Getting Around Porto Velho
Porto Velho is the capital of Rondônia and the largest city in the state, spread out along the eastern shore of the Madeira River in the upper Amazon basin. It is a transportation and communication hub for the region, but its public transit is modest and car-oriented, so it helps to plan how you will move around before you arrive. This guide covers the practical options: buses, taxis and ride-hailing, walking, and how to reach the city from its airport.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Despite its history as a railroad town — Porto Velho grew up around the Madeira-Mamoré railway — there is no working rail, metro or tram service for visitors today. The city has a railway station, but no trains run in or out of Porto Velho. Tourist train service has been discussed, but it is not something to count on in the near future. In short: do not plan any part of your trip around rail travel.
Buses and Public Transport
The city's main public transit is a bus system. Buses connect neighborhoods and districts across the city, making them the default option for locals and the cheapest way for visitors to get around.
- Routes and maps: Route information may be available at the main Rodoviária (bus terminal), and routes also show up on Google Maps.
- Hours: Buses generally run from roughly early morning until late evening. Frequency varies by route and time of day, with less frequent service on weekends, holidays and minor routes.
- Tickets: Fares are paid in cash directly to the driver when you board, so keep small-denomination reais on hand.
- Comfort and access: Buses can be crowded at peak hours, and accessibility is limited — many older buses lack wheelchair access, and bus stops may lack ramps or other infrastructure.
- Practical tip: Confirm the route with the driver or a local before boarding, especially if you are heading to a specific attraction.
There are no tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services in the city, so sightseeing is done independently or through custom tours.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis in Porto Velho are typically white with a "Táxi" roof sign. You can hail them on the street, find them at stands (the airport, the bus terminal, hotels), or call one by phone. Short city rides generally fall in the range of about R$15–40; confirm that the meter is running, or agree on a fare in advance for longer trips.
Ride-hailing apps Uber and 99 both operate in the city and are often cheaper with more transparent pricing. Before getting into any car, verify the driver's name, car model and plate against the app, and share your trip details through the app. The airport and bus terminal have designated pick-up areas for both taxis and ride-hailing vehicles.
Car Rental
If you want flexibility, rental agencies operate at Porto Velho Airport and in the city center, with companies including Localiza, Unidas and Movida.
- Requirements: Drivers typically must be at least 21–25 years old (younger drivers pay a surcharge), hold a valid national license plus an International Driving Permit if the license is not in Portuguese, and present a credit card in the driver's name for the deposit.
- Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is recommended.
- Driving: Traffic drives on the right, seatbelts are required for all occupants, and speed limits are enforced.
- Roads: Major federal highways (the BRs) are generally paved but potholes are common, and rural roads may be unpaved.
- Parking: Street parking is available but competitive in the city center; paid garages can be found near commercial areas.
- Two wheels: Motorcycle and scooter rentals are uncommon for visitors and require a specific license.
Walking and Cycling
The city center is walkable and holds several of the main sights, including the Madeira-Mamoré Railway Museum, the Catedral, and the Cais do Porto. Parque da Cidade has walking trails as well.
Cycling is possible but limited: there are few bicycle lanes, so parks and quieter residential lanes are the safer places to ride. Use caution at night and in isolated, poorly lit or unfamiliar areas and less-developed neighborhoods.
Overall accessibility infrastructure is limited. Travelers with mobility challenges should arrange private taxis or specialized operators and verify accessibility in advance.
Other Ways to Move
On the water, boat taxis — known locally as rabeta or voadeira — can be arranged for short Madeira River excursions through local guides or at the port. There are no cable cars, funiculars or similar systems in the city.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Porto Velho International Airport (Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira International Airport, code PVH) sits close to the city, with its main access on Av. Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira. Locals often call it Belmont Airport after the district it sits in. It handles scheduled flights, most to other large Brazilian cities, and shares its grounds with a Brazilian Air Force base, so you may see military aircraft activity.
- By bus: Buses run from downtown to the airport every hour — a cheap option if you are traveling light and not in a hurry.
- By taxi: A fleet of taxis serves the airport exclusively, with a designated pick-up area.
- By ride-hailing: Uber and 99 also pick up at the airport, using the designated areas.
- By rental car: Rental agencies are located at the airport if you would rather drive yourself.
Practical Tips
- Carry small-denomination reais for bus fares and small purchases.
- Allow extra time on weekends and holidays, when bus service thins out.
- At night, stick to taxis or ride-hailing rather than walking through poorly lit or unfamiliar areas.
- If you plan to explore beyond the city, note that Porto Velho is also a long-distance transport hub — the Rodoviária has buses to most big cities in Brazil, and boats run to Manaus a few times per week.