Traveling by bus in Brazil is one of the most affordable and convenient ways to explore the country. Brazil has a vast bus network that connects even the most remote towns to major cities. However, if you're a foreigner and don’t have a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas FÃsicas, the Brazilian tax identification number), buying bus tickets online can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can book your tickets in advance to make sure your trip is well-organised before you even leave home.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the options for buying bus tickets in Brazil, including how to do so without a CPF.
Don't have time to read the whole article? > Buy cheap bus tickets in Brazil now without a CPF > Book tickets to Rio de Janeiro > Book tickets to Paraty > Book tickets to Ilha Grande
Buying Bus Tickets at the Station
One of the simplest and cheapest ways to buy a bus ticket in Brazil is directly at the bus station. You won’t need a CPF for this, only your passport or an official ID. This method saves on additional service fees that are often charged when purchasing tickets online.
Why Buy at the Station?
No Fees – There are no added service fees for buying in person at the station, unlike many online platforms.
Instant Ticket – When you buy at the station, you'll get a printed ticket on the spot, which eliminates the need for printing your ticket later.
While this method may seem like the easiest solution, it’s important to note that some routes, especially popular ones during the high season or holidays, can sell out in advance. Therefore, it’s wise to check seat availability before heading to the bus terminal. You can do this using online booking websites such as ClickBus or BookAway, even if you don’t plan to buy your ticket online.
Checking Prices and Timetables Online
Even if you plan to buy your ticket at the station, it’s smart to check timetables, prices, and seat availability online before your trip. Websites like Clickbus allow you to see schedules from various bus companies without needing to make a purchase. This can be incredibly useful in planning your journey ahead of time, especially for long routes or during busy travel seasons.
Buying Bus Tickets Online
For those who prefer the convenience of buying tickets online, you can use the websites of individual bus companies or third-party platforms. However, when buying tickets directly from bus company websites, you'll often be required to input a CPF. This is such a pain for foreign travelers.
Here’s where third-party websites come in handy - there are just two platforms that allow you to buy bus tickets using your passport details instead of a CPF.
How to Buy a Bus Ticket Online Without a CPF
If you don't have a and need to buy a bus ticket online, there is just one platform that currently allows you to use your passport instead of a CPF (beware - some sites like Clickbus allow you to use your passport as ID, but still require a CPF once you reach the payment section).
Bookaway is an international bus ticket platform that caters to tourists and locals alike. It offers an intuitive way to search for routes, prices, and seat availability across multiple bus companies in Brazil. When booking, you can use your passport details instead of a CPF.
Bookaway is my preferred platform as it now only allows you to buy bus tickets, but also ferry tickets, and transfers services with options for airport and hotel pick-ups and drop-offs. Ferry tickets are needed to reach some of Brazil's most popular island destinations including Ilha Grande, Morro de Sao Paulo, and Boipeba.
BusBud is another international bus ticket platform on which you can use your passport details instead of a CPF, however the selection is limited to bus tickets.
Unfortunately, while third-party sites like Bookaway and BusBud make online bookings possible without a CPF, they do not include all bus companies or departure times, especially for certain regions or less popular routes. If your preferred bus option isn’t available on these platforms, your best bet is to head to the station and buy your ticket there.
Important Considerations When Buying Online
Service Fees: Many online platforms charge additional service fees, so the ticket might end up costing more than if you bought it in person at the station.
Printed Tickets: Some bus companies still require you to exchange your online ticket for a printed version at the station. While others are moving toward using PDF tickets, be sure to check before heading out. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to the bus station if you need to print your ticket, as the lines can sometimes be long.
Travel Resources
For more information on transportation in Brazil, including helpful links to plan your journey, visit the Next Stop Brazil Transportation Guide. This guide offers further insights into bus and other travel options within the country.
Final Tips
Always bring your passport or official ID when traveling by bus in Brazil, as you need to show it at the station and upon boarding.
If possible, check seat availability online before going to the bus terminal to avoid sold-out routes.
Arrive at the station early, especially if you need to exchange your online booking for a printed ticket.
By following these steps, you’ll have no problem booking bus tickets in Brazil - even without a CPF!