Cosme Velho – Corcovado Rack Railway

Cosme Velho – Corcovado Rack Railway

The Corcovado Rack Railway is the iconic and historic way to get to the top of Corcovado Mountain to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue. It’s a key part of the experience and a beautiful journey in itself! This railway is a landmark of engineering. Inaugurated in 1884 by Emperor Dom Pedro II, it was the first railway in Brazil to be electrified in 1910. This made it a modern and sustainable means of transport from its very beginning.

The journey, which takes about 20 minutes, is a unique experience. The train climbs the mountain, passing through the lush Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. As it ascends, passengers are treated to stunning panoramic views of the city and its natural surroundings. The railway also played a crucial role in the construction of the Christ the Redeemer statue, as it transported the massive pieces of the monument up to the summit.

The train departs from the station on Rua Cosme Velho and operates daily from 8 AM to 7 PM. Departures are approximately every 20 minutes, but wait times can be long, so it’s highly recommended to buy your tickets online in advance. When you reach the top, the train drops you directly at the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue, where you can take in the unforgettable views of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and the entire city of Rio de Janeiro spread out below you.