How to Visit Cristo Redentor | Complete Rio Travel Guide

If Rio had a crown, Christ the Redeemer would be the jewel. Towering 98 feet tall on Corcovado Mountain, arms outstretched like he’s about to give the whole city a hug, this Art Deco icon isn’t just a statue—it’s the symbol of Brazil. Now, the big question: how do you get up there? Turns out, you’ve got round-trip tickets, guided day tours, helicopter rides, and even combo tickets.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. This is your one-stop guide to planning the perfect Christ the Redeemer experience—just everything you need to know to make your visit unforgettable. Let’s get you to the top!

Christ the Redeemer | Visitor information at a glance

Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro with tourists viewing the iconic landmark.

What are Christ the Redeemer's opening hours?

Christ the Redeemer is open daily from 8am to 6pm. However, the closure timing changes depending on the season. | Full details here

Where is Christ the Redeemer located?

Christ the Redeemer is located at Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. | Find On Map

Christ the Redeemer has two main access points:

Corcovado Train Station (Cosme Velho): For visitors taking the scenic Corcovado Train.

Official vans boarding points: Located at Copacabana and Largo do Machado

How many visitors does Christ the Redeemer receive per year?

Christ the Redeemer welcomes approximately 2 million visitors annually.

Everything you need to know about Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer's opening hours

What are Christ the Redeemer's opening hours?

Christ the Redeemer is open daily from 8am to 6pm.

When is Christ the Redeemer closed?

Christ the Redeemer is open every day of the year. However, operations may be affected by extreme weather conditions.

How long does it take to visit Christ the Redeemer?

A visit to Christ the Redeemer typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, including time spent at the summit enjoying the views.

More about Christ the Redeemer's timings

What's the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, symbolizing peace and unity.

Weekdays vs. weekends

Want the Christ the Redeemer experience without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd selfies? Go on a weekday! Mornings right after the 8am opening are golden—cooler, quieter, and queue-free. Things pick up between 12pm and 3pm, but it’s still smoother than the weekend rush.

Sundays are beautiful—but brace for the crowds. It's peak time for tourists and locals, so expect longer waits for the Corcovado Train, official vans, and a packed viewing platform.

Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro during peak tourist season.

Peak season vs. low season

Visiting between December and March? That’s peak season—sun’s blazing, crowds are buzzing, and yes, so are the queues. It’s festive, but expect heat, humidity, and the occasional surprise rain shower.

Prefer your visit with a side of serenity? April to November is your sweet spot. Cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and fewer people. For the best of both worlds, aim for May to September—perfect weather, minimal crowds, and unbeatable photo ops from the top.

Christ the Redeemer location

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

Find on map

Christ the Redeemer is on Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, standing at 710 meters (2,329 feet) above sea level within Tijuca National Park. The statue overlooks the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views of landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, and Guanabara Bay.

How to get to Christ the Redeemer

Train ascending Corcovado Mountain towards Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

By train

Boarding point: Cosme Velho Station (Corcovado Train Station)

Hop aboard the Christ the Redeemer train, officially called Corcovado cog train—the most scenic way to meet Christ the Redeemer. This charming red train winds its way up through the lush Tijuca National Park in just 20 minutes, serving up jaw-dropping jungle views and cityscapes that’ll have your camera working overtime. Departing from Cosme Velho Station, it chugs to Corcovado Train Station at the mountain’s summit. Once you’re at the top, choose your path: glide up via elevator or escalator, or tackle a few stairs for that triumphant final climb—statue selfies await!

Minivan interior with comfortable seats and large windows, ideal for scenic tours.

By van

Boarding points: Copacabana (Praça do Lido) and Largo do Machado

Official Christ the Redeemer vans are your no-stress, no-GPS-needed ticket. They depart from handy spots like Copacabana (Praça do Lido) and Largo do Machado, and during busy hours, they’re zipping off as often as every 30 minutes—talk about flexibility! The van to Christ the Redeemer takes you up to Estrada das Paineiras, where you’ll hop into a second van (run by the park itself) for the final leg to the top. This is the only road transport allowed near the monument—private cars and taxis hit a holy roadblock partway up. So if you're dreaming of a hassle-free ascent with zero parking drama, this is the best route to take.

Family driving through scenic countryside towards a travel destination.

By car

End point: Estrada das Paineiras

Thinking of driving or calling a cab to Christ the Redeemer? Not so fast! Private cars, taxis, and ride-shares can only go as far as the Paineiras Visitor Center on Estrada das Paineiras. From there, expect a scenic 10-minute uphill walk to reach the summit. No wheels are allowed beyond that point, and there’s zero parking up top. So, if you’re driving, lace up your comfy shoes and get ready for a short but rewarding walk to Rio’s most iconic view.

