Getting Around Rio Branco
Rio Branco, the capital of Acre, is a city where the bus does most of the heavy lifting. There is no metro, tram, or rail network to speak of, so visitors should plan on a combination of city buses, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and their own two feet. The good news is that the main points of interest are reasonably clustered, and the local bus system is cheap and fairly extensive.
Public Transport: Buses
Rio Branco's public transit relies mainly on buses, which cover an extensive network linking the city's districts to the center and to points of interest. The system is run by the local government.
- Fares and payment: A single fare is paid in cash directly to the collector or driver. Smart cards exist but are generally aimed at residents, so tourists will typically use cash.
- Hours: Service runs roughly from 5:00 AM to midnight. Frequency varies by route and time of day, with less service on weekends.
- Transfers: It's possible to transfer free of charge at the Terminal Urbano, the main bus terminal and central transfer point for many routes.
- Finding your stop: Bus stops may not be clearly marked, so look for groups of people waiting. Route information and maps may be posted at stops.
- Planning: Apps like Cittamobi and Moovit may cover the system, sometimes with real-time information.
- Comfort and access: Avoid peak hours if you can. Accessibility is limited on older buses; newer buses often have ramps or lifts, but levels vary.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are white with a red stripe, a roof light, and a meter. You can hail them on the street or find them at stands, and fares are metered — rounding up for a tip is customary. Taxis and ride-hailing are available directly outside the airport and at the rodoviária (bus terminal).
- Ride-hailing: Uber is widely available and cashless, and 99 also operates, often with competitive prices. Availability can be thin in Rio Branco, so don't count on a car always being seconds away.
- Safety: Before entering, verify the driver and vehicle details — license plate, model, and color — and share your trip details with a contact.
Walking and Cycling
Some parts of Rio Branco are genuinely pleasant on foot. The City Center, Horto Florestal, and Parque da Maternidade are the most pedestrian-friendly areas. Elsewhere, sidewalks can be uneven, so watch your step.
- Cycling: Dedicated bicycle infrastructure is limited, and cycling on main roads can be hazardous. There's no widespread public bike-rental program, though some hotels or tour operators may offer rentals.
- Safety: Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas, especially at night.
Other Ways to Move
Cars, buses, and taxis are the chief means of transport in Rio Branco. There are no tuk-tuks, jeepneys, cable cars, or funiculars, and boat taxis are limited — river transport is for specific tours rather than everyday getting around. Motorcycle and scooter rental is uncommon for visitors and generally not recommended given the traffic. Tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services are typically available, while guided walking tours are less common; self-guided tours are feasible with a map. Accessibility is generally limited across public transport and older infrastructure, so pre-arrange accessible transport and communicate your requirements in advance.
A few practical habits help: download offline maps, ask hotel staff or locals for route and safety guidance, and plan your evening transport in advance.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Rio Branco's airport (RBR) has a handful of flights per day, most in the early hours, with direct destinations including Cruzeiro do Sul, Porto Velho, Manaus, and Brasília. Once you land, you have three main options into town.
- City bus: A city bus line connects the airport to the city center, running hourly from 6 AM to 11 PM. The bus passes in front of the airport building, but there's no stop there — on leaving the building, turn left and follow the road to reach the stop. That stop is a bit remote, so at night the drivers are kind enough to pick you up from the airport door.
- Taxi: Taxis operate on a fixed price to anywhere in town. Drivers themselves may help pool passengers so they can share the ride cost.
- Uber: An Uber ride to town is considerably cheaper than the taxi fixed price, but there are few drivers in Rio Branco and the service is often unavailable.
One quirk worth knowing: the airport building is open 24 hours, and it's not uncommon for people to overnight there waiting for the city bus service to resume.
Arriving by Long-Distance Bus
Rio Branco's international bus terminal sits outside the city. It's a modern building with ticket offices right at the entrance and some food options, both cafés and informal vendors. The building is entirely open air, and it can be cold there early in the morning.
From the terminal, long-distance services head to Porto Velho, to the Peruvian border at Assis Brasil, to the Bolivian border at Brasileia, and to Xapuri, among other destinations. For medium-distance travel within Acre, lotações (shared taxis) are common and the most popular option among locals; as a rule of thumb the price per person is twice the bus fare, and they leave when full (four passengers). They congregate at their designated shared taxi point.