Trip Information
Pick-up
Your driver will meet you at your address in Rio de Janeiro.
- Door-to-door service
- Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 40 min.
- Optional sight-seeing
- Clean, comfortable car
- Professional driver
- Bottled water
- Child seats
- Prepared for handicapped
- Smoke-free
- Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Armacao dos Buzios.
- Door-to-door service
- Help with your luggage
- 177 km
- 2 h 40 min
Overview: car trip from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios
The drive from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, covering a distance of 110 miles (177 km). With a Daytrip private driving transfer, you receive door-to-door transport with a friendly English-speaking driver, who will assist you throughout your journey to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
On the way, you can choose to stop at fascinating sites you may otherwise miss, including the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum. This is the second-largest art museum in all of Brazil, hosting over 1,200 artwork displays in an otherworldly building that appears from afar like a flying saucer nestled into the hillside. If you prefer not to stop en route, your private driver can whisk you directly from your accommodation or the airport in Rio de Janeiro to your accommodation or other preferred dropoff point in Armacao dos Buzios.
About Armacao dos Buzios
After your Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios transfer, you will find yourself in a charming seaside town at the heart of Costa do Sol, the stretch of coastline north of Rio.
The name of the city comes from armação referring to its past in fishing and whaleship building, while _Búzios _translates to the “conches” shells that were used for a variety of functions by the indigenous people in the area. Around Armacao dos Buzios, you'll find over 20 beaches, offering ample opportunities for water sports such as surfing, boating, and diving. Calmer, clear waters offer visitors world-renowned snorkeling among the vibrant reefs, and there are also plenty of hiking trails for those who want to get outdoors but stay on dry land.
Less crowded and generally a bit drier and sunnier than Rio de Janeiro, Armacao dos Buzios is the perfect beach destination. The area was brought into the global tourism eye by Bridget Bardot’s well-publicized visit in the 1960s, showcasing the pristine beaches, tranquil waters, and charming town center.
Since then, the central boulevard has been named Orla Bardo, and many quaint hotels and eateries have popped up around the area to accommodate the influx of eager visitors. While the nightlife has also taken off in recent decades, there are still plenty of areas with the slower-paced village atmosphere that many families find ideal for a vacation with children.
While here, travelers can take a break from the beach by engaging in the many arts and cultural activities, such as visiting the bronze statues created by Christina Motta (one is of Bridget Bardot’s famous visit)! Or strolling the Travessa dos Arcos shopping gallery and exploring some of the local restaurants and bars.
From Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios: travel tips
While planning your travels, keep in mind that a few preparations can help you to make the most of your journey from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios.
Opt for a private car service
The easiest way to travel from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios is with a Daytrip private driving transfer, offering you seamless door-to-door transport with a friendly English-speaking driver who can help you with your bags on either end of the trip and give some local insight into the area. This is a great choice for those seeking a little extra comfort on their travel day, as well as those who have children or more luggage in tow that can become difficult to navigate public transport with.
Give yourself plenty of time in Buzios
Armacao dos Buzios is the most popular town on the Costa do Sol coastline, but it is still often overlooked or used only as a brief detour by travelers to Brazil. This area is stunning and considered by many to be the best beach resort town in Brazil, so be sure to make the most of your time here and soak up all that this welcoming seaside community has to offer.
How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios
There are a few options for your journey from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios, including public transport and private driving services, each varying in cost and time commitment.
Bus from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios
The bus from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios is a relatively cheap transport option, with the price of tickets hovering around $9 to $13. The journey most often requires a transfer to a second bus in Itaborai and will take you just under 4 hours. Keep in mind that you will also have to account for the time and money spent getting to and from the bus stations in both cities.
Taxi from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios
Taxis from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios take around 2.5 hours, and the price can vary across companies, but it tends not to be a very cheap transport option. You can expect to spend at least $95 to $120, but the cost can be higher during peak travel times. As with the bus, you will not have the option of doing any sightseeing along the way as you might with a private transfer, and you may be restricted to certain pickup and dropoff zones depending on the taxi company’s individual policies.
Private Car from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios
The most efficient option for many travelers is a private driving transfer, such as the one offered by Daytrip. This route takes just 2 hours and 40 minutes from door to door, and rides start at $96 per person. This transfer method will be easiest for those with limited mobility or for anyone wary of navigating public transport, as your friendly driver will pick you up right at your door and help you along the way before dropping you off directly at your accommodation in Buzios.
Things to do when you get to Armacao dos Buzios
After your journey from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios, you are surrounded by a wondrous coastal town with bountiful activities available to get you outside to enjoy the sun. This is a tranquil waterside town with great opportunities to partake in watersports, lounge on the sand, or try the local Brazilian cuisine and shop along the main streets.
Surf or swim at Geriba Beach
This beach is one of the most popular in Buzios, with fantastic waves for those planning on a Brazilian surf break. The beach is very large, offering a few different surf breaks and calmer spots for the whole family to enjoy swimming and snorkeling. The golden sands and warm waters are a great introduction to your time in Buzios.
Relax at Ferradurinha Beach
Another favorite beach of the locals and visitors alike is Ferradurinha, which is surrounded by rugged mountains and cliffs, protecting the calm bay below. The white sand and turquoise waters make it a picturesque spot, though it is a much smaller beach than Geriba and visitors should try to get there early to claim a spot. This may be a better choice on windy days or for families with small children, as the waves are not as strong as Geriba.
Stroll Rua da Pedras
This is one of the most famous streets in the town, playing host to a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. The charming cobblestone street is a brief walkway, just over 1,968 miles (600 m) long, and offers great choices for handicrafts and nightlife.
Walk along Orla Brigitte Bardot
This is the main beach boulevard in Buzios and offers beautiful views over the bay with colorful fishing boats and statues of its namesake. This is the central area for eating and drinking as well as shopping, and you can access all of the main tours and attractions from this waterfront area.
When is the best time to visit Armacao dos Buzios?
As you plan your trip from Rio de Janeiro to Armação dos Búzios, it's essential to consider the best times to visit this beautiful seaside town. Like Rio, the peak tourism season is during the summer months, from November to February. Carnaval in February attracts many visitors, even though Búzios is not as popular for the festival as Rio.
To avoid crowds but still enjoy warm weather, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, from March to May or September to October. This period often offers cheaper flights and accommodation if you book in advance.
In the summer, temperatures in Búzios range from 75° F to 90° F (24° C to 32° C). During the winter months, temperatures range from 65° F to 75° F (18° C to 24° C).
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios
Visit these sights on the way
Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum
Admire amazing views and unique art from this icon of modern architecture. The Art Space(ship)
Praia do Popeye
Not to be confused with the famous Popeye Beach in Malta, this urban beach is just a few minutes walk from downtown Iguaba Grande. Sailors on the Lagoon
Pontal Beach
Pontal Beach is here to greet you with white sand beaches, access to city comforts, and great surf. The Caribbean of Brazil
Vehicle options for this trip
The Daytrip driver advantage
Local knowledge about the route from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios
Including available sights:English speaking*
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
Safety first!
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
World-class customer support
- Available 24/7
- Close relationship with drivers
- Experts on the route from Rio de Janeiro to Armacao dos Buzios
Flexible cancellation policy
- Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
- Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!
Good to know
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
- Big luggage
- 29x21x11 inches
- 74x53x28 cm
- Small luggage
- 22x14x9 inches
- 56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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