Corcovado Train
Ride a historic cog train through lush rainforest to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, offering breathtaking Rio views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.
Corcovado Train
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic cog train through lush rainforest to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, offering breathtaking Rio views.
"The Corcovado Train is a classic and comfortable way to reach the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue."
🎯 Book Online in Advance
Secure your tickets on the official website to skip lines and guarantee your spot.
💺 Sit on the Right Side
For the best views during the train ride, choose seats on the right side going up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scenic Train Journey
Cosme Velho Station to Corcovado Mountain
A charming 20-minute electric cog train ride through lush Atlantic rainforest, offering breathtaking views of Rio.
Christ the Redeemer Statue
Summit of Corcovado Mountain
The iconic Art Deco statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, offering panoramic views of the city.
Panoramic Views of Rio
Corcovado Mountain Summit
Unparalleled 360-degree vistas of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the city skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Choose Your Ride Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online in Advance
Secure your tickets on the official website to skip lines and guarantee your spot. +1
💺 Sit on the Right Side
For the best views during the train ride, choose seats on the right side going up. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs at the top.
☀️ Prepare for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, as it can get very hot and sunny.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online in Advance
Secure your tickets on the official website to skip lines and guarantee your spot. +1
💺 Sit on the Right Side
For the best views during the train ride, choose seats on the right side going up. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs at the top.
☀️ Prepare for the Sun
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, as it can get very hot and sunny.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Factor in travel to the station, the train ride, and time at the summit.
🌦️ Check the Weather
Visit on a clear day for the best views; some tickets may allow rescheduling if weather is poor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Corcovado Train as a charming and well-organized way to reach the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. The scenic journey through the rainforest is a highlight, with many recommending sitting on the right side for the best views. The overall experience is considered a must-do in Rio, though booking tickets in advance is strongly advised to avoid long queues.
"This is the train that takes you up to the Christ The Redeemer statue. Because we were on a private tour, our tickets were pre-purchased and I guess we could go up at anytime. We returned a few days later to go up on our own again, but the tickets had a one hour wait time, so plan accordingly. Tickets were about $8 per person round trip. Crowds at the end of June were minimal.
The main station features restrooms and a gift shop. Be sure to check out the cool flag display hanging from the ceiling.
The journey up on the electric train took about 20 minutes, making two stops in between.
Once at the top, you're free to stay as long as you like at the Statue. There are more gift shops and small cafes there.
TIPS:
Unfortunately, the site closes at night.
There is a road that goes up to the Statue as well."
Maui World Travelers
"The Corcovado Train is a classic and comfortable way to reach the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. The ride takes you through beautiful Atlantic rainforest, offering stunning views along the way — for the best scenery, try to sit on the right side of the train.
The service is well-organized and ideal for visitors of all ages. Booking your ticket in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends, as it gives you much faster access.
The train has a long history: it first reached the top of Corcovado Hill (710 m) back in 1885 and has been fully electric since 1910. Today’s trains, built by Stadler Rail (2019), are environmentally friendly — they recover energy from the downhill ride and use it to power the uphill journey.
Fun fact: Remember the movie Rio? The train appears in a few scenes — so if you look closely, you might just spot a certain blue bird along the way."
Dieter Albertz
"Buy your tickets directly in advance. Currently the site doesn't let you register it seems ( wrong date error). Reset password and you are good to go. Lines are long. They offer van transportation but the busy trainride is part of the experience😎"
Johan van Rijsbergen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main station is located at Rua Cosme Velho, 513. You can reach it by Uber, taxi, or public transport. Some visitors suggest taking an Uber from Copacabana or Ipanema directly to the Cosme Velho station. +1
The Corcovado Train offers a scenic and historic experience through the rainforest. Official vans are also available and can be quicker, but the train ride is often considered part of the iconic experience. +1
No, private cars including Ubers are not allowed to drive all the way to the top. You will need to use the official train or official shuttle vans from designated points.
From Copacabana, you can take an Uber or taxi directly to the Cosme Velho station. Alternatively, you can use public transport.
