Which Sugarloaf Mountain entrance is best for skip-the-line ticket holders?

Praia Vermelha station: use the ticket-holders’ lane to bypass the desk.

Where should guided tour groups enter?

Most tours meet at Praça General Tibúrcio, right by the main cable car plaza.

Which Sugarloaf Mountain entrance has the shortest queue?

The smaller Praça General Tibúrcio side gate often has shorter waits.

What is the average wait time?

Peak hours: 30–60 min; off-peak: 10–20 min; shortest at the Tibúrcio side gate.

I already bought Sugarloaf Mountain tickets. Where do I go?

Head straight to Praia Vermelha station; show your voucher at the timed ticket lane.

Which entrance is wheelchair-accessible?

Praia Vermelha entrance only, as it offers ramps and elevators.

Sugarloaf Mountain Entrance | Best Access to All Visitors

How many entrances are there at Sugarloaf Mountain?

Sugarloaf Mountain has two public entrances. The main Praia Vermelha entrance (at Praça General Tibúrcio) is where most visitors start their journey via the lower cable car station. A secondary gate nearby handles overflow and sometimes offers shorter queues. Both connect to the iconic glass cable cars. Tickets are required at all entrances, and staff are on hand to direct you. We’ll help you pick the right one.

Plan your visit to Sugarloaf Mountain

Book Sugarloaf Mountain tickets

Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Tickets

Flexible duration

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Combo (Save 5%): Christ the Redeemer with Round-Trip Train Transfers + Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Tickets

Transfers available

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Full-Day Tour of Rio: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Selarón Steps and More

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8 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

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Rio, Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain Helicopter Tour

12 min.

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Sugarloaf Mountain & Rio Highlights Guided Tour with Transfers

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4 hr.

Transfers available

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Express Tour of Rio: Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain

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5 hr. - 6 hr.

Guided tour

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Sunset Tour of Rio with Christ the Redeemer & Sugaloaf Mountain Cable Car Tickets

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6 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

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Your ticket breakdown

	Use this entrance	Skips the ticket line?	Notes
Standard ticket	Praia Vermelha station	No (only skips sales desk if pre-booked)	Arrive 15 mins early for boarding + security
Skip-the-line ticket	Praia Vermelha station	Yes	Go directly to the ticket-holders’ lane; security still applies
Sunset tour	Praça General Tibúrcio	Yes (guided entry)	Meet your guide at Praça General Tibúrcio square; the tour includes a golden-hour cable car ride

Choose the best entrance for you

Details	Praia Vermelha — Main Entrance	Praça General Tibúrcio — Secondary Entrance
Location	Praça General Tibúrcio, Urca	Adjacent to Red Beach park, a short walk from the main plaza
How to spot	Modern glass façade of the cable car station	Smaller side gate near park entrance
Best for	First-timers, timed tickets, guided tours	Avoiding crowds, locals with pre-booked tickets
Timings	8am–9pm (last cable car 8:30pm)	Follows the main station timings
Crowds & waits	Peak: 30–60 min \| Shoulder: 10–20 min	Peak: 20–40 min \| Shoulder: 5–15 min
Accessibility	Fully step-free with elevators to the boarding	Not step-free; better for mobile visitors
Parking/Drop-off	Limited spots at Praça General Tibúrcio; taxi/Uber drop-off nearby	Street parking nearby; limited taxis
Highlights nearby	Praia Vermelha beach, Claudio Coutinho trail	Urca waterfront views
Pro tip	Buy tickets online to skip the sales desk	If the main entrance lines are long, check this gate

Accessible entrances at Sugarloaf Mountain

The Praia Vermelha entrance is the most accessible option. It has a step-free route into the cable car station, elevators for boarding, and staff assistance on request. Wheelchair users can ride both stages of the cable cars to Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf’s summit. Accessible restrooms are available at both levels. The Praça General Tibúrcio side gate is less suitable, as it involves uneven ground and no dedicated ramps.

Know all about getting to Sugarloaf Mountain

Security, bags & re-entry

Cable car approaching Sugar Loaf Mountain at sunset, Rio de Janeiro.

Security checks: All visitors pass through scanners before boarding the cable car.
Bag restrictions: Keep bags compact; oversized luggage is not allowed.
Food & drinks: Snacks are permitted, but glass bottles are discouraged.
Lockers: Available at Morro da Urca for a small fee to store belongings.
Photography: Allowed throughout the cable car ride, Sugarloaf Mountain entrance, and at viewpoints.
Re-entry: Not permitted; exiting the cable car stations requires a new ticket.