Tickets for Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain can be purchased online through the official websites of each attraction or as part of a tour that includes them. It's best to book your date and time in advance of your trip, as tickets sell out quickly during peak season. For Christ the Redeemer, the ticket includes round-trip transportation. For Sugarloaf Mountain, the ticket is for the cable car ride.
In this guide, you'll find information on where to buy tickets for Christ the Redeemer , the cost of admission to Sugarloaf Mountain , what each ticket includes, and how to get to each location. You'll also find tours with included tickets and hotel transfers for those who prefer not to arrange anything.
If you want to see all the options with ticket, transfer and guide included, check out our tours in Rio de Janeiro .
Tickets for Christ the Redeemer: where and how to buy them
Christ the Redeemer stands atop Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters high, within Tijuca National Park. Private cars are not allowed, so admission is always included with transportation : either the Corcovado Historic Train or the official Paineiras vans.
This simplifies the purchase, but it's important to know that there are two official systems with different prices, schedules, and departure points . Choosing one or the other depends on where you're staying and what you want to see along the way.
Let's see how to get there, where to buy tickets, how much they cost, and what they include.
How to get to Christ the Redeemer: train and van
There are two official ways to get to Christ the Redeemer: the Corcovado train and the Paineiras van. The train departs from Cosme Velho station , at 513 Cosme Velho Street, and travels up through the Atlantic Forest of Tijuca National Park. It's an electric locomotive that has been operating since 1884 and carries more than 1.5 million passengers annually. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
To get to the station, you can take the metro to Largo do Machado and then take bus 583 or 422 towards Cosme Velho . There are also direct bus lines from Copacabana and Leblon.
The alternative is the official Paineiras van , which departs from Copacabana (Praça do Lido, Posto 2) and Largo do Machado, as well as the Paineiras Visitor Center . The company recommends boarding from Copacabana or Largo do Machado, as the visitor center does not have parking.
Entrance ticket to Christ the Redeemer on the Corcovado train
If you want just the entrance ticket, without a guide or transfer, the Christ the Redeemer entrance ticket on the Corcovado train includes the ride on the official train and access to the monument . It must be presented at the Cosme Velho station, where it's advisable to arrive about 30 minutes early.
The train travels through the Atlantic Forest of Tijuca National Park, a jungle within the city, and arrives at the foot of Christ the Redeemer, offering views of the city and the bay. The return trip is on a first-come, first-served basis. Since it doesn't include hotel pickup or a guide, it's the best option for those who prefer to travel independently. Bring your passport or ID.
Where to buy tickets for Christ the Redeemer
Another option is to buy tickets online, either on the official Corcovado train website or the Paineiras website . On the train, you purchase tickets by selecting a date and departure time. Paineiras also sells tickets online and at the Copacabana and Largo do Machado boarding points, although the company recommends booking in advance.
The Paineiras ticket arrives by email and can be shown on your phone without needing to be exchanged at a ticket office. It's valid for 30 days from the date of purchase, can be changed once, and can be canceled up to seven days after purchase. It's advisable to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
If you're looking to buy tickets for Christ the Redeemer as part of a package, guided tours usually include the ticket and transportation. I'll review the options below.
Tickets for Christ the Redeemer: price, discounts and what's included
The entrance fee to Christ the Redeemer by train is R$ 139 for adults , according to the official website, which displays the price for the chosen date. Prices vary depending on the day and time, so use that figure only as a reference and check the current price when booking .
The entrance fee includes round-trip transportation and access to the monument . Children aged 7 to 11 pay a reduced rate, and children under 6 are free with ID. Discounts are available for seniors (60+), students, and other groups, but several rates are only for Brazilians or residents. Ask about your specific situation when purchasing your ticket and bring your ID.
Sugarloaf Mountain entrance in Rio de Janeiro: how it works
Sugarloaf Mountain is a peak approximately 396 meters high, located at the entrance to Guanabara Bay, in the Urca neighborhood . To reach the summit, a cable car departs from the station at Avenida Pasteur 520, in Praia Vermelha, and ascends in two stages .
The entrance fee to Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil is the cable car ticket , which covers both legs of the ascent and allows you to return on any cable car. Unlike Christ the Redeemer, there is no train or van service: the ticket is purchased directly for the cable car. It can be exchanged at the ticket office at Avenida Pasteur 520, in Urca , and allows you to ascend on both legs and return on any cable car.
