The trip to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro is easy and enjoyable, as the journey blends with Brazil's beautiful tropical scenery. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this beautiful island for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Ilha Grande is part of the municipality of Angra dos Reis and is located about 150 kilometers from Rio. Are you thinking about visiting this spot but aren't sure what means of transportation can take you there and how to travel? Then save this Tangol guide. And if you want to add the best experiences to your trip, don't miss our tours in Rio de Janeiro.
Ilha Grande Has No Cars or Motorcycles: A Key Fact for Your Trip
Before planning your transfers, there's something worth knowing: no private cars or motorcycles circulate on Ilha Grande. The only authorized vehicles are a handful of official ones (police motorcycles, a municipal tow truck, an ambulance, and the garbage truck). Everything else moves on foot, by handcart, or by boat — even merchandise for local shops is pushed by local workers along dirt or cobblestone streets.
This fact changes the way you plan your trip. You won't be able to rent a car or get around by motorcycle on the island, so it's a good idea to pack light, easy-to-carry luggage — wheeled suitcases aren't practical on unpaved streets — and comfortable walking shoes, since much of the travel between beaches is done on foot along trails or by boat from the Vila do Abraão pier.
Transportation from Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí, or Mangaratiba
Most visitors start their trip from Rio de Janeiro and travel by bus or car to one of the three departure points to the island: Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí, or Mangaratiba. The company Costa Verde runs buses from the Novo Rio Terminal to Angra dos Reis. The trip takes about 4 hours.
Travel agencies like Tangol offer a transfer service from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande. The transfer includes direct pickup from hotels and airports in Rio to the departure points, and drop-off on your return.
By private or rental car, the route to Ilha Grande is via the BR-101 highway. The trip takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Boats to Ilha Grande
Once you reach one of the three ports, you'll need to take a boat to cross over to Ilha Grande. The choice of port and type of boat significantly affects the cost and duration of the crossing, so it's worth knowing the differences before booking.
Public ferries are the most affordable option. They depart frequently from Angra dos Reis and Conceição de Jacareí to the main pier in Vila do Abraão, the island's largest village. Fares usually run around R$20 to R$25 per person. Conceição de Jacareí has the most daily departures, making it the most practical choice if your priority is not being tied to a single fixed schedule.
Mangaratiba is the port closest to Rio de Janeiro by land, but it has an important limitation: only the public ferry departs from there, with just one departure per day. It's worth considering only if your schedule lines up exactly with that departure time; otherwise, it's better to choose Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí.
Another option is speedboats (or "flex boats"), which depart more frequently, especially from Conceição de Jacareí, and cross in 15 to 40 minutes depending on the boat. They cost several times more than the public ferry, but cut travel time considerably. You can also hire private boat services for a personalized transfer.
Note: boat schedules and fares are subject to change. We recommend confirming them before your trip on the shipping company's website or with your trusted travel agency.
How to Get from Rio de Janeiro Airport to Ilha Grande
To reach Ilha Grande safely and hassle-free from the Rio airport, your best option is the Tangol private transfer package. A van or transfer vehicle will pick you up at Rio de Janeiro airport. After a 2-hour drive, you'll arrive at the Conceição de Jacareí pier. The package includes a boat ticket to cross the water and finally reach the main pier in Abraão.
The travel agency also offers transfers from Rio de Janeiro to hotels in Angra dos Reis. Once you arrive at this tropical paradise, you can enjoy a boat excursion around the beautiful islands of Cataguases, Lagoa Azul, Freguesia de Santana, and Japariz.
Lopes Mendes, the Beach Waiting on the Other Side
Much of the appeal of crossing over to Ilha Grande has a name of its own: Lopes Mendes, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, with nearly 3 km of white sand and crystal-clear waters. You can get there from Vila do Abraão by boat, or by walking a jungle trail that takes between 2 and 2.5 hours if you'd rather go on foot. There's no development or lounge chair rentals, so it's a good idea to bring your own water, sunscreen, and something to sit on.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Trip
- Advance bookings: Especially during high season, it's advisable to book buses and boats ahead of time.
- Light luggage: Opt for lightweight backpacks and suitcases that are easy to carry on foot along dirt or cobblestone streets. It's also a good idea to cover your luggage with something waterproof, since access to the island is limited and may involve boat trips.
- Schedules: Check departure times for buses and boats to avoid setbacks, especially if you're crossing from Mangaratiba, where there's only one departure per day.
- Cash: Ilha Grande has no ATMs. Most businesses accept cards, but it's still a good idea to carry some cash for small tips, like for the porters who help with luggage at the pier.
Can You Bring a Car to Ilha Grande?
No. No private cars or motorcycles circulate on the island, only a handful of official vehicles. If you travel by your own or a rental car, you leave it parked at the departure port (Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí, or Mangaratiba) and cross by boat.
How Much Does the Ferry from Angra dos Reis Cost?
The public ferry usually costs between R$20 and R$25 per person, though it's a good idea to confirm the current fare before traveling. Speedboats cost several times more, but cut crossing time considerably.
What's the Fastest Way to Get There from Rio?
A private transfer combined with a speedboat from Conceição de Jacareí is usually the fastest and most convenient option, since it avoids having to coordinate bus and ferry schedules separately.
Are There ATMs on the Island?
No. Ilha Grande has no banks or ATMs, although most businesses accept debit or credit cards. It's still a good idea to bring some cash for minor expenses.