Barba_Bley

There will be four of us traveling together. We would like to take a private transfer or taxi to Ouro Preto and return the same way because of time restraints. Does anyone have information regarding a someone that will do a private transfer (no guide) or information about a taxi and the cost? We would like to be picked up at our hotel near CNF in the morning and returned to CNF the next day mid afternoon.

Susan7

Just get the bus. It's cheap and efficient, the buses are very comfortable if you want to do a day trip to Ouro Preto. There's no need to get a private driver unless you want a guide.

Buy a ticket at the Rodoviária on the edge of town:

http://www.transportal.com.br/rodovi...onte/index.asp

Equestrian

Th rodoviaria (main bus station) from which the bus to Ouro Preto leaves, is in fact in the center of the city.
I do agree that the bus runs frequently enough, and also is comfortable enough (most on that route have coffee and water service, air conditioning, and comfortable reclining seats, probably better than any private car/mini-bus), that you'd be fine.
Perhaps have your hotel pre-arrange a taxi to get you from your hotel to the rodoviaria, instead of trying to flag one, in the interest of saving time.

These bus companies do the B.H. to Ouro Preto route, and I believe Pássaro Verde has its last one at 23:00 and begins again at 6 in the morning. (Note: You will probably not be able to book online.)
Pássaro Verde
Tel: (31) 3073-7575
www.passaroverde.com.br

São Geraldo
Tel: 0800 728 0044
www.saogeraldo.com.br

Vale do Ouro
Tel: (31)3557-9200
www.valedoouro.com.br

Have a lovely trip.