Yes, several public bus lines serve the Cosme Velho area. It's advisable to check local bus routes for the most convenient option from your location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The official website, www.tremdocorcovado.rio, is the recommended place to purchase tickets in advance. You can also buy them at the ticket booth at the station, but booking online is advised to avoid queues. +1
Ticket prices vary by season. In low season, adult tickets can be around R$93, while high season prices can be higher, around R$117.50. There are discounts for children and seniors. +1
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid long queues. +1
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the ticket booth at the Cosme Velho station. However, buying online in advance is generally preferred to guarantee entry and avoid waiting times.
The ticket typically includes the round-trip journey on the cog train and admission to the Christ the Redeemer monument area. +1
📸 📸 Photography & Views
For the most scenic views of Rio during the ascent, it's recommended to sit on the right side of the train. +1
Absolutely! The summit offers numerous vantage points for stunning photos of the statue and the panoramic cityscape.
Yes, you can take photos inside the train as it travels through the forest. The views from the windows are part of the experience.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during sunset, offers beautiful lighting and fewer crowds for photography.
While the entire summit offers great views, many visitors enjoy photos from the main viewing platforms directly in front of the statue.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The main station at Cosme Velho has restrooms and a gift shop. There are also small cafes and snack options available at the summit near the statue.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally best to consume food and drinks purchased at the designated areas to maintain the cleanliness of the site.
At the summit, you can find small cafes offering snacks, drinks, and light meals. Options are typically convenient but can be pricier.
The Cosme Velho neighborhood has various local restaurants and cafes where you can eat before or after your train journey.
Picnicking is generally not encouraged at the immediate summit area around the statue. It's best to enjoy meals at designated cafes or before/after your visit.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
The train journey from Cosme Velho station to the summit takes approximately 20 minutes each way. +1
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to account for travel to the station, the train ride, time at the summit, and the return journey.
The modern trains are designed to be accessible. At the summit, elevators, escalators, and stairs are available to reach the statue.
Yes, you can stay at the summit for as long as you wish. You just need to keep your ticket to board the return train.
The Corcovado Railway was inaugurated in 1884 and fully electrified in 1910. The current trains are modern and environmentally friendly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Consider purchasing tickets in advance to minimize waiting times, which can be challenging with young children. Bringing snacks and water is also a good idea, though there are cafes available at the top. Visiting during off-peak hours, like early morning, can provide a more relaxed experience for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Some Reddit users suggest that while hiking is an option, it's very long and still requires an entrance fee. The most cost-effective way to reach the summit is often by combining public transport to the Cosme Velho station with the train ticket. Always compare prices on the official website and be wary of unofficial vendors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Key advice: Aim for clear weather days and consider visiting during less crowded times (early morning or late afternoon) to get unobstructed shots of the statue and the cityscape. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the vastness of the scene.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Corcovado Train Experience
Upon arrival at the summit, you'll disembark and have access to elevators, escalators, and stairs to reach the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. The train ticket typically includes both the ascent and descent, allowing you to spend as much time as you like at the top before returning.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the train ride itself is a highlight. The sounds of the rainforest, the changing scenery, and the anticipation of reaching the summit create a unique atmosphere. It’s a journey that connects you with the natural beauty of Rio before you even reach its most famous landmark. The historical significance of the railway, coupled with its modern efficiency, makes it a truly special way to visit Christ the Redeemer.
Navigating to Christ the Redeemer
It's important to note that private vehicles, including Ubers, cannot drive directly to the summit. They will typically drop you off at a base point where you'll need to transfer to either the train or an official van.
When planning your visit, consider the time of day. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds and the midday sun, making for a more pleasant experience.
Photography Tips for Christ the Redeemer
To avoid the harshest light and the biggest crowds, aim for an early morning visit or a late afternoon session, especially around sunset.
Don't forget to capture the details: the intricate stonework of the statue, the expressions of fellow visitors, and the vastness of the landscape. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the grandeur of the statue and the expansive city views. Remember to keep your camera or phone secure, especially in crowded areas, and enjoy the process of documenting your unforgettable visit.
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