At the top, you'll have free time to explore, take photos, and grab a bite to eat in the food court or restaurant. After confirming your purchase, you'll receive your exact boarding time.
How much does it cost to enter Sugarloaf Mountain?
The price of admission to Sugarloaf Mountain varies depending on the date, time, and ticket type . A stable reference price is $30 per adult, but this may change: check the current price on the Tangol information sheet or the park's official website when booking.
There are timed and flexible entry options. Some offers combine Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain on a single ticket , which is usually more convenient than buying each ticket separately. Children and seniors have special rates, but the conditions vary depending on the type of visitor.
To see both attractions in one day, the best strategy is to combine Christ the Redeemer in the morning with Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset : they are about 11 km apart, between 20 and 25 minutes by car.
How the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car works
The Sugarloaf Mountain cable car has two sections. The first reaches Morro da Urca, at about 220 meters, in about three minutes. The second ascends to the summit, at 396 meters, and takes another three minutes. The cabins are enclosed, made of glass, and can carry up to 65 passengers.
The cable cars depart approximately every 20 minutes. At Morro da Urca, there's an area with a restaurant and a viewpoint, and from the top, the view is 360 degrees: you can see Copacabana, Botafogo, Guanabara Bay, and the Rio-Niterói Bridge. It's also possible to see monkeys at Morro da Urca.
There is a hiking trail to Morro da Urca, which takes 30 to 45 minutes, but the summit is only accessible to experienced hikers. The cable cars and stations are wheelchair accessible, but the trail is not.
How to combine Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in one day
To see both in one day, the best option is to visit Christ the Redeemer in the morning and Sugarloaf Mountain in the afternoon. There are fewer people at Corcovado in the morning, and sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the best times of day. In between, there's time for lunch in Copacabana, Botafogo, or Urca.
If you buy tickets separately, book the Christ the Redeemer statue time slot first, as it has the most limited availability, and then choose the cable car time slot. With a tour that includes both, this order is already arranged, and you don't have to coordinate transfers.
Excursions to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain with entrance fees included
Guided tours are the most convenient way to see both sites, as they include entrance fees, transportation to Corcovado and the cable car, and hotel pickup . They also include other stops in the city, such as Maracanã Stadium, the Sambadrome, and the Selarón Steps .
There are half-day and full-day options, with or without lunch. Some start at Christ the Redeemer and others at Sugarloaf Mountain. Most depart from hotels in Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.
Below are the alternatives depending on the time you have.
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain with tickets and transportation
Tour to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain with tickets and transfer It's done by jeep. It includes entrance fees to Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain, and is a good option for those who want to see both places without buying separate tickets.
The tour passes through Tijuca National Park, with a stop at the Chino viewpoint, and goes up to Corcovado , where you reach the foot of the statue in panoramic elevators.
After lunch , the tour continues to Sugarloaf Mountain, taking the cable car up to Morro da Urca and then to the summit . The excursion also includes a visit to the Botanical Garden , featuring imperial palms, Victoria Regia water lilies, and Brazilwood trees. Entrance to the garden is not included.
Rio Express: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
The Rio Express tour of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain is the shortest version: it takes about five hours and leaves the afternoon free. It starts at Sugarloaf Mountain, with the two cable car rides, offering views of Copacabana, Flamengo, Botafogo, and the Rio-Niterói Bridge .
Afterwards, a van takes you up the Paineiras road to Corcovado, at 710 meters . At the Christ the Redeemer statue, there's time for photos and the classic pose with open arms. From there, you can see the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Maracanã stadium, and the beaches.
It includes entrance fees and transportation, but not meals. It's advisable to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain with lunch
The Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain tour with lunch is the best option for a full-day excursion. It allows you to choose between ascending Corcovado by van or on the historic train, and between lunch at a steakhouse or a buffet.
In addition to Christ the Redeemer, the tour includes an outdoor stop at Maracanã Stadium, and passes by the Sambadrome and the Praça da Apoteosis (Apotheosis Square ). Then, a cable car ride ascends Sugarloaf Mountain , and the tour concludes with a visit to the historic center: the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Selarón Steps, and the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches).
It includes both entrance fees, lunch, and a guide. It's the most comprehensive tour to see the city's main attractions in one day.
