How to visit Christ the Redeemer
Train, official van, authorized guide or on foot: step by step to the statue, with official prices checked in October 2026.
Updated on October 6, 2026 ✓ Information verified on October 6, 2026 adapted version of the Portuguese original
Christ the Redeemer stands on top of Corcovado, inside Tijuca National Park. According to the park, there are four ways to get there: the train, the official vans, authorized local guides and on foot.
First of all: the 2026 works
Since 3 August 2026 the escalators to the statue’s platform are being replaced. Visits continue, but the number of people allowed at the top at the same time was cut by 50% and everyone climbs 80 stone steps from the second floor to the platform. Stair-climbing devices are available for people with reduced mobility; they do not run in the rain. Buy your ticket in advance.
1. Corcovado Train
The train leaves from Cosme Velho station, Rua Cosme Velho 513, and climbs through the Atlantic Forest to the top. It runs every day from 8 am to 6 pm, every twenty minutes, and asks you to check in at the ticket office at least 40 minutes before your booked time, according to its official website.
Getting to Cosme Velho: according to the train’s website, from Largo do Machado metro station take bus 583 or 422 to the station. From Copacabana, the 583 circular line passes by.
2. Official Paineiras-Corcovado vans
These are the only vans authorized to drive up the park road, according to the operator. They leave from Copacabana, Largo do Machado and the Paineiras Visitor Center; the ticket includes the round trip and access to the monument.
The Paineiras Visitor Center has no parking.
3. Authorized local guides
Two groups of residents from the surrounding communities, the Anfitriões do Cosme Velho (blue shirts) and the Condutores do Parque (yellow shirts), are authorized by the park. Only hire guides who show a Tijuca National Park badge with the ICMBio hologram on the front and a QR code on the back. Prices vary by route.
4. On foot, via the Parque Lage trail
The best-known trail starts at Parque Lage, in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, and climbs through the forest to Corcovado. It is a demanding hike, with steep sections, rocks and roots. Hikers pay only for access to the monument, at the ticket office at the top.
Which one to choose
- First trip, no rush: the train, for the scenery.
- Staying in Copacabana: the official van saves you a trip across town.
- You love hiking: the trail, with a guide.
Plan the rest of your stay with the 3-day itinerary.
Places mentioned
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to visit Christ the Redeemer?
On foot via the trail, paying only for access to the monument: R$ 60.00 for adults in October 2026, according to Tijuca National Park. The trail is demanding.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
It is recommended, especially with reduced capacity during the escalator works that began in August 2026.
Can people with reduced mobility reach the statue?
Yes. There are elevators to the second floor and, during the works, staff-operated stair-climbing devices up to the platform, which do not run in the rain, according to the park.
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