How to get to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro: Complete Guide (2025)

Ilha Grande is one of Brazil’s most stunning islands, famous for its crystal-clear waters, lush rainforest, and car-free atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip, your journey will likely start in Rio de Janeiro. But how do you actually get to Ilha Grande?

Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide with all the options, prices, and travel tips to make your trip stress-free.

Step 1: From Rio de Janeiro to the Port

To reach Ilha Grande, you first need to get to one of the ports on the mainland (Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí, or Mangaratiba).

Options:

• Private Transfer (easiest option): Comfortable door-to-door service from your hotel/airport in Rio directly to the pier. Saves time and stress. Send me a message to book your transfer! 

• Bus + Taxi: Regular buses run from Rio to Angra dos Reis (about 3.5–4 hours). From the bus station, you’ll need a short taxi ride to the pier.

• Car Rental: Possible, but parking is limited at the ports. Not recommended for short stays.

Important Tip: Most travelers choose Conceição de Jacareí, as it has the fastest and most frequent boat departures to Ilha Grande.

Abraao – Ilha Grande

Step 2: The Boat to Ilha Grande

Once at the pier, you’ll take a boat to Abraão, the main village on the island.

• From Conceição de Jacareí: ~30–40 minutes by speedboat.

• From Angra dos Reis: ~1 hour.

• From Mangaratiba: ~1.5 hours.

Boats run several times a day, but schedules can change depending on the weather.

Travel Costs (2025)

• Private transfer + boat: From USD $50–$70 per person (all included).

• Bus + boat: Around USD $30–$40 per person (longer travel time).

• Only the boat: USD $20–$25 (depending on departure port).

Recommendations

There are no banks in Ilha Grande, let alone an ATM from which to withdraw money. So remember to take cash with you, although in restaurants or travel agencies, for example, you can pay with a credit card.

If you have made it this far, you will know exactly how you prefer to get to Ilha Grande, and what are the best tips to follow during your stay on this fantastic island.

If you haven’t booked your flight to Brazil yet because you’re afraid it’s too dangerous, read this guide on Rio de Janeiro safety. It will help give you courage and help you realize that it is not as dangerous as they want us to believe.

Final Tips

• Book your transfer and boat in advance, especially in high season (December–March).

• Bring some cash (not all places on the island accept cards).

• Pack light – you’ll be carrying luggage on and off the boat.

Book Your Transfer to Ilha Grande

Avoid the stress of figuring out buses and boats on your own. At Next Stop Ilha Grande, we organize door-to-door transfers from Rio to Ilha Grande and back, with safe drivers and fast boats. Contact us here to book your transfer today!