station and a VIP lounge at the first one, once per segment on the same day.
Buy on the official website and bring the document that proves any discount.
Changes and cancellations
- Rescheduling: free once, until your visit's start time and subject to availability. It's done under "Minhas Reservas," and only the buyer can request it.
- Canceling within 7 days of purchase: full refund, for purchases made outside the park.
- Canceling between 24 hours before and your boarding time: 20% is retained.
- After your visit starts: no refund or change.
- Bought through an agency: changes go through the agency.
Getting to Urca
- Metro and bus: Botafogo station, exit E (Mena Barreto), then bus 513 to UNIRIO, plus a 260-meter walk.
- Direct buses: lines 107, 513, 518, 519 and 167.
- By car: the park has no parking. With a ticket bought on the official website, RioSul mall offers a rate of R$ 20 for up to 6 hours on the same day.
For other trips around the city, see getting around Rio. If you want to stay in the area, the Urca neighborhood has bars and restaurants near the station.
Frequently asked questions
How much time should I allow?
The park doesn't publish a duration. The ticket is valid all day, once per segment, so allow half a day if you want to explore both hills without rushing.
Can I walk up Morro da Urca?
There's a trail, but we couldn't find the conditions for continuing or coming down on the Bondinho after walking up in the official channels. Ask the park before you go.
Should I combine it with Christ the Redeemer on the same day?
You can, if you book Christ the Redeemer in the morning and the Bondinho later. Your options for getting up there are in Christ the Redeemer: train or van.
Sources: Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar ↗ and its help center ↗, checked on October 14, 2026.