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and Selarón Steps
On the tour to Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Selarón Steps , the van ascends Corcovado Mountain through the Tijuca Forest. In the city center, you'll visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, with its 64-meter-high stained-glass windows, and the Selarón Steps, with their 215 steps covered in colorful tiles. The day concludes at Sugarloaf Mountain, with a ride on both sections of the cable car and sunset views from the summit . The tour includes entrance fees to both Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Christ the Redeemer City Tour
The Christ the Redeemer City Tour is a short, half-day option that combines Christ the Redeemer with the city center. You can ascend Corcovado Mountain by historic tram or van, at your choice.
From Christ the Redeemer, you can see Copacabana, Ipanema, the lagoon, and Sugarloaf Mountain . The tour then passes by Maracanã Stadium, but only from the outside. In the city center, you'll visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, Cinelândia Square, and the Rio Opera House. There's an alternative tour without the entrance to Corcovado Mountain for those who already have it. It's advisable to confirm what's included in your chosen option.
Sugarloaf Mountain and beaches
Sugarloaf Mountain and beaches is a four-hour excursion designed for those who only want to see Sugarloaf Mountain. It begins in the Urca neighborhood, with the two cable car rides to Morro da Urca and the summit .
Then you travel along the coast by vehicle, passing through Copacabana, with its nearly 4 km of beach, Ipanema, and Leblon. From the top, you can also see the historic center and the Rio-Niterói Bridge, and on Morro da Urca, you might spot monkeys. Entrance to Sugarloaf Mountain is included. It's a good half-day option for those who have already visited Christ the Redeemer or who want to save it for another day.
2-day promotions with Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain
If you have more time, there are packages that add other activities to the two main attractions. These are useful for those looking for a complete experience, with tickets already included. The next two packages last two days : one adds an excursion to the Costa Verde (Green Coast) and the other adds the carnival culture.
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and Angra dos Reis
The Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Angra dos Reis tour package is a two-day trip . It includes entrance fees to Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain , and lunch on both days.
The first day covers Christ the Redeemer, an external visit to Maracanã, the Sambadrome, lunch, the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset, and the historic center.
On the second day, you'll travel to Angra dos Reis, an area with over 300 islands, and take a four-hour schooner tour. Stops are made at Cataguases Island, Lagoa Azul, and Japariz Beach, with time for swimming. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and live samba
The Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain promo with live samba adds the Samba City and an evening show to the first day. It includes admission to both attractions, the show, and the carnival experience. Meals are not included.
The first day includes a visit to Christ the Redeemer, the historic center and the Selarón Steps, and ends with the sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain.
On the second day, you'll visit the City of Samba, where the carnival costumes and floats are being prepared by members of the Grande Rio samba school. In the evening, the Ginga Tropical show combines samba, forró, and live music.
When to visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain: tips before you buy
The time of day and the season influence the visit as much as the entrance fee. Christ the Redeemer gets crowded mid-morning and in the afternoon, while Sugarloaf Mountain is more popular at sunset . Choosing the right time to visit avoids queues and improves your photos.
Besides the opening hours, it's worth considering the time of year. December to March is peak season, with warmer weather, more tourists, and tickets selling out faster. From May to September, there are fewer people, and the days are usually cooler and more suitable for walking. Weekdays are always quieter than weekends and holidays .
Finally, if your trip is short, prioritize Christ the Redeemer on a clear day: it's the most affected by cloud cover . Sugarloaf Mountain, on the other hand, offers good views even with partly cloudy skies, and sunset is its best time.
Best time to visit Christ the Redeemer
The best time to go is first thing in the morning. Paineiras recommends booking the 8 a.m. slot, when there are fewer people and the sky is usually clearer. As the day progresses, the number of visitors increases, and from 4 p.m. onwards there is less light at the summit.
If the sky is overcast, the statue may be obscured by clouds. Check the forecast the day before and, if possible, allow a day's buffer.
Best time to visit Sugarloaf Mountain
The best time to visit Sugarloaf Mountain is at sunset. It's advisable to arrive at the cable car between 3:30 and 5:00 PM to reach the summit about 30 minutes before sunset. This is also the busiest time, so it's best to buy your ticket with a specific date and time.
A typical visit lasts between two and three hours. During peak season, from December to March, it's more crowded; from May to September, it's less busy. Weekdays are better than weekends.
What to bring and what to consider when buying tickets
Bring your passport or ID, as it's required to validate special rates and for some entrances for foreigners . Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a light jacket: it's windy and the temperature drops at higher altitudes.
When buying tickets, check that they show the date, time, and boarding point, and save the confirmation on your phone. If you're traveling in a group, buy all your tickets on the same booking so you can board together. And avoid buying from unofficial websites or those of recognized agencies.