By Lisa Flueckiger, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – After about a two month hiatus the surfbus is back on Rio de Janeiro’s streets taking surfers and tourists alike to the city’s best beaches, some of which are hard to reach with any other form of public transport. The surfbus is back to its old schedule and leaves three times every day except Monday from Largo do Machado (in Catete) at 7AM, 10AM and 2PM.
On its way to the beaches it will pass Copacabana and Ipanema and can be hailed anywhere on the street or you can confirm a meeting point by phone.
The bus takes its passengers as far as Prainha, one of the most beautiful beaches of Rio and one with the most consistent waves. It is thus the only public transport that goes that far. On its way it passes São Conrado, Barra da Tijuca beach, Recreio, Pontal and Macumba.
The surfbus features around 36 seats and space for about the same amount of surfboards. It is a converted public bus and makes sure your board is safely stored during the trip. Additionally, surf videos are on the bus’ TV to get you in the mood to drop down some great waves.
The bus is also equipped with a small fridge and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable trip. It returns from the Mirante de Prainha (the little hill just above Prainha beach) at 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM and 4PM and usually you have to tell the driver your planned return time. The ride currently costs R$10 for one way.
The bus had halted its operations when it lost its sponsor Petrobras. But it is now back with a brand new design and sponsored by Carolina Herrera’s ‘212 surf’ perfume with its colorful design featured on the outside of the bus.
For more information, call (21) 3546-1860 or (21) 99799-5039.