Arariboia Square and Ferry Terminal
A vital transit hub honoring indigenous history, offering swift ferry rides with stunning bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the rush hour crowds
Arariboia Square and Ferry Terminal
Best Time
Beat the rush hour crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital transit hub honoring indigenous history, offering swift ferry rides with stunning bay views.
"Enjoyable ride, recommended station for quick, affordable, fat transport to and from Rio."
💳 Use RioCard/Bilhete Único
Essential for quick ferry payments. Easier than cash and widely accepted for transport .
🚲 Bike-Friendly Ferries
Bring your bike! Ferries accommodate cyclists, making it easy to explore both sides of the bay.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Arariboia Statue
Arariboia Square
A powerful tribute to the indigenous founder of Niterói, recently relocated for greater prominence.
Ferry Ride to Rio
Ferry Terminal
Enjoy a swift and scenic 15-minute journey across Guanabara Bay, a pleasant alternative to bridge traffic.
'Desconectados' Sculpture
Arariboia Square (formerly)
A thought-provoking art installation depicting monkeys with cell phones, a commentary on modern life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Travel Essentials
Art and History Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💳 Use RioCard/Bilhete Único
Essential for quick ferry payments. Easier than cash and widely accepted for transport.
🚲 Bike-Friendly Ferries
Bring your bike! Ferries accommodate cyclists, making it easy to explore both sides of the bay.
⏳ Avoid Peak Hours
Ferries can get crowded during rush hour. Consider traveling slightly off-peak for a smoother ride.
📸 Capture the Views
The ferry offers stunning panoramic views of Rio and Niterói, especially during sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
💳 Use RioCard/Bilhete Único
Essential for quick ferry payments. Easier than cash and widely accepted for transport.
🚲 Bike-Friendly Ferries
Bring your bike! Ferries accommodate cyclists, making it easy to explore both sides of the bay.
⏳ Avoid Peak Hours
Ferries can get crowded during rush hour. Consider traveling slightly off-peak for a smoother ride.
📸 Capture the Views
The ferry offers stunning panoramic views of Rio and Niterói, especially during sunset.
🐒 Art Installation Note
The 'Desconectados' sculpture has unfortunately been vandalized and parts stolen.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the ferry service from Arariboia Terminal to Rio to be a quick, pleasant, and scenic commute, offering a great alternative to bridge traffic. While the prices have increased, the efficiency and enjoyable ride, especially with bike accommodation, are frequently praised. The area also holds historical significance with the Arariboia statue, though recent vandalism has impacted a notable art installation.
"It’s an enjoyable ride, recommended"
David S
"Station for quick, affordable, fat transport to and from Rio other than bridge"
Leonard
"Very pleasant and nice trip, even at rush hours (though somebody will disagree), with reasonable ferries (for us and our bikes too). The fee is not much fair, but that's a trade between an hour doing this by bus or a fifteen minutes by ferry."
ACM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The terminal is a major transport hub in Niterói, easily accessible by various local buses. From Rio de Janeiro, the most efficient way is to take the ferry from Praça XV. The square is adjacent to the terminal.
Yes, the ferry service from Arariboia Terminal to Praça XV in Rio is very efficient, taking about 15 minutes and offering scenic views, making it a popular alternative to the bridge.
The terminal serves as a central point for numerous bus lines within Niterói, connecting to various neighborhoods. Ferries are the primary inter-city transport.
Absolutely! The ferries are bike-friendly, allowing you to easily transport your bicycle between Niterói and Rio de Janeiro for further exploration.
The most convenient way to pay is by using a RioCard or Bilhete Único. While prices have increased, it's still a cost-effective option compared to other transport methods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ferry ticket prices have seen increases and are considered by some to be a bit high, but the journey is significantly faster than by bus.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the terminal. Using a RioCard or Bilhete Único is highly recommended for ease of payment.
Information on specific discounts is best confirmed at the ticket counter. However, the RioCard system often has integrated fare options.
Ferries operate frequently throughout the day, typically from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check the latest schedule at the terminal or online.
Yes, the Arariboia Ferry Terminal is one of the few places where you can top up your RioCard or Bilhete Único using a debit card, which is a convenient alternative to cash.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The square features the statue of Arariboia, the indigenous founder of Niterói.
It was also home to the 'Desconectados' sculpture, though it has unfortunately been vandalized.Like any major transit hub, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially during busy periods. The area is generally well-trafficked.
Yes, the surrounding area of the terminal and square offers various food options, from quick snacks to more substantial meals.
Arariboia was a prominent indigenous leader of the Temiminó people who played a crucial role in expelling the French from Rio de Janeiro and is credited with founding Niterói.
The 'Desconectados' sculpture, depicting monkeys with cell phones, was unfortunately targeted by vandals, with parts, including cell phones, being stolen.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚴 Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Arariboia
The relocation of the Arariboia statue to a more imposing spot within the square has been praised for enhancing its visibility and integrating it better with the urban landscape. This honors his legacy and provides a focal point for reflection on the city's origins. The area's connection to Arariboia underscores Niterói's distinct historical narrative, separate from the typical Portuguese founding stories of many other Brazilian cities.
Ferry Travel: A Scenic Commute
Travelers often highlight the ferry's efficiency, even during peak hours, and its accommodation for bicycles, making it a practical choice for cyclists. While some note that ticket prices have increased, the speed and scenic advantage are generally considered worth the fare. The terminal also serves as a crucial hub for local buses, facilitating easy onward travel within Niterói. For seamless payment, using a RioCard or Bilhete Único is highly recommended, and the terminal is noted as a convenient place to top up these cards with debit cards.
Artistic Commentary and Vandalism
Unfortunately, the 'Desconectados' installation has been a victim of vandalism. Several instances of parts of the sculpture, including the cell phones held by the monkeys, being stolen or damaged have been reported. This unfortunate destruction has led to the artwork's removal, a sad outcome for a piece that offered a unique artistic perspective within the public space. The incidents highlight challenges in preserving public art installations.
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