In Brazil, the bus is a convenient and comfortable way to travel. The seats are spacious, and the views along the way can be incredibly scenic.
However, navigating the bus station can feel a little chaotic if you don't understand the process, and don't have the Portuguese to ask for help. Luckily, no matter where you are in Brazil, the process is more or less the same.
Don't have time to read the article? Find cheap bus tickets online on BusBud for your trip to Brazil.
Research the bus timetable and buy a bus ticket
Ready to buy your bus ticket? Here's what you need to know:
There are various online ticket sites that you can use to see timetables and compare prices. Clickbus provides the most comprehensive list of options, however, there may be additional companies or departure times that are not available for sale online.
It is cheaper to buy bus tickets at the station, however buying online guarantees you a seat.
If you chose to buy your ticket online, the website BusBud is currently the only site that will allow you to purchase a ticket without a CPF (Brazilian tax number). It is a reliable website to purchase tickets from, but may offer fewer routes than local sites.
If you are worried about tickets selling out, you can monitor how full the bus is on any of the ticket sales sites like Clickbus and BusBud. Tickets are more likely to sell out during high season, and around Carnaval, New Years Eve, and other major events.
In Brazil there are 5 classes of bus tickets: Conventional, Executive, Semi-Bed, Bed, and Sleeper.
Convencional: This is the most basic type of bus, with seats that recline only slightly and are 43 cm wide. It may have air conditioning and a restroom.
Executivo: This type of bus has seats that recline a bit more and are 45 cm wide. The bus always includes air conditioning and a restroom, and may also have footrests.
Semi-Leito: This type of bus has seats that recline even further and are 45 cm wide. It includes air conditioning, a restroom, and footrests. It may also offer Wi-Fi, bottled water, and USB outlets.
Leito: This type of bus has seats that recline significantly and are 50 cm wide. It includes air conditioning, a restroom, footrests, and may offer Wi-Fi, bottled water, and USB outlets, along with blankets and pillows. In this category, you can find options for traveling without a neighbor, labeled "individual."
Cama: This type of bus has seats that recline almost fully and are 50 cm wide. It includes air conditioning, a restroom, footrests, and may offer Wi-Fi, bottled water, and USB outlets, as well as blankets and pillows. In this category, you can also find options to travel alone (without someone sitting next to you), which will be listed as "individual."
The Process: How to take the bus in Brazil
Arrive at the station
Make sure to arrive at least half an hour before your bus departs, even if you already have a ticket.
If you haven't bought a ticket yet, head to the ticket office.
If you have bought a ticket online, you may need to head to the ticket office anyway. Some companies offer mobile tickets but many do not. you will likely have to exchange your online ticket for a paper ticket (check the T&Cs each time you buy a ticket).
Find your bus
Check your ticket for the correct boarding gate. The larger bus stations, especially those in big cities, have several gates or entry points.
Show your ticket or scan the QR code to enter the boarding area.
Drop off your bags and line up
If you have a large backpack or suitcase, do not enter the line to get on the bus. Go straight to the baggage line and drop off your baggage. You will receive a ticket which you must keep to retrieve your bag at the end of the trip. Do not lose your baggage ticket.
After you have dropped off your bag, line up to get on the bus, and have your passport and ticket ready to show.
Note: Bus stations charge a small fee to enter the boarding area. You usually won't notice because it is included in your ticket price.
However, sometimes when taking a minivan you will pay the driver directly, rather than buying a paper ticket at the station. In this case, head to the designated counter to pay the bus station fee - sometimes this can be done at the information counter, or the ticket office of the minivan company. They will give you a ticket that allows you to enter the boarding area, and from here you can find your van and pay the driver directly for your journey.
Common bus amenities in Brazil
The amenities vary depending on the bus company with which you are travelling, and the class of your ticket. Typically, the bus will have:
A toilet
USB chargers
Reading lights
Wi-Fi (but don't count on it working)
Sometimes the bus also has a drinking water station - this is more common on very long distance trips
What to bring with you on the bus in Brazil
Snacks: Long-distance busses typically stop every 3-4 hours at a rest stop, allowing you to buy something to eat. The food here is typically more expensive, so it's a good idea to bring a bottle of water and snacks if you are taking a long trip. The bus may also stop less frequently later during the night (after midnight).
Something warm: Brazilians love AC! It can be quite cold on the bus, so make sure to bring a sweater.
Blanket & Travel Pillow: A travel blanket and pillow is essential if travelling overnight - getting more comfortable will help you to have a good nights sleep.
Eye mask: Bring an eye mask if you are taking an overnight trip. The bus may stop from time to time to let passengers on and off, and will turn on the lights each time. Plus, in summer the sun rises very early!
Ear plugs: Good ear plugs are an absolute life saver, especially when you are trying to sleep on a long trip. They'll block out bus announcements (you don't need to be woken up at every stop!) , children crying, the guy behind you snoring, and the inevitable people playing media on their phones without headphones. Trust me - bring ear plugs.
Boa Viagem! Enjoy your trip!
Want to know more about transportation in Brazil? See my full transport guide here.
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