How to get to Arraial do Cabo
Arraial do Cabo is in the Região dos Lagos, on the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, 160 km by road from Rio’s Novo Rio bus station. You can get to the area by bus, car or plane. Here is each route, all the way to the door of Hostel A Coroa.
Updated October 2026
At a glance
- By bus: Auto Viação 1001, from Rio’s Novo Rio bus station or Galeão airport, to Arraial do Cabo bus station.
- By car: 160 km from Rio over the Rio–Niterói bridge, the BR-101 and the Via Lagos (RJ-124), about two and a half hours without traffic.
- By plane: Rio de Janeiro International Airport (Galeão), 171 km away, or Cabo Frio airport, 11 km from Arraial.
- From the bus station to the hostel: a 17-minute walk.
By bus
Auto Viação 1001 is the bus company that connects Rio de Janeiro with Arraial do Cabo. Buses leave from the Novo Rio bus station, and there is also a connection from Galeão airport, handy if you arrive by plane. Tickets are sold on the 1001 website and app, or at the bus station counter.
Times and fares change with the day and the season: check the 1001 website before you travel, and book ahead for holidays and the summer.
The bus ends at Arraial do Cabo bus station. From there the hostel is a 17-minute walk; with heavy luggage, a taxi or ride-hailing car takes a few minutes.
By car
Rio is 160 km away. The usual route is over the Rio–Niterói bridge and along the BR-101 to Rio Bonito, where the Via Lagos (RJ-124) begins: the main road between Rio and the Região dos Lagos. The Via Lagos runs 57 km to São Pedro da Aldeia and has one toll plaza. From there, follow the signs to Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo.
Without traffic the drive takes about two and a half hours. On summer weekends and public holidays traffic is much heavier, so leaving early pays off.
By plane
Most international travellers fly into Rio de Janeiro International Airport (Galeão), 171 km from Arraial. The 1001 bus connection to Arraial do Cabo leaves from Galeão.
Cabo Frio airport is 11 km from Arraial and has fewer routes than Rio’s airports: check current routes with the airlines. From there to the hostel, take a taxi or a ride-hailing car.
Arriving at Hostel A Coroa
The hostel is at Rua Marcílio Dias 217, on a quiet street in the Macedônia neighbourhood, close to the beaches and the town centre. Check-in is from 2 pm and check-out by 11 am.
Let us know on WhatsApp what time you will arrive. At check-in you join the guest WhatsApp group and hear about the day’s programme.
Read also
Things to do in Arraial do CaboQuestions
How long does it take from Rio to Arraial do Cabo?
By car, about two and a half hours without traffic, over 160 km. The bus takes longer because of its stops: check the duration of each departure on the 1001 website. On public holidays and summer weekends, allow extra time.
What is the closest airport to Arraial do Cabo?
Cabo Frio airport, 11 km from Arraial. Most travellers fly into Galeão airport in Rio and continue by bus or car.
How do I get from Arraial bus station to Hostel A Coroa?
It is a 17-minute walk to Rua Marcílio Dias 217, in the Macedônia neighbourhood. By taxi or ride-hailing, a few minutes.
