From São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro it is about 430 km and 5 h 30 min of driving. In a car that gets 11 km/L, with gas at R$ 6.09/L, fuel costs about R$ 238 and tolls about R$ 96: in total, about R$ 334 one way (R$ 668 round trip).
Amounts are in Brazilian reais (R$), with no conversion to another currency. Gas uses the reference price from the ANP, Brazil's National Petroleum Agency.
Sources: ANP (fuel) · OpenStreetMap (route) · updated on October 19, 2026
Estimate covers fuel and tolls only, not parking, food or wear on the car. Distance and time calculated on OpenStreetMap; the gas price is a reference price (ANP).
Tours and tickets
Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
booking on Civitatis
8.6· 338 reviews
Rio de Janeiro Full-Day Tour + Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain by Minibus
Discover Rio de Janeiro on this complete tour. See the world-famous Christ the Redeemer Statue, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Maracana stadium in real life!
Experience a beautiful sunset over Rio de Janiero, sailing the bay as night falls on board a luxurious yacht - a unique experience in the 'Cidade Maravilhosa'.
With 5 h 30 min of driving, it is a good idea to arrive with your hotel already booked: the average nightly rate in Rio de Janeiro is around R$ 341. If you are driving, confirm that the hotel has parking before you book.
Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.
Torn between Rio de Janeiro and another destination?
Before you set out, see Rio de Janeiro side by side with other destinations competing for the same trip: weather, driving cost, ideal days and profile.
Frequently asked questions about the trip to Rio de Janeiro
How much does it cost to drive from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro?
From São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro it is about 430 km and 5 h 30 min of driving. In a car that gets 11 km/L, with gas at R$ 6.09/L, fuel costs about R$ 238 and tolls about R$ 96: in total, about R$ 334 one way (R$ 668 round trip).
How long does the drive from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro take?
It takes roughly 5 h 30 min by car to cover the 430 km, not counting stops. On public holidays and high-season weekends, the time can increase considerably because of traffic leaving and arriving.
Are there tolls on the way from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro?
Yes. The route adds up to about R$ 96 in tolls each way. The amount can vary with the vehicle category and with rate adjustments by the toll road operators.
