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Where is the Christ the Redeemer Statue located? Full directions inside

Few landmarks are as instantly recognizable as Christ the Redeemer. Perched atop Corcovado Mountain and visible from almost anywhere in Rio, it’s not just a monument, it’s the symbol of the city. Whether you're in it for the views or the history, it's a must-see.

But here's what most people don’t realize: getting to the top involves a little planning. You can’t just show up. Whether you take the official van, ride the historic Corcovado Train, or join a guided day trip, here is a guide about routes to choose from, rules to follow, and a few easy mistakes to avoid.

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What is Christ the Redeemer location?

Address: Parque Nacional da Tijuca - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil

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Christ the Redeemer is located on Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, within Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban rainforests in the world. At 710 meters (2,329 feet) above sea level, it overlooks the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Plan your visit to Christ the Redeemer

Getting to Christ the Redeemer by train – The most scenic option

The Corcovado Train is the best-known and most scenic way to reach Christ the Redeemer. This historic railway takes visitors on a 20-minute journey through the Tijuca National Park, climbing the mountain through dense vegetation.

  • Where to board: Corcovado Train Station in Cosme Velho.
  • Getting there: To get there, you can either take an Uber or the metro to Largo do Machado, then the Integration Bus (Ônibus de Integração) in the direction of Cosme Velho. 
  • Best seats: Sit on the right side for the best views going up and the left side on the way down.
  • Arrival: The train drops you off at the foot of the statue, where you can take an elevator or stairs to the top.
Corcovado Train
  • Taking the Corcovado Train is hands down the most scenic way to reach Christ the Redeemer. It climbs slowly through the lush forest, giving you front-row views of the largest urban rainforest in the world. 
  • It’s a ride worth taking, but also one that everyone wants. It gets crowded fast, so booking your ticket online in advance is a must.
  • Skip the mistake of showing up without a reservation, as on-site ticket lines can stretch to two hours, and there’s not much to do while you wait.
  • Your ticket covers round-trip travel and entry to the statue, but keep in mind: no mixing and matching. If you go up by train, you come down by train. 
  • Also, note that if you choose the train, you won’t have access to the Paineiras Visitor Center, which is only available via the van route.
  • Just a heads-up: priority boarding applies only on the way up to Christ the Redeemer by train. For the return trip, it’s first come, first served. So, plan your timing accordingly.

Getting to Christ the Redeemer by van - The most convenient option

  • Where to board: Praça do Lido, Avenida Atlântica
  • How to get there by metro: Take the metro (Line 1 or 2) to Cardeal Arcoverde Station, then catch a local bus or walk (10 minutes) to Copacabana.
  • Bus lines nearby: 104-TRO4, 432, 457, 472, 473, 483
  • Best for: Those staying at Copacabana, Ipanema, or nearby South Zone neighborhoods.
  • Journey time: Approx. 30 to 45 minutes (depending on traffic)
  • Where to board: In front of Nossa Senhora da Glória Church
  • How to get there by metro: Take the metro (Line 1 or 2) to Largo do Machado Station, and the van boarding area is right outside the exit.
  • Bus lines nearby: 104-TRO4, 497, 583, 775D
  • Best for: Those coming from central Rio, Glória, Flamengo, or Lapa, and also using public transport, especially like the metro, as it's just steps from the station exit.
  • Journey time: Approx. 30 to 45 minutes (depending on traffic).
tourist in van
  • Your ticket includes round-trip transportation and entry to Christ the Redeemer, so everything’s covered for your visit.
  • Keep in mind: you need to return to the same place you boarded. If you start at Largo do Machado, you’ll come back there, not somewhere else like Copacabana.
  • You also can’t mix transport types—if you go up by van, you must return by van. 
  • Van passengers get the bonus of stopping at the Paineiras Visitor Center, which has exhibits, shops, and restaurants to explore.
  • Vans leaving from Praça do Lido and Largo do Machado both stop at Paineiras, where you switch to another van that takes you up to the statue.
  • All vans are air-conditioned and eco-friendly, cruising through the beautiful Tijuca Forest on the way up.

Christ the Redeemer map

Compare both paths at a glance- Corcovado Train track and the official van routes.

Getting to Christ the Redeemer by car

Planning to drive, grab a cab, or call an Uber to Cristo Redentor? It might not be the best idea, as private cars, taxis, and unofficial vans are not allowed past the Paineiras Visitor Center. From there, only official vans make the final trip to the statue’s base.

  • There’s no parking at the Visitor Center, and you’ll end up walking uphill. Plus, GPS might send you down the wrong road. Skip the hassle—just take a taxi or one of the vans.
  • Taxis are a fine option to reach the Paineiras Visitor Center, but be sure the meter is running—there’s no reason to pay a fixed fare. 
  • Uber is often cheaper and just as convenient, on the way up, at least. On the return trip, especially in the afternoon, finding a driver near the forest can be tricky.
  • Missed the train? Too long a wait for official vans? Look for the Corcovado Car Service vans near the train station on Rua Cosme Velho. They’re not official, but they’re authorized and are handy if you don’t have a ticket or can’t find a ride back down.

Hiking to Christ the Redeemer

Wondering how to get to Christ the Redeemer statue by hiking? The hike to Christ the Redeemer takes you through Tijuca National Park, offering a scenic yet challenging experience.

  • Starting point: The trail begins at Parque Lage, a beautiful historic park in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood.
  • Trail length: 2.3 miles (3.8 km).
  • Hiking time: 2 to 3 hours, depending on fitness level.
  • Safety concerns: It is not recommended to hike alone due to safety risks, as incidents of theft have been reported. Go in a group or join a guided hiking tour for a safer experience.
  • Pro tip: A small fee is required at the final checkpoint before entering Christ the Redeemer so be sure to carry cash with you.

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Frequently asked questions about Christ the Redeemer location

Where is Christ the Redeemer located?

It is in the Tijuca National Park, on Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Can I take the train up and return by van (or vice versa)?

No, mixed transportation is not allowed. You must return using the same method you used to go up.

What is the best way to get to Christ the Redeemer?

The Corcovado Train is the most scenic, while the official van is the most budget-friendly and convenient.

Can I drive directly to Christ the Redeemer?

No, private cars are not allowed beyond the Paineiras Visitor Center. You must take the official van for the final stretch.

Is there public transport to the van departure points?

Yes, you can take the metro to Largo do Machado or a bus/Uber to Copacabana.

What is the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer?

The best time to visit is early morning (before 8:30 am) or late afternoon (after 3:30 pm) to avoid crowds. Avoid visiting on cloudy or rainy days, as fog can block the view.

Can I visit the Paineiras Visitor Center?

Yes, you can visit it if you choose the van option on your ticket, as only van passengers can do so. Train passengers do not have access to the Visitor Center.

Are there any walking routes available?

For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails leading up to Christ the Redeemer. However, this option requires a significant time investment, often taking over two hours and is unsafe, so it’s not recommended.

Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

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