FerryConnect

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) → Niterói (Praça Arariboia)

Rio’s classic commuter ferry across Guanabara Bay: Barcas Rio boats link Praça XV in downtown Rio with Praça Arariboia in central Niterói in up to 22 minutes.

⏱ Up to 22m🚢 1 operator📅 Every 15–20 minutes on weekdays, every 30 minutes on Saturdays, hourly on Sundays and holidays (05:30–00:00)
Book with Barcas Rio→

Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia) takes Up to 22m across the Guanabara Bay, operated by Barcas Rio. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: every 15–20 minutes on weekdays, every 30 minutes on Saturdays, hourly on Sundays and holidays (05:30–00:00).

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: barcasrio.com.br · How we verify

Return crossing: Niterói (Praça Arariboia) to Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV)

Barcas Rio also sails Niterói (Praça Arariboia) to Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV), taking Up to 22m.

Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Every 15–20 minutes on weekdays; every 30 minutes on Saturdays; hourly on Sundays and holidays

Published departure times

  • Praça XV: weekdays 06:00–00:00; Saturdays every 30 min 06:00–23:30; Sundays hourly 06:00–23:00
  • Arariboia: weekdays 05:40–23:30; Saturdays every 30 min 05:30–23:30; Sundays hourly 05:30–23:30

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Barcas Rio timetable →Check prices & book on Barcas Rio →

Source: Barcas Rio line Praça Arariboia – Praça XV. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) and Niterói (Praça Arariboia)

📐 3 Nautical Miles
Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV)⇄Niterói (Praça Arariboia)
⏱ Up to 22m · 📐 3 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia)?

Book your crossing with Barcas Rio: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Barcas Rio→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Barcas RioUp to 22mCatamarans and traditional ferries

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

3 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Praça XV station: Praça Quinze de Novembro s/n, Centro, Rio de Janeiro
  • Niterói station: Praça Araribóia nº 6 and nº 8, Centro, Niterói

Tips for the Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia) Crossing

  • Bicycles travel free on Barcas Rio, subject to space on board.

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV)Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) → Charitas (Niterói)Up to 28m · Barcas RioAlso sails from Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV)Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) → Paquetá IslandUp to 1h 21m · Barcas RioNearby alternative crossingMangaratiba → Ilha Grande (Vila do Abraão)Up to 1h 50m · Barcas RioNearby alternative crossingAngra dos Reis → Ilha Grande (Vila do Abraão)Up to 1h 50m · Barcas RioMore ferries in BrazilSalvador → Morro de São Paulo2h – 2h 30m · Ilha Bela Transporte MarítimoMore ferries in BrazilSão Luís → Cujupe (Alcântara)1h – 1h 30m · Internacional Marítima, Henvil Transportes
⚓ Rio de Janeiro – Praça XV Ferry Station guide⚓ Niterói – Praça Arariboia Ferry Station guide⛴ All ferries from Rio de Janeiro🗺 All ferries in Brazil🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Rio to Niterói?
Barcas Rio gives a journey time of up to 22 minutes between Praça XV and Praça Arariboia.
How often does the Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia) ferry sail?
Every 15–20 minutes on weekdays; every 30 minutes on Saturdays; hourly on Sundays and holidays. This is the pattern published in the Barcas Rio line Praça Arariboia – Praça XV (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia)?
Barcas Rio operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia) ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) to Niterói (Praça Arariboia) ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Rio de Janeiro (Praça XV) from Niterói (Praça Arariboia) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 3 nautical miles (roughly 6 km).