Rio de Janeiro · PRIVATE DRIVERS
14 reviewed
This is the shortlist we’d hand a friend: the 14 private drivers worth booking in Rio, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Private Rio airport and cruise transfers in a/c vehicles for up to 4. Name-sign pickup, flight tracking, and driver waiting times.
“The transfer was dry smooth. The airport was quiet and your driver was right at the arrivals hall. The drive was smooth without any issues.”
Private Rio highlights tour with car and guide: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón steps, cathedrals, Valongo Wharf, and street art. Tickets extra.
“Bruno is an exceptional guide. We saw the key sites and then some, very efficiently. Besides being extremely knowledgeable about Rio and its history, he’s a delightful person. He was born in Rio, moved to the US as a child, and returned to Rio to open a tour business a few years ago. He’s a great blend of Brazilian and US culture. So, if you’re looking for a great guide in Rio, try to book with Bruno. A+++++++++++”
Private bilingual Rio transfer with A/C car, name-sign pickup, flight tracking, and stress-free door-to-door rides for up to 3 people.
“Great communication from the time our plane laneded! John sent a pic so we would know exactly who to look for! He escorted us to the car, had cold water ready along with some Brazilian chocolate. He even answered questions along the trip and told us some places to go.”
Skip Rio taxi lines with a confirmed private round-trip ride between GIG/SDU airports and your hotel, priced per person for up to 8 adults.
“Pretty expensive, but I thought it was worth it because I was a solo traveler who did not speak Portuguese. I would have been lost or scammed by the taxi drivers if I went that route. Because I was a solo traveler I paid something like 260 for my round trip. It might be a lot but it simplified everything. As soon as I got out of customs there was a very nice English speaking lady that had a sign with my name. I went up to her and after introductions went to her car which was a 3 minute walk away. As she drove me to the hotel we…”
Private VIP speedboat day trip from Rio to Ilha Grande: Lagoa Azul snorkeling, Funil photo stop, beach-hopping, and round-trip transfer.
“Tatiana was amazing! She was involved with every part of our tour and was so knowledgeable and friendly. We loved spending the day with her. The boat driver and driver from the hotel were also wonderful and kind. Went to several quiet beaches, cave, and more lively beach. Saw fish and clear waters. Great trip!”
Rio’s Rocinha or Vidigal favela tour with transfer. 4 hours, local guides, city views, and history. $50 with free admission.
“Bel giro della favelas Rocinha con la guida Neuza, di nazionalità brasiliana che parlava un italiano perfetto. Abbiamo gradito molto parlare e girare con lei. Consiglio questo tour a tutti per capire qualcosa di più della realtà del meraviglioso Brasile!”
Tour Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow with guided exhibits, air-conditioned transfer, plus Mauá Square and Olympic Boulevard stops.
“Excellent trip. The tour guide very elocuente, super organized, done in two hours. Very great experience d place to go”
Door-to-door private transfer from Rio de Janeiro (airports included) to Angra dos Reis for up to 10, with mobile ticket and driver support.
“Great service, since the transfer Rio de Janeiro / Angra dos Reis, caring driver, quiet in the traffic. Very quiet trip. Arriving in Great Island, continues the great service, great options for tours. It is an unparalleled experience.Auto-translated”
Hike Pedra do Telégrafo with transfers from Rio’s main areas, Atlantic Forest wildlife, lookout views, and optional pro photos.
“Excelente experiencia desde que comienza hasta que termina , Dudu 100% buen guía te enseña todas las costumbres de Brasil, te da consejos de buenos lugares y recomendaciones de todo Rio, ademas te lleva en Auto hasta la mitad de la caminata y el resto va lento para que vayas apreciando toda la naturaleza, te toma las mejores fotos y lleva su reflector para el sol y así tus fotos salen mejor, al final como bono te lleva alguna playa que quieras conocer, para finalizar con muy buenas conversaciones, a todos los que quieran conocer buenos lugares de rio, Dudu el mejor 👌🏻”
Samba in Rio with round-trip hotel transfer and show admission, plus optional churrascaria dinner. Small venue, big music and sound.
“The show was good but the buffet was not. The meat was overcooked and drink was not included.”
Roxy Dinner Show in Copacabana: chef-signed Brazilian dinner, Bossa Nova live music, and a 4-hour night of dance and lights.
“Buen show. Deliciosa cena. Muchos bailarines y buenos cantantes pero cantar canciones a estilo pop y bailes como actuales no me gustó. como que esperaba algo más tracional o de bailes típicos Pero en general recomendable”
A guided visit to Rio’s BioParque with hotel pickup and transfer. See 140 species in 51 enclosures with conservation-focused commentary.
“Organizzazione da parte dell'agenzia pessima poca organizzazione. La guida si è data molto da fare per risolvere alcuni problemi”
Hotel pickup for a Rio Samba School rehearsal: dance, learn the creative process, and see a new school each night with a guide.
“Ne correspondait pas selon nous à une répétition de carnaval. C’était un concert dans un hall mal sonorisé et bondé. Le show a démarré à Minuit alors qu’on est venu nous récupérer à 20h30. Il. Fallu attendre 45mn dehors pour avoir les tickets d’entrée. La prestation présentait peu d’intérêt (peu de costumes et peu de danses). On entendait mal les tambours dans ce hall. Je ne recommande pas cette prestation.”
Sunset helicopter over Rio with hotel pickup: 45 minutes above Sugarloaf, Copacabana, Maracanã, and Christ the Redeemer.
