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Rio de Janeiro to Salvador from $68: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
to
Salvador, Brazil

How to Get from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$68 by busBest price
1217 kmDistance
3h 46m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  46m
Estimated price
$108-404
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
35h  22m
Estimated price
$68-121
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1217 km
Duration: 3h 46m

See more options

Company
Águia Branca
Bus
Average Duration
30h  10m
Estimated price
$82-103
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  5m
Estimated price
$100-422
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
21h  52m
Estimated price
$160-1080
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Rio de Janeiro to Salvador

Traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador offers you a transition from the vibrant beaches and bustling nightlife of Rio to Salvador’s rich Afro-Brazilian culture and historic charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Salvador

Salvador boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with distinct character and charm.

Pelourinho
• Colonial architecture and vibrant streets
• Rich in music and cultural events
Barra
• Stunning beaches and coastal views
• Historic lighthouse and strong nightlife
Rio Vermelho
• Lively dining scene with local cuisines
• Popular spot for festivals and nightlife events

Best Times To Visit Salvador's Attractions

Planning your visit to Salvador can enhance your experience at popular spots.

Pelourinho
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Elevador Lacerda
Weekdays during mid-morning offer shorter lines and a relaxed atmosphere.
Farol da Barra
Late afternoons provide stunning sunset views and a vibrant local scene.

Salvador Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Salvador enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a fantastic destination at any time. The dry season from September to March offers optimal weather for outdoor activities, while occasional rain showers in other months bring a refreshing change to the vibrant atmosphere.

Dining in Salvador: A Culinary Journey

In Salvador, definitely try the iconic dish moqueca, a fragrant coconut milk and seafood stew that provides a delightful contrast to Rio de Janeiro’s barbecue-centric fare. Dining at a local restaurant like A Casa de Tereza enhances the experience with its vibrant atmosphere, showcasing traditional Bahian ingredients that truly celebrate the region’s culinary heritage.

Rio de Janeiro - Salvador operators

Explore transport companies operating between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
latam.com

Plane from Rio De Janeiro-Galeao (GIG) to Salvador (SSA)

Average Duration
2h 1m
Estimated price
$1088-1089

Plane from Rio De Janeiro Santos Dumont (SDU) to Salvador (SSA)

Average Duration
4h 51m
Estimated price
$4040-1086
Website
voegol.com.br

Plane from Rio De Janeiro-Galeao (GIG) to Salvador (SSA)

Average Duration
2h 11m
Estimated price
$1085-1086

Plane from Rio De Janeiro Santos Dumont (SDU) to Salvador (SSA)

Average Duration
4h 49m
Estimated price
$100-1087
Website
voeazul.com.br

Plane from Rio De Janeiro Santos Dumont (SDU) to Salvador (SSA)

Average Duration
3h 42m
Estimated price
$1088-10820
Bus
Contact phone
0800 725 1211
Website
aguiabranca.com.br

Bus from Terminal Rodoviário do Rio de Janeiro to Rodoviária de Paraíba do Sul

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$4041-4042

Bus from New Rio Bus Station to Itabuna Bus Station

Average Duration
21h 25m
Estimated price
$4045-1085
Contact phone
0800 728 0044
Website
buson.com.br

Bus from Paraíba do Sul to Salvador

Average Duration
26h 40m
Estimated price
$4043-4044
Contact phone
0800 728 0044
Website
queropassagem.com.br

Bus from Rio de Janeiro - Novo Rio to Itabuna

Average Duration
22h 25m
Estimated price
$4045-4046
Contact phone
+55 0800 075 0010
Website
viacaocidadesol.com.br

Bus from Itabuna to Ubatã

Average Duration
1h 47m
Estimated price
$681-682
Contact phone
+55 71 32772525
Website
camurujipe.com.br

Bus from Ubatã to Salvador

Average Duration
10h 10m
Estimated price
$683-684
Drive

Drive from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador

Average Duration
21h 52m
Estimated price
$160-1080

Rio de Janeiro to Salvador: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

Departure Point
Rio De Janeiro-Galeao Airport
Arrival Point
Salvador Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book a direct flight with LATAM or Gol to minimize layover time and ensure a quicker journey of approximately 2 hours from Rio de Janeiro-Galeao to Salvador Airport.
• Upon arriving at Salvador Airport (Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport), expect to navigate through a relatively simple layout; follow the signs for baggage claim and customs, and consider having a local SIM card or offline maps handy to assist with ground transportation options.
• The approximate taxi fare from Salvador Airport to the city center ranges from $25 to $30 (or around 100 to 120 Brazilian Reais); it's advisable to use the official taxi stands located outside the terminal to avoid unofficial services.
Departure Point
Terminal Rodoviário do Rio de Janeiro station
Arrival Point
Salvador station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Before booking your bus, compare prices and schedules from different operators such as Águia Branca (aguiabranca.com.br) and Viação Nacional (viacaonacional.com.br) to find the best option for your travel dates.
• When transferring in Paraíba do Sul, ensure you have enough time between buses; it's advisable to allow at least 1-2 hours to comfortably navigate any delays and find your next departure.
• Upon arriving at the Salvador bus station, familiarize yourself with the layout by reviewing the station map available at salvador.ba.gov.br, and consider using local 'lotação' vans for an affordable and quick transfer to the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador is approximately 1216.7 km by air, while the road distance is 1636.4 km. If you choose to travel by plane, it takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes to reach Salvador from Rio de Janeiro. Another option is to take a bus, which will take around 37 hours and 21 minutes, or a combination of bus and ferry, which takes approximately 32 hours and 12 minutes. If you decide to drive, it will take about 21 hours and 52 minutes to reach Rio de Janeiro from Salvador by car.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador is by bus, which costs $65-$85 and takes approximately 37 hours and 21 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option would be to fly, which takes only 3 hours and 35 minutes and costs $100-$430.
The prices for a bus ticket between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador range from $69 to $84.
If you prefer not to use public transportation, you can travel from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador by car. The driving distance is approximately 1636.7 km, and it takes around 21 hours and 52 minutes to complete the journey. Keep in mind that the prices for car rental vary, with options ranging from $160 to $240.
To travel from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 30 hours and 10 minutes and costs between $80 and $110.
No, there is no direct link between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. The most common way to travel between the two cities is by bus with transfers in Paraíba do Sul, which takes approximately 30 hours and 10 minutes. The bus services are operated by Aguia Branca and Viação Nacional.
The flight between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador typically takes 2 hours and 5 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $105 and $425, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Salvador. With over 1085 hotels to choose from, there is something for every budget and preference. Prices start at $31