How to get to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Ilha Grande feels a world away from the busy cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. There are no bridges, no airport, and no roads connecting it to the mainland. To reach the island, everyone arrives the same way. By boat.
The journey itself is part of the experience. After leaving the mainland, the water quickly turns deep blue and the forested mountains of Ilha Grande come into view. Within minutes you begin to see quiet beaches, small fishing boats, and the jungle covered coastline that makes the island one of Brazil’s most beautiful destinations.
Before you get there though, you need to know which port to leave from. This guide will tell you how to get to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro. There are three main mainland departure points, each with different travel times, ferry schedules, and prices.
The three ports that connect Ilha Grande to the mainland
There are three main ports that connect Ilha Grande to the mainland:
Although Mangaratiba is closer to Rio de Janeiro, that does not automatically make it the best option for your trip. Each departure point has slightly different advantages and disadvantages.
Some ports operate large ferries, while others mainly run small speedboats. The schedules also vary, with the ferries only departing only once per day, while speedboats tend to run more frequently throughout the day. Prices can also differ depending on the type of boat and the route.
Because of this, it is worth comparing all three ports before deciding where to depart from.
Mangaratiba Ferry Port to Ilha Grande
This is the ferry port closest to Rio de Janeiro.
Mangaratiba Ferry:
Trip time: 1.5 hours
Departure times: 8am daily, plus an extra ferry at 10pm on Fridays
Return times: 5.30pm daily
Ticket Price: R$20.50 each way
Other notes: The ferry allows you to transport your bike for free.
Conceição de Jacareí Ferry Port to Ilha Grande
This is the closest to port to Ilha Grande. It therefore offers the fastest boat trip and the most frequent boat departures, giving you more time at the beach.
Conceição de Jacareí Speed Boat:
Trip time: 15-25 minutes
Departure times: Hourly from 8am - 6pm
Return times: Hourly from 8am - 5.30pm
Ticket Price: R$75 each way
Angra dos Reis Ferry Port to Ilha Grande
This is the closest port to São Paulo. It is also the departure point for boat tours around Ilha Grande and the surrounding bays and islands.
Angra dos Reis Ferry:
Trip time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Departure times: 3.30pm Monday - Friday; 1.30pm on weekends and holidays
Return times: 10am daily
Ticket Price: R$20.50 each way
Other notes: The ferry allows you to transport a bike for free
Angra dos Reis Speed Boat:
Trip time: 30 minutes
Departure times: 7.30am - 6.30pm daily, departing hourly
Return times: 8am - 6.30pm daily, departing hourly
Ticket Price: R$75 - R$100 each way, prices higher in high season
How to get to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro
First, from the Novo Rio bus terminal (map), take a bus to one of the three ferry terminals:
Bus from Rio de Janeiro to Conceição de Jacareí (2 hours)
This is your best option if you would like to take a speedboat, and want flexible departure timing. Costa Verde runs a bus hourly departing from Novo Rio Bus Terminal, from 4am to 8pm.
Tip for buying tickets: Conceição de Jacareí is on the way to Angra dos Reis. If you want to book a ticket in advance, you cannot book a ticket to Conceição de Jacareí online without a CPF. However, tickets to Angra dos Reis are the same price. You can book a ticket to Angra dos Reis online to secure a seat on your preferred bus, then ask to get off at Conceição de Jacareí.
Bus from Rio de Janeiro to Mangaratiba (2 hours)
While this is the closest port to Rio de Janeiro, it only suits those who would like to travel early in the morning. You will need to take the 5am Costa Verde bus to arrive in time for the ferry's 8am departure (get tickets).
Bus from Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis (3-3.5 hours)
Only consider this option if you need to take a ferry over a speedboat (e.g. if travelling with a bicycle) and can't make it in time for the Mangaratiba early morning ferry. The bus departs hourly from 4am to 8pm, and takes 3-3.5 hours (tickets).
From your chosen port, take a ferry or speedboat to Abraão, Ilha Grande's main village. You do not need to book your boat ticket in advance, but expect to wait a little at the port for the next available boat.
If you prefer to have your door-to-door travel organised for you, there are also convenient private and shared transfer services available that will arrange both the bus and boat, and often offer hotel pick-up.
If you are short on time, it is also possible to take boat tours directly from Angra dos Reis, to see some of Ilha Grande's most beautiful sites.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Paraty
If you are making a stop in Paraty, on the coast of Rio de Janeiro, your closest ferry port will be in Angra dos Reis.
First, take the bus from Terminal Rodoviário de Paraty (map) to Angra dos Reis (1.5 hours). The Costa Verde bus is cheapest, and leaves 3 times a day (tickets). From Angra dos Reis, take any ferry or speedboat to Ilha Grande.
There are also convenient transfer services available, which includes both the bus and ferry ticket. This option is a little more expensive, but guarantees your transfer connection. It also may include hotel pick up, depending on the transfer provider.
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