Hikers ascending trail with view of Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

By hiking

Starting point: Parque Lage

Feeling bold? Skip the wheels and hike your way to Christ the Redeemer for an unforgettable experience. The most popular route kicks off at the dreamy Parque Lage and takes you on a 2.5-hour jungle adventure through the Tijuca Forest. It’s no stroll in the park—the trail climbs steeply through dense rainforest, but you'll be rewarded with peeks of Rio’s dazzling skyline that make every step worth it. Here’s a tip for you! Start early to dodge the midday sizzle, and never go solo, as some parts get a little too National Geographic for comfort. Bring friends, water, and your best explorer spirit!

Parking at Christ the Redeemer

No parking at the summit: There’s absolutely no parking at the Christ the Redeemer statue. Private vehicles, taxis, and ride-shares are not allowed beyond Estrada das Paineiras.
Limited parking spaces: The closest you can park is near the Paineiras Visitor Center, but space is limited and fills up fast, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is your best bet if you’re driving.
No official lot at the Visitor Center: There’s no designated parking lot here. You'll likely need to leave your car along the roadside and walk uphill for about 10 minutes to reach the entrance.
Tijuca National Park restrictions: To protect the rainforest, strict vehicle rules are in place. Only official park vans are allowed past certain points, so personal cars are out.
Watch out for GPS errors: If you’re unfamiliar with Rio, don’t blindly follow your GPS. It might lead you through unsafe or confusing routes—another reason to go with official transport.
Best alternative: If train tickets are sold out and hiking isn’t your style, take a taxi or a shared van to the Visitor Center and transfer to the authorized park shuttle. It’s the smoothest route to the top.

Getting to Christ the Redeemer made easy

Know before you go to Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer overlooking Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, from observation deck.

Restrooms: Available at the visitor center and near the statue.
Food & drinks: Small cafés and kiosks offering snacks, drinks, and light meals.
Souvenir shops: Official stores sell Christ the Redeemer-themed souvenirs and religious artifacts.
Seating areas: Limited benches are available near the statue for resting.
Photography spots: Several scenic viewpoints for capturing Rio’s breathtaking landscape.

Girl in a wheelchair exploring a museum exhibit in Paris, France.

Elevators & escalators: Available from the final van or train stop to the statue.
Wheelchair access: The site is wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and lifts for easy movement.
Assistance services: Staff are available to assist visitors with mobility challenges.
Accessible transport: Official vans are more suitable for wheelchair users than the train.

Mountain cart ride in Grindelwald with family-friendly trails and scenic mountain views.

Kid-friendly experience: Safe and suitable for children, but some areas have steep steps.
Stroller access: Limited due to stairs; baby carriers are a better option.
Photo opportunities: Great family photo spots with panoramic city views.
Food options: Limited selection of snacks and beverages, so bringing snacks and drinks for kids is advisable.
Crowds & timing: Visit early to avoid long queues and large crowds, especially with young children.

No drone sign at a tourist attraction in a scenic area.

Drone usage is prohibited due to safety and security reasons.
May require prior permission for professional photography.
Large backpacks and luggage are not allowed for security purposes.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the premises.
As a religious site, visitors should be respectful and avoid loud or disruptive behavior.
Dispose of waste properly to help preserve the environment.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Christ the Redeemer

How to visit Cristo Redentor?

You can reach Cristo Redentor by train from Cosme Velho, by van from locations like Copacabana or Largo do Machado, or by hiking through Tijuca National Forest.

Are there any restrictions on visiting times based on my ticket?

It is advisable to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled visit time. There is a tolerance of up to 15 minutes for delays.

What’s the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer?

To avoid crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning, around 8am. However, visiting around 5pm offers beautiful sunset views

How long does a visit take?

A visit typically takes 90 minutes, including travel time. If visiting during peak hours, expect longer wait times at the train or van boarding points.

Can I bring pets to visit Cristo Redentor?

Pets are not allowed at Cristo Redentor, except for guide dogs with proper documentation.

Is Christ the Redeemer accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the site is wheelchair-friendly with elevators, escalators, and ramps. Vans are a better option than the train for visitors with mobility challenges.

Are there food and drink options at the site?

There are small cafés and kiosks offering snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Bringing water and light snacks is recommended as the selection is limited.

What should I wear on my Christ the Redeemer visit?

Wear comfortable shoes as there are steps to reach the viewing platform. Light clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended due to Rio’s warm weather.

Can I visit Christ the Redeemer at night?

No, the site closes at 6pm, but the statue is illuminated at night and can be admired from various viewpoints in Rio.

Is it safe to visit Christ the Redeemer?

Yes, the attraction itself is safe, but be cautious of pickpockets at busy areas like train stations and van boarding points. Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items.

Information

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