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Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde) Rio de Janeiro

4.5

·10k reviews·, Brazil

Ride Rio's historic yellow tram through bohemian Santa Teresa, over the Lapa Aqueduct, and into a vibrant artistic neighborhood.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Shorter queues, more relaxed

CrowdLow

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Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde) Rio de Janeiro

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Shorter queues, more relaxed

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride Rio's historic yellow tram through bohemian Santa Teresa, over the Lapa Aqueduct, and into a vibrant artistic neighborhood.

4.5

(10k reviews)

"A historic tram ride offering charming views, but be prepared for potentially long waits."

TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Shorter Waits

Beat the crowds by arriving at the station before opening (8 AM weekdays, 9 AM weekends) .

💰 Return Ticket Price

A round trip on the tram costs 20 Reales .

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 10,553 reviews

Address

R. Lélio Gama, s/n - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20031-080, Brazil

Website

linktr.ee/bondesantateresaoficial?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=12d8ce1c-09e9-4203-9e15-5aa1affbd049

♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Bonde Ride

Carioca Station to Santa Teresa

Ride a historic tram through charming streets, over aqueducts, and into the bohemian heart of Rio.

Lapa Aqueduct Views

Over the Lapa Aqueduct

Experience breathtaking views as the tram glides over the historic Lapa Aqueduct.

Santa Teresa's Bohemian Charm

Santa Teresa Neighborhood

Discover winding cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, and vibrant street art.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Timing is Everything

The Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde) is a beloved icon, but it gets crowded! To avoid long waits, aim for early mornings on weekdays. Weekends and holidays can mean hours in line, as one traveler found out on Republic Day.

Consider skipping the tram altogether if time is tight and opt for an Uber to explore Santa Teresa's charming streets.

Beyond the Tram: Explore Santa Teresa

While the Bonde is a historic experience, some visitors feel it's a 'tourist trap' with long waits for a short ride.

For a more flexible exploration of Santa Teresa's bohemian vibe, colorful street art, and stunning views, consider using ride-sharing services or walking to discover hidden gems.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Shorter queues, more relaxed

Crowd

Low

When

Afternoons (avoiding holidays)

Why

Still charming, fewer crowds

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bonde de Santa Teresa (Santa Teresa Tram, or Tramway) is a historic tram line in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It connects the city centre with the primarily residential, inner-city neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. It is mainly maintained as a tourist attraction and is nowadays considered a heritage tramway system, having been designated a national historic monument in 1985. It was opened in 1877 and i...

diariesofaborga

12 likes • 234 views

🎯 Arrive Early for Shorter Waits

Beat the crowds by arriving at the station before opening (8 AM weekdays, 9 AM weekends).

💰 Return Ticket Price

A round trip on the tram costs 20 Reales.

Santa Teresa tram line is one of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic symbols which connects the the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa to downtown Rio de Janeiro for last 127 years. The “bonde”, as locals call it, is the oldest tram line in Rio de Janeiro & is operational from 1896. The tram leaves every 15 minutes from Monday to Friday. It takes around 29 minutes to go from Santa Teresa station to San Jos...

badasschayanika

24 likes • 255 views

Bonde 23 dando entrada na estação Carioca / Motorneiro Nelson Correia da Silva na tarde do dia 25/07/2025 Imagens: @daddo_moreira Quem aqui já andou no mundialmente conhecido Bonde de Santa Teresa? Em qual época? Deixe sua mensagem aqui nos comentários! #bondedesantateresa #bonde #santateresa #centrallogística #setram #rioantigo #riodejaneiro #estação #tram #errejota #bondinho #trilhosdorio

trilhosdorio

66 likes • 1.4K views

🗣️ Limited English Spoken

Don't expect many English speakers among staff, but it won't hinder the experience.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Santa Teresa on Foot

Consider an Uber to the neighborhood and explore its art and views without the tram wait.

Santa Teresa, no Rio de Janeiro, é um bairro boêmio e histórico, conhecido por suas ruas estreitas e casarões antigos. Seu icônico bonde, o “Santa Teresa Tram”, é uma atração turística que oferece vistas deslumbrantes e conecta o bairro ao centro da cidade, preservando parte da história e cultura carioca.

pinon_noir

68 likes • 479 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Shorter Waits

Beat the crowds by arriving at the station before opening (8 AM weekdays, 9 AM weekends).

💰 Return Ticket Price

A round trip on the tram costs 20 Reales.

🗣️ Limited English Spoken

Don't expect many English speakers among staff, but it won't hinder the experience.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Santa Teresa on Foot

Consider an Uber to the neighborhood and explore its art and views without the tram wait.

🎨 See Graffiti Art

The tram offers a unique perspective on the neighborhood's vibrant graffiti art scene.

