Rio: Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Skip-the-Line Ticket

Summary

Sugarloaf cable car rides, Rio skyline views & easy access

You’ll skip the lines for Sugarloaf Mountain’s cable cars in Rio, gliding above Urca and Copacabana with city views stretching for miles. Spend as much time as you want at both stops—no rush—and feel that mix of ocean breeze and samba energy in the air. It’s easygoing but kind of unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the way the light bounced off Guanabara Bay — sort of hazy but sharp at the same time. We’d barely shown our skip-the-line ticket at Sugarloaf Mountain before a guide waved us past a long queue (felt a bit guilty, honestly). The cable car doors slid open with this metallic clunk, and suddenly we were floating above Urca. I could hear someone’s samba playlist leaking from their headphones nearby, which felt very Rio. The ride only took a few minutes, but I kept pressing my face to the glass like a kid — Copacabana on one side, those crazy green hills on the other.

At Morro da Urca, people milled around taking selfies or just staring out over the city. There was this older couple next to us who pointed out their apartment block somewhere down below — they said it always looked tiny from up here. The second cable car up to the summit was even steeper. My palms got sweaty (not gonna lie), but then there was this sudden breeze when we stepped out at the top, carrying a mix of ocean air and street food smells drifting up from Botafogo. I tried to spot Christ the Redeemer through some clouds — didn’t quite manage it until later. You can stay up there as long as you want; we lingered for ages because it just felt right.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get once you walked away from the main crowd — just wind and distant city sounds. A local vendor offered us coconut water, and Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Portuguese (probably butchered it). The whole thing felt both huge and weirdly personal at once. Even now, I still think about that view when I see photos of Rio — it’s different when you’ve actually stood up there yourself, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car

• Use skip-the-line ticket
• Board cable car to Morra da Urca
• Ride cable car to summit
• Enjoy views of Rio and bay
• Return by cable car at leisure

Top questions

How long does the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car ride take?

Each section takes about three minutes—first to Morro da Urca, then another three minutes to reach the summit.

Can I use my skip-the-line ticket at any time during the day?

Yes, your ticket is valid for any departure time on your chosen day.

Is Sugarloaf Mountain wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants allowed on the cable car?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap.

Do I need to show ID or passport for entry?

A current valid ID or passport is required upon check-in.

How often do the cable cars depart?

Cable cars run every 20 minutes from morning to night.

Is public transportation available nearby Sugarloaf Mountain?

Yes, public transportation options are available close by.

What’s included

Your day includes skip-the-line access for both sections of Sugarloaf Mountain’s cable cars, all fees and taxes covered—just show your valid ID or passport at check-in and enjoy as much time as you like at each stop before heading back down whenever you’re ready.