Four ways to reach the statue
The national park names the cog train, the official Paineiras vans, authorized local guides and hiking trails as the ways to visit. You cannot drive your own car up to the statue. The vans and the train are separate products with their own prices, start points and hours, and each ticket includes entry to the monument.
Since 3 August 2026 the escalators at the top are out of service and the park halved the number of people allowed at once. That affects every route, including the trail. Read the notes on the tickets page and choose a time slot where you can.
The routes compared
Adult prices in BRL, as published in 2026.
| Route | Starts at | Adult price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cog train | Cosme Velho | BRL 134 | Return trip and monument entry included |
| Van | Paineiras visitor center | BRL 87 | Taxi or ride app needed to reach it, no visitor car park |
| Van | Largo do Machado | BRL 132 | About 2 minutes on foot from the metro station |
| Van | Praça do Lido, Copacabana | BRL 132 | About 10 minutes on foot from Cardeal Arcoverde |
| Van | Catedral Metropolitana | BRL 132 as reported at the start | New since 23 September 2026 |
| On foot | Parque Lage | BRL 58 to 60 for entry at the top | Steep, up to 4 hours uphill |
Christ the Redeemer trips with transport
Tours that handle the transport to the statue, with live prices and availability. Check the meeting point and what is included before you book.
Vans from the city
The official vans are run by the Paineiras operator. A ticket covers the ride up and back to the same departure point and entry to the monument. You cannot return to a different station.
Departure points
- Largo do Machado, in front of the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Glória, about 2 minutes on foot from the metro station of the same name.
- Praça do Lido in Copacabana, between Belfort Roxo and Ronald de Carvalho. The nearest metro station is Cardeal Arcoverde, about 10 minutes on foot.
- Catedral Metropolitana, Avenida República do Chile 245, open since 23 September 2026. The operator names Carioca as the nearest metro and tram station.
- Paineiras visitor center on Estrada das Paineiras. There is no visitor parking.
Times and arrival
The published times are not the same everywhere. The operator's questions page lists Copacabana and Largo do Machado from 07:00 to 16:00 and Paineiras from 07:30 to 18:00, with the last entry at 17:00. A newer post lists Largo do Machado from 08:00 to 16:00 and Paineiras from 07:30 to 17:00. Check the current times before you go. Be at the stop 15 minutes before your slot. The operator allows a 15-minute tolerance, not more.
Taxi, ride app, metro and car
What helps, and what the operators do not promise.
Taxi or ride app to Paineiras
The operator recommends a taxi or a ride app to reach the visitor center. The ride from there to the statue takes about 15 minutes. Nobody guarantees a ride back, so book the van both ways.
Metro
There is no metro station called Cristo Redentor. The operator lists Largo do Machado, Botafogo and the Copacabana stations on line 1, plus Nossa Senhora da Paz in Ipanema and Antero de Quental in Leblon on line 4. Metro payment works by contactless card (Visa, Mastercard or Elo).
Car
No product exists for driving your own car to the statue, and there is no visitor car park at Paineiras. Leave the car and use a taxi, a ride app, the train or a van.
Road closure notice
The van operator lists the approach to the visitor center from the Alto da Boa Vista side as closed, without an end date. Use a route from the city side and ask your driver.
Walking up
The hike starts at Parque Lage, Rua Jardim Botânico 414, and follows trails towards Paineiras and the upper section. The park gives up to 4 hours uphill and calls it steep and demanding. It is not recommended for children under 10 or for people with no hiking experience. The final trail section from Paineiras, opened in December 2024, is 1.15 km long with a climb of 260 m and takes about 45 minutes.
Do not walk up the Estrada do Corcovado. The park rules do not allow pedestrians on that road. Use the signed trail only. Hikers still buy an entry ticket at the top. The full route, rules and safety advice are on the hike page.
Check the timetable of the Corcovado train as well. For safety in the city, including at night and on the way to the stops, read Is Rio safe?.
Getting to Christ the Redeemer: frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get to Christ the Redeemer?
For most visitors it is the train from Cosme Velho or a van from a city stop such as Largo do Machado. Both include the return trip and entry. Choose by where you stay and by which departure time is open.
Where do the vans leave from?
From Largo do Machado, Praça do Lido in Copacabana, the Catedral Metropolitana (since 23 September 2026) and the Paineiras visitor center.
Can I drive up in my own car?
No. There is no product for driving to the statue and no visitor parking at Paineiras. Taxis and ride apps take you to the visitor center.
Is there a metro station at the statue?
No. The metro serves the van departure points. Largo do Machado is on line 1, and Carioca is the nearest station for the Catedral stop.
Can I walk up the road?
No. Pedestrians are not allowed on the Estrada do Corcovado. If you want to walk, take the signed trail from Parque Lage and read the safety notes first.
How early should I arrive for the van?
At least 15 minutes before your time. The tolerance is also 15 minutes, and you cannot swap to another return station.