What Travellers Say

4.5

(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Santa Teresa Tram is a historic icon offering a charming ride through Rio's bohemian heart, with stunning views over the Lapa Aqueduct. However, many visitors report extremely long wait times, especially on weekends, leading some to label it a 'tourist trap' and suggest exploring the neighborhood via Uber instead.

"Would give 0 if I could)
Total tourist trap. Waited over two hours just to get on the so-called “bonde” of Santa Teresa — all that for a few houses and a view you can easily see from plenty of other spots in Rio without wasting half your day.
The ride itself is nothing special, and the worst part is you can simply drive or take an Uber straight up to the center of the neighborhood and skip the entire pointless wait.
I honestly have no idea how this is still considered a tourist attraction.
Avoid at all costs"

Sebastian Velandia

"We went on two separate days the first was a Wed and we walked right up and it was so fast and charming. The second time was in republic day and it was 2.5 hour wait. A bit of bummer for our last full day but we were tired and it was hot so it worked out."

Zachary Farley

"Santa Teresa Tram Bondes Station is the starting point for an old historical Tram in Rio. It is very popular to make a ride up to Santa Teresa. So be aware that it is crowded and one has to wait some time to get on the tram. Best time is to be there early. Operation Starts at 8 am. Return tickets costs 20 Reales."

Georg Erber

What People Like

Historic tram experience

Scenic views

Bohemian neighborhood charm

What People Dislike

Excessive wait times

Can feel like a tourist trap

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The main station for the Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde) is Estação Carioca, located in downtown Rio de Janeiro. You can easily reach it by metro, getting off at the Carioca station. Many visitors also opt for ride-sharing services like Uber or taxis to get directly to the station or even to the Santa Teresa neighborhood itself, bypassing potential tram queues.

Yes, the Estação Carioca is a well-known landmark in downtown Rio. Look for signs directing you to the Bonde de Santa Teresa. The tram's distinctive yellow color and tracks make it easily recognizable once you're in the vicinity.

Absolutely! Many travelers recommend taking an Uber or taxi directly to the Santa Teresa neighborhood. This allows you to explore its streets, viewpoints, and attractions without the potentially long wait times for the tram.

While the tram is iconic, Santa Teresa is best explored on foot to discover its hidden alleys, art studios, and cafes. For longer distances within the neighborhood, ride-sharing services are a convenient option.

The Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde) is the most famous and historic tram line in Rio de Janeiro, primarily serving as a tourist attraction connecting the city center with the Santa Teresa neighborhood.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A return ticket for the Santa Teresa Tram costs 20 Brazilian Reales. It's advisable to have cash on hand, though card payments might be accepted.

Tickets are purchased at the Estação Carioca, the starting point of the tram line. It's recommended to buy your ticket upon arrival at the station.

The tram typically operates from Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, hours can be subject to change, and the service is also dependent on passenger capacity.

Advance booking is generally not required or possible for the Santa Teresa Tram. Tickets are purchased on the day of travel at the station. Due to its popularity, arriving early is key to securing a spot without a long wait.

Information regarding accessibility for the Santa Teresa Tram can be limited. It's best to inquire directly at the station or check the official operator's website for the most up-to-date details on accessibility features.

📸 📸 Photography

The tram offers fantastic vantage points for photography. Capture the iconic yellow tram against the backdrop of Rio's cityscape, the historic Lapa Aqueduct, and the charming streets of Santa Teresa. The colorful graffiti art in the neighborhood is also a popular subject.

Yes, you can take photos from the tram windows. However, be mindful of reflections and the movement of the tram. For the best shots, try to position yourself near the windows and be patient.

Absolutely! Santa Teresa is a photographer's paradise with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and panoramic city views from various viewpoints like Parque das Ruínas.

Early morning light can be beautiful for photography, offering softer light and fewer people. Late afternoon can also provide lovely golden hour shots, but be aware that crowds might increase.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both the tram and the wider neighborhood scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the street art and expansive views. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone if you're relying on it for photos.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the Estação Carioca is in the city center, Santa Teresa itself is renowned for its excellent dining options. Once you reach the neighborhood, you'll find charming restaurants and cafes offering traditional Brazilian cuisine and international dishes.

Santa Teresa offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional Brazilian fare to more contemporary dishes. Many restaurants are set in historic buildings, providing a unique dining atmosphere.

Santa Teresa is home to several well-regarded restaurants. Exploring the neighborhood will lead you to places like Aprazível, known for its stunning views and Brazilian cuisine, or Bar do Mineiro for a more traditional experience.

Dining prices in Santa Teresa can vary. While some high-end restaurants offer fine dining experiences, you can also find more casual and affordable eateries scattered throughout the neighborhood.

Many restaurants in Santa Teresa are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff about their plant-based choices.