How to buy a bus ticket online in Brazil, without a CPF

Traveling by bus in Brazil is one of the most affordable and convenient ways to explore the country. Brazil has a vast bus network that connects even the most remote towns to major cities. However, if you're a foreigner and don’t have a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas, the Brazilian tax identification number), buying bus tickets online can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can book your tickets in advance to make sure your trip is well-organised before you even leave home.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the options for buying bus tickets in Brazil, including how to do so without a CPF.

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How to buy bus tickets in Brazil: Two options

One of the simplest and cheapest ways to buy a bus ticket in Brazil is directly at the bus station. You won’t need a CPF for this, only your passport or an official ID. This method saves on additional service fees that are often charged when purchasing tickets online. Tickets do sell out during high season, so it’s wise to check seat availability on an online booking platform before heading to the bus terminal.

Why buy tickets at the bus station?

1. No booking fees – There are no added service fees for buying in person at the station, unlike many online platforms.

2. Instant ticket – When you buy at the station, you'll get a printed ticket on the spot, which eliminates the need for printing your ticket later.

Why buy bus tickets online?

That some routes can sell out in advance, especially popular ones during the high season or holidays. By buying your tickets online in advance, you can:

1. Guarantee your seat and desired travel time. This is especially important if you have time constraints on your holiday.

2. Save time - avoid the need to arrive extra early at the station to make sure you get a ticket

   
   

Checking Prices and Timetables Online

Even if you plan to buy your ticket at the station, it’s smart to check timetables, prices, and seat availability online before your trip. Websites like Clickbus and Bookaway allow you to see schedules from various bus companies without needing to make a purchase. This can be incredibly useful in planning your journey ahead of time, especially for long routes or during the peak travel seasons.

Buying Bus Tickets Online

For those who prefer the convenience of buying tickets online, there are various ways to do so. You can purchase from the websites of individual bus companies, or from third-party platforms. Unfortunately for foreign travellers, when buying tickets directly from bus company websites, you'll be required to provide a CPF.

Here’s where third-party websites come in handy - there are just two platforms that allow you to buy bus tickets using your passport details instead of a CPF.

How to Buy a Bus Ticket Online Without a CPF

If you don't have a CPF and need to buy a bus ticket online, there is just one platform that currently allows you to use your passport instead of a CPF (beware! some sites like Clickbus allow you to use your passport as ID, but still require a CPF once you reach the payment section).

Bookaway is an international bus ticket platform that caters to tourists and locals alike. It offers an intuitive way to search for routes, prices, and seat availability across multiple bus companies in Brazil. When booking, you can use your passport details instead of a CPF.

Bookaway is my preferred platform as it now only allows you to buy bus tickets, but also ferry tickets, and private transfers services with options for airport and hotel pick-ups and drop-offs. Ferry tickets are needed to reach some of Brazil's most popular island destinations including Ilha Grande, Morro de Sao Paulo, and Boipeba.

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BusBud is another international bus ticket platform on which you can use your passport details instead of a CPF, however the selection is limited to bus tickets.

Unfortunately, while third-party sites like Bookaway and BusBud are incredibly useful, making online bookings possible without a CPF, they do not yet include all bus companies or departure times - especially for certain regions or less popular routes. If your preferred bus isn’t available on these platforms, your best bet is to head to the station and buy your ticket there.

Important Considerations When Buying Online

• Service Fees: Many online platforms charge additional service fees, so the ticket might end up costing more than if you bought it in person at the station.

• Printed Tickets: Some bus companies still require you to exchange your online ticket for a printed version at the station. While others are moving toward using PDF tickets, be sure to check before heading out. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to the bus station if you need to print your ticket, as the lines can sometimes be long.

Travel Resources

For more information on transportation in Brazil, including helpful links to plan your journey, visit the Next Stop Brazil Transportation Guide. This guide offers further insights into bus and other travel options within the country.

Final Tips

• Always bring your passport or official ID when traveling by bus in Brazil, as you need to show it at the station and upon boarding.

• If possible, check seat availability online before going to the bus terminal to avoid sold-out routes.

• Arrive at the station early, especially if you need to exchange your online booking for a printed ticket.

By following these steps, you’ll have no problem booking bus tickets in Brazil - even without a CPF!

Prefer to fly? Find cheap flights in Brazil:

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels

• You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote

• Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil