🚌 Book the São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro Bus
Taking the overnight bus from São Paulo to Rio is one of the easiest ways to travel between the two cities, especially if you want to arrive in the morning without airport stress. One important tourist tip: many Brazilian booking sites require a CPF (Brazilian ID number), which visitors usually don’t have. To skip that problem, book through Busbud.
- ⏱ Journey time: Usually around 6 to 7 hours, depending on departure time and traffic
- 🌙 Best timing: Depart after 10:00 PM to arrive in Rio in the morning
- 📍 Common terminals: São Paulo (Rodoviária do Tietê) → Rio (Novo Rio)
- 🪪 Tourist-friendly booking: No CPF needed when you book via Busbud
Seat options to look for:
Most companies on this route offer two main comfort levels:
- 💺 Semi Leito: Semi-reclining seat, more budget-friendly
- 🛏️ Cama: Lie-flat seat or bed-style recline, books up fast, especially window seats
Tip: If you want Cama, book early. There are usually only a handful of lie-flat seats per bus.
What I booked: Cama (lie-flat) for about $47, worth it for sleeping comfortably and arriving refreshed.
Booking the São Paulo to Rio Bus (Important for Tourists)
Many Brazilian bus company websites require a CPF (Brazilian ID number) to complete a booking. As a tourist, you won’t have one and your payment may not go through.
To avoid this issue, I booked my ticket through Busbud, which allows international travelers to book easily using a passport and foreign credit card. I’ve used it before and found the process simple and reliable.
Route: São Paulo → Rio de Janeiro
Journey time: ~6–7 hours
Best departure time: After 10:00 PM for morning arrival
Cost: Around $50 (cheaper if booked in advance)
Lie-flat seats are limited and tend to sell out quickly, especially window seats, so booking early is recommended.
Lie-Flat vs Regular Seats
This route offers two seating levels:
- Lower level: Lie-flat (leito) seats
- Upper level: Regular and semi-reclining seats
- Bathroom: Located on the upper level
There are only a few flat seats on the bus. They recline almost fully and come with a pillow and blanket, making overnight travel far more comfortable than expected.
I booked a window lie-flat seat and, even without getting it perfectly flat at first, the space and recline made it easy to rest.
The Overnight Journey
Once on board, the cabin quiets down quickly. Lights are dimmed, curtains are drawn, and most passengers settle in to sleep shortly after departure.
The ride is smooth and calm, ideal if you’re on a short trip and want to maximize your time in both cities.
Midway Stop for Food & Restrooms
About halfway through the journey, the bus stopped at a large rest area for food and restroom breaks. It was a quick, organized stop and gave everyone a chance to stretch before continuing the drive.
Arriving in Rio de Janeiro
The bus arrived in Rio early in the morning, making it easy to head straight to accommodation or grab breakfast nearby. Ubers were readily available in the designated area.
Waking up in Rio after sleeping through the journey felt efficient and well worth it.
Is the São Paulo to Rio Bus Worth It?
Yes — especially if you’re traveling solo, on a budget, or prefer a slower, more intentional way to travel.
The overnight bus saves time, avoids airport stress and turns a long transfer into part of the experience. With lie-flat seats available at a reasonable price, it’s a comfortable option that many travelers overlook.
Traveling Beyond Rio by Bus in Brazil
One of the biggest advantages of Brazil’s long-distance bus network is how connected it is. From Rio de Janeiro, you can book buses to almost every major city in the country, including São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Foz do Iguaçu and even longer routes heading north or south. The same booking rules apply, including seat types like Semi Leito and Cama and tourists may still run into CPF requirements on local sites.
Platforms like Busbud make it easier to search routes, compare comfort levels and book buses across Brazil without needing a Brazilian ID.
🧭 São Paulo to Rio Bus FAQs
⏱ How long is the bus ride from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro?
The journey usually takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic, departure time and weather conditions.
📍 Where does the bus depart from and arrive?
Most buses depart from São Paulo’s Rodoviária do Tietê and arrive at Novo Rio Bus Terminal in Rio de Janeiro.
🪪 Can tourists book Brazilian buses without a CPF?
Many Brazilian bus websites require a CPF (Brazilian ID number), which tourists do not have. To avoid this issue, book through Busbud, which allows booking with a passport and foreign credit card.
🛏 What is the difference between Semi Leito and Cama?
Semi Leito seats are semi-reclining and more budget-friendly. Cama seats are lie-flat or bed-style seats, located on the lower level and are much more comfortable for overnight travel.
🎟 How many lie-flat seats are available?
There are usually only 8 to 10 Cama (lie-flat) seats per bus and window seats tend to sell out first. Booking in advance is recommended.
🚻 Is there a bathroom on the bus?
Yes, there is a bathroom on board. It is typically located on the upper level of the bus.
🍽 Does the bus stop for food?
Yes, the bus makes one midway stop at a large rest area for food, bathrooms and a quick stretch break.
