By Subway in Rio de Janeiro

By Subway

Rio's subway system, the metro, is clean, relatively safe, and efficient -- a delight to use -- but it's not comprehensive and has only two lines. It's great option to get from Copacabana to Centro, but not for Ipanema or Leblon, since the southernmost metro stop (called Siqueira Campos) is in Copacabana. The metro shuttle can get you to and from Siqueira Campos to Ipanema. Reaching sights distant from metro stations can be a challenge, especially in summer when the infamous carioca traffic fans what is already 90-degree exasperation. Plan your tours accordingly; tourism offices and some metro stations have maps.

Trains run daily 5 AM-midnight Monday-Saturday, and 7 AM-11 PM Sundays and holidays. A single metro ticket at this writing costs R$2.25. Combination metro-bus tickets allow you to take special buses to and from the Siqueira Campos station: one runs to Leblon via Jardim Botânico and Jóckey; the other goes to Leblon by way of Túnel Velho, Copacabana, and Ipanema.

Contact

Metrô Rio Information Line (021/3211-6300. www.metrorio.com.br).