Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport worth booking?
Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport is a 6-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $153 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 22 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 47 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (22)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $153 per person
Revel in the all-night excitement of Rio de Janeiro’s annual Carnival (Carnaval) parade, famous throughout Brazil – and the rest of the world – for its energetic samba dancers and flamboyant costumes! With a ticket to a numbered seat in Sector 9 of the Sambadrome (Sambodromo), or Sector 5 or 7, you’ll have a great view of the samba schools as they show off their drummers, dancers and enormous parade floats. Watch different samba schools compete on one of four nights (your choice), with optional round-trip hotel transport.
What you get
About this experience
Revel in the all-night excitement of Rio de Janeiro’s annual Carnival (Carnaval) parade, famous throughout Brazil – and the rest of the world – for its energetic samba dancers and flamboyant costumes! With a ticket to a numbered seat in Sector 9 of the Sambadrome (Sambodromo), or Sector 5 or 7, you’ll have a great view of the samba schools as they show off their drummers, dancers and enormous parade floats. Watch different samba schools compete on one of four nights (your choice), with optional round-trip hotel transport.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from most hotels located in Rio's South Zone (if option selected)
- Tickets to Carnaval Parade at Marques de Sapucaí.
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
What you'll see and do
Sambodromo da Marques de Sapucai
Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival takes place during four nights each year when the local (samba schools) compete by parading through the open-air Sambodrome, a 3,000-foot (700-meter) avenue with grandstand seats rising from each side. When you arrive at the entrance with your pre-booked ticket, take your allocated seat in Sector 9 (if option selected) and get ready to partake in one of the biggest celebrations on Earth. Watch fireworks light up the sky and enjoy the excellent view of the parading dancers, percussionists and elaborate floats, along with 90,000 other spectators! Around 4,000 participants from each samba school prepare themed songs, dances, costumes and floats all year to compete for Carnival titles and cash prizes. From 9pm until early morning, you’ll see six schools pass through – each taking about an hour – as they convince the crowd that their performance is the best. At the end of the parade, your night ends either at the Sambadrome or with hotel drop-off, if selected.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sambodromo da Marques de Sapucai
Rua Marques de Sapucai, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20220-007, Brazil
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Sambodromo da Marques de Sapucai · Rua Marques de Sapucai, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20220-007, Brazil
Options you can book
Ticket Only - Sector 7
Transportation not included: Ticket to the Carnival parade only - Sector 7. (more in the middle of the Sambadrome, but with a good view of the parade)
Ticket Only - Sector 9
Assigned seats: This sector disposes of bilingual guide and assigned seats Transportation not included: Ticket to the Carnival parade only - Sector 9.
Ticket and Transfer - Sector 9
Assigned seats: This sector disposes of bilingual guide and assigned seats Transportation included: Ticket to the Carnival parade - Sector 9, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
Ticket and Transfer - Sector 7
Transportation included: Ticket to the Carnival parade - Sector 7, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line Brazil
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Pay atention for different options: Ticket and transportation included OR Ticket only
- This product is non-refundable
- Pick ups for options that include transportation now start at 06:00pm, 08:00pm or 10:00pm. Option to be selected in advance. Final time will be confirmed upon collection of the credential..
- The customer must be in the lobby at the start of the hour of the selected time slot. He will be droped off at a point and must return to the same point for the return transfer that will take place at the final of each Samba School parade.
- If you do not inform our team of your desired pick up time, then we will assign you for the first available pick up time, from your hotel or closest pick up location
- Final exact times will be advised exactly when you collect your tickets as per voucher instructions, but you must select your pick up time before then. Remember you need collect your credentials for the bus transportation and/or ticket to the Parade.
- For return, buses will depart from the same spot where you were dropped off at the end of each parade.
- Please see departure and drop off points. If your hotel is not listed, you will have to go to one of these locations. The exact alternate point will be settle when you collect your bus credentials and tickets.
- Guides available only during transportation.
- Children under 5 years of age are not allowed.
- Please be aware that we offer seats for different Sectors (5, 7 or 9) on Special Group Parade days. The choice must be made at the time of purchase.
- You might be upgraded to a better sector if your chosen ticket is unavailable.
- In Sector 9 you can catch the best views from the cars and dancers passing by. This sector has marked places and bilingual attendants.
- Sector 3 is near the beginning of the Parade and near the first Samba Drums retreat; Sectors 5 and 7 (more in the middle of the Sambadrome, but with a good view of the parade). Such sectors do not have numbered seats; they are not marked and therefore free to choose.
- Departure Point: Select Rio de Janeiro hotels, if option selected; please see the full list on the View Additional Info tab. If transport is not selected, make your own way to the Sambadrome Directions: Exact times will be advised when you collect your tickets as per voucher instructions. At that time, you will need to choose a time and pickup point, as well as collect your credentials for bus transportation (if option selected) and ticket to the Parade. Hotel drop-off: Buses will depart from the same spot where you were dropped off at the end of each parade.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent day
Amazing day out, tour guide Santos was fantastic and his knowledge was first class, unfortunately the driver William was not as his driving was erratic and angry at times.
via Viator
Will not buy Carnaval tickets here anymore .
I’m very unhappy with this as I was given the wrong information and I missed out on Carnaval., I don’t recommend using this service provider and will be requesting a refund .
Response from the operator: WRONG PROVIDER. Good afternoon. We had no Carnival bookings through Viator with Rick or Richard . We had no refund request at all concerning our operational Carnival reservations . This is a mistake. you didnt book with us. kind regards
via Viator
Very safe and well organized night out in Rio
Excellent experience that exceeded our expectations. Everything worked out perfectly: the show, the transportation and the overall experience. Prior to the event, we were concerned about our safety. But we’re pleasantly surprised by the tour organization. All the time we felt safe and well taken care of. We were escorted to the venue and to our sector both ways without any problems. We wholeheartedly recommend this trip to those who are a little apprehensive about the night out in Rio during Carnival. Absolute must thing do to while in Rio!
via Viator
Lonely traveler 🧳 from california
The parade is breathtaking brilliantly colorful, mayor spectacular on planet hearth. Highly recommended do not book an activity next day due to this night time parade will go slow with 30 minutes intervals every hour starts around 10:00 pm and will last all night long have fun. Most people will be standing singing and dancing…Zamba!
via Tripadvisor
Carnival 🥳
Great atmosphere Shows started nearly 2 hours late so only managed to see 3 schools but very enjoyable experience
Response from the operator: Dear Customer. Thanks a lot for the review. We are glad that you liked the tour. Please count on us on future trips. Thanks.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $153 to $2,700
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gray Line Brazil, who run 56 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.4.
See everything Gray Line Brazil runsWhy this scores 47
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport cost?
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Prices start at $153 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rio de Janeiro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rio de Janeiro is not rushed.
Is Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable nightlife in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rio de Janeiro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rio de Janeiro and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rio de Janeiro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
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On Outty we rank every Rio de Janeiro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off from most hotels located in Rio's South Zone (if option selected; and Tickets to Carnaval Parade at Marques de Sapucaí. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport?
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The experience starts at Sambodromo da Marques de Sapucai, Rua Marques de Sapucai, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20220-007, Brazil. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rio de Janeiro. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport?
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Across 22 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Rio de Janeiro Carnival Parade Ticket with Optional Transport?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Ticket Only - Sector 7, Ticket Only - Sector 9, Ticket and Transfer - Sector 9, Ticket and Transfer - Sector 7. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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