The long way there
The drive from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo connects Brazil's two great metropolises. Leave the beaches and mountains of Rio behind as you journey through the lush Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) to arrive in the sprawling economic powerhouse of South America.
Where to pull over
Serra dos Órgãos
100 km inDramatic mountain national park outside Rio
Paraty
250 km inColonial gem on the Costa Verde (coastal detour)
Ubatuba
320 km inBeach paradise with rainforest backdrop
Campos do Jordão
400 km inBrazil's Swiss-style mountain retreat
Avenida Paulista
430 km inSão Paulo's iconic cultural avenue
Driving tips
- 1
The coastal BR-101 via Paraty is longer but spectacular
- 2
Via Dutra (BR-116) is faster but less scenic
- 3
São Paulo traffic is legendary—arrive outside rush hours
- 4
Stop in Paraty for colonial architecture and boat trips
- 5
Weekend traffic from Rio beaches can be intense
Other ways through
Via Dutra BR-116 direct
Coastal BR-101 via Paraty (scenic)