Rio-Niteroi Bridge (Ponte Rio-Niteroi)
Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil
The Rio–Niterói Bridge—also known officially as the President Costa e Silva Bridge—crosses the vast expanse of Guanabara Bay, connecting Rio de Janeiro to the town of Niterói (the previous capital of the federal state of Guanabara, which has since merged with the state of Rio). At roughly 8.26 miles (13.29 kilometers) long and 232 feet (70.7 meters) high at its peak, the Rio–Niterói Bridge remains one of Brazil's engineering marvels.
The Basics
Originally conceived of in 1875, it would take an additional 99 years for the bridge to be built. The second-longest bridge upon its 1974 opening, the Rio–Niterói Bridge is the main thoroughfare for roughly 140,000 vehicles every day.
Cross the Rio side of the bridge to Niterói to relax at white-sand beaches, hike in stunning nature parks, and visit the saucer-shaped Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Niterói. And on your way back to Rio keep your eyes open for a picture-perfect view of downtown Rio, as well as Sugar Loaf and Corcovado mountains.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The bridge stretches over the same expanse of water that the first Portuguese explorers in Brazil sailed into in the 16th century.
- The Rio–Niterói Bridge is technically a box girder bridge and is comprised of prestressed concrete.
- There are no tolls required to cross the bridge.
How to Get There
From downtown Rio take Av. Press Vargas (signs for L. Vermelha), before continuing right onto Av. Francisco Bicalho. Follow the signs to stay on Av. Francisco Bicalho before taking a slight left onto Via Elevado da Perimetral. Use the right two lanes to take the ramp to Niterói/Nova Friburgo/Cabo Frio and merge onto BR-101.
When to Get There
Because it is a major thoroughfare between both sides of the bay, consider avoiding peak traffic times in the morning and evening for a smoother ride across the bridge.
Niterói Contemporary Art Museum (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói)
Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer—a leader in the development of modern architecture—this modern art museum was completed in 1996 and is one of Rio de Janeiro's most popular attractions. Check out its impressive collection Tuesday through Sunday.
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