Ilha Grande to Rio: Shared Shuttle & Speedboat Transfer

Summary

Shared transfer from Ilha Grande to Rio hotels or airports

You’ll cross from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro by speedboat and shared shuttle, with pickup at Abrãao Pier and drop-off at your hotel or airport. Expect local drivers who know the roads, trilingual support via WhatsApp, and an easy ride through changing landscapes — all without worrying about last-minute taxis or confusing transport links.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure this is the right pier?” I asked, squinting at the little sign for Abrãao. The air smelled like sunscreen and wet wood, and there was a low chatter from other travelers waiting with backpacks. Our WhatsApp pinged — the support team sent a quick check-in (in English, thankfully), which made me relax a bit. The speedboat showed up right on time, bright white against all that green. I didn’t expect it to be so fast — wind in my face, salt spray on my lips. Thirty minutes later we were already docking at Angra dos Reis, and I realized I hadn’t even finished my coffee.

A guy named Paulo was waiting with a sign — he waved like he actually meant it, not just doing his job. We piled into the van (air conditioning blasting) and set off for Rio de Janeiro. It’s funny how quickly the scenery changes: first tangled forest, then little towns flashing by outside the window. Someone behind me started chatting about their plans in Copacabana; I half-listened and half-watched the clouds rolling over the hills. The driver seemed to know every bump in the road — he dodged potholes like it was second nature. At one point he pointed out a bakery where he said they make “the best pão de queijo,” but we didn’t stop (still kind of wish we had).

The whole thing felt easy in a way travel usually isn’t — no scrambling for taxis or figuring out bus routes with tired eyes. There was this sense of being looked after, even though it’s just a shared shuttle from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro. Maybe it’s silly but I still think about that last glimpse of water before we hit city traffic; something about leaving one world for another.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shared shuttle from Ilha Grande to Rio

• Book shuttle online
• Receive WhatsApp confirmation
• Take speedboat from Abrãao Pier
• Arrive at Cais Santa Luzia
• Meet professional driver
• Travel by van to Rio destination
• Arrive at hotel or airport

Top questions

How do I get from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro?

This service includes a speedboat from Abrãao Pier to Angra dos Reis and then a shared shuttle van or minibus directly to your hotel or airport in Rio.

Is pickup included from my hotel in Ilha Grande?

No, you meet at Abrãao Pier on Ilha Grande for boarding the speedboat.

How long does the transfer take?

The speedboat crossing takes about 30 minutes; total journey time depends on traffic but usually takes several hours to reach Rio de Janeiro.

Is this transfer wheelchair accessible?

Yes, vehicles are wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available if needed.

Will someone help me if I don’t speak Portuguese?

Yes, there is trilingual support available 365 days a year via WhatsApp before your trip.

Can I be dropped off at either my hotel or an airport in Rio?

Yes, drop-off is available at main hotels or airports in tourist neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.

Are there any stops along the way?

The main route goes directly from Angra dos Reis to Rio; no scheduled sightseeing stops are included.

What’s included

Your journey covers passenger insurance, all fees and taxes, boarding ticket for the speedboat from Abrãao to Santa Luzia (Angra), plus road transport by air-conditioned van or minibus with an experienced driver all the way to your chosen hotel or airport in Rio de Janeiro.