seekholidays.co.uk See deals
Landmark · Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer Tickets & Visitor Guide 2026 | Rio de Janeiro

The Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado with its arms outstretched against the sky beside the moon
Photo: Donatas Dabravolskas, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

By Anna · Updated · 2 min read

TL;DR
  • The cog train from Cosme Velho is the classic way up; book a timed slot online
  • Go on the first clear morning, as cloud often covers the summit later in the day
  • The platform is small and crowded, so early slots are much calmer
  • Combine with Santa Teresa or the Tijuca forest
Type
Landmark
Where
Rio de Janeiro
Time needed
2-3 hours including the journey up
Admission
from about R$100 including transport (2026), check before you go

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) has stood on the 700-metre summit of Corcovado since 1931. The art deco statue is about 30 metres tall, with arms spanning 28 metres, and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The view from its feet, over Sugarloaf, Copacabana, Ipanema and the lagoon, is the best in Rio de Janeiro.

It sits inside Tijuca National Park and is on the list of almost every first visit to Brazil.

What you'll see

After the ride up, a few flights of steps or escalators and a lift lead to the viewing platform at the base of the statue. Look south for the beaches and the Lagoa, east for Sugarloaf and Guanabara Bay, and north over the Maracanã stadium and the sprawl of the city. A small chapel sits in the statue's base. On the way up, the train passes through Atlantic rainforest, where you may see marmosets.

Tickets and tips

  • Cog train (Trem do Corcovado): the most atmospheric route, running from Cosme Velho through the forest in about 20 minutes. Tickets include park entry and are sold for timed departures.
  • Official vans: leave from Copacabana, Largo do Machado and Paineiras and are usually a little cheaper. Prices for both start from about R$100 per adult in 2026, more at weekends and in high season.
  • Weather: check webcams or simply look up before you go. If the summit is in cloud, you may see nothing at all.
  • Timing: the first train of the morning, usually around 8am, is quietest. Midday and sunset are busiest.

Buy tickets only on the official Corcovado train or park websites, or from your hotel. Unofficial sellers around the stations often charge more.

Getting there

Take a taxi or ride-hailing app to the Cosme Velho station; from Copacabana or Ipanema it takes about 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic. Alternatively, catch an official van from one of the pick-up points listed above. Guided tours often combine Corcovado with Sugarloaf, Santa Teresa and the Selarón steps in a single day. Walking up through the forest from Parque Lage is possible but steep and best done with a guide.

Where is Christ the Redeemer?

Open in OpenStreetMap · -22.95192, -43.21049

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit to Christ the Redeemer take?

Allow two to three hours from Cosme Velho, including the train both ways and time on the platform. Queues at peak times can add an hour.

Is it better to go to Christ the Redeemer or Sugarloaf?

Do both if you can. Christ the Redeemer gives a higher, wider view including Sugarloaf itself; Sugarloaf is lower but has the statue in the view and is better for sunset.

Is Christ the Redeemer accessible?

Yes, largely. Escalators and lifts connect the train and van drop-off with the main platform, though crowds can make it hard to move around at busy times.

Written by

Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor

Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.

More from Anna

Opening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.