If you're planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro, a visit to the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain is a must. How to get there, operating hours, and ticket options are some of the most common questions about this attraction. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know so you can choose the best Tangol tour for you.
The mountain rises 396 meters above sea level. It’s not only a viewpoint but also an area rich in biodiversity. From its peak, you can admire Guanabara Bay, Corcovado Mountain, downtown Rio, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Taking the famous Bondinho cable car, also known as the Sugarloaf cable car, is the start of an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, history, and excitement. That’s why this experience connects visitors to the true essence of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.
Sugarloaf Mountain Tour in Rio de Janeiro: Discover the Best of the City
Among our Rio de Janeiro tours, you’ll find options that include a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain as well as other nearby attractions. These tours may include transportation, entrance tickets, and local guides.
Our recommended tours combine the cable car experience with other top Rio attractions, such as Christ the Redeemer and Santa Teresa neighborhood
The Sugarloaf Cable Car: History and Use
Sugarloaf Mountain was a witness to the founding of Rio de Janeiro in the 16th century. There are several theories about how it got its name. The most popular one suggests that between the 16th and 18th centuries, during the peak of sugarcane production, sugar blocks were stored in cone-shaped molds for export. The mountain’s resemblance to these sugar molds is believed to be the origin of its name.
The Bondinho cable car was inaugurated in 1912, making it Brazil’s first cable car and the third in the world. Its purpose was to connect Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf Mountain. Since then, it has become a symbol of Brazilian tourism and culture, transporting an estimated 40 million visitors over the years.
The cable car ride consists of two sections:
- From Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca
- From Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf Mountain
The panoramic views during the journey are absolutely stunning, offering sights of the city, its beaches, and iconic mountains.
Tickets and Admission to Sugarloaf Mountain
Tickets for the Sugarloaf cable car can be purchased on the official website or at the Parque Bondinho ticket office. Prices vary depending on the season and the visitor’s age. There are also tour packages to Sugarloaf Mountain that include transportation and specialized guides.
Sugarloaf Mountain Operating Hours in Rio de Janeiro
The Bondinho cable car operates:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last ride at 6:30 PM)
- Friday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM (last ride at 7:00 PM)
For a Sugarloaf Mountain tour, a morning itinerary is recommended to avoid crowds, or a sunset visit to enjoy the spectacular views.
How to Get to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro: All Transport Options
The cable car station is located in Urca, a safe and picturesque neighborhood. The address of this monument is Avenida Pasteur, 520. Here are the best ways to get there:
- Metro: Take the subway to Botafogo Station, exit E – Mena Barreto, and walk to the final stop of bus 513 on Rua Voluntários da Pátria. Take the bus and get off at UNIRIO University. From there, walk 260 meters to Parque Bondinho.
- Bicycle: Parque Bondinho does not have a bike rack, but you can secure your bike with a lock near the newspaper kiosk in front of Árabe da Urca restaurant, close to the entrance. A few meters before, on Av. Pasteur, there is a designated bike rack.
- Car: Parque Bondinho does not have its own parking lot, but visitors receive an exclusive benefit: parking at Botafogo Praia Shopping (Praia de Botafogo, 400 – Botafogo, RJ) for only R$18 per day. To claim the discount, go to the fourth floor of the parking area and show your Parque Bondinho ticket (physical or PDF version) to activate the reduced rate.
- Train: Visitors from Niterói, Ilha do Governador, or Paquetá Islands can take the ferry to Praça XV. From there, they can either walk to Largo da Carioca (740 meters) or take VLT Line 2 to Cristiano Ottoni – Pequena África Station, then board bus 107 (Central). Get off at UNIRIO University and walk 180 meters to Parque Bondinho.
- Bus: The main bus lines to Parque Bondinho are:
- 📍 107 – Central – Urca (BRS – 1 Rapid Transit Bus via Flamengo Beach).
- 📍 513 SP – Urca – Botafogo Metro (via Shopping Rio Sul – Metro Integration).
- 📍 518 – Urca – Botafogo (Circular) – via Copacabana.
- 📍 519 – Urca – Copacabana – via Botafogo.
- 📍 167 – Terminal Gentileza – Urca (Circular) – via Marcello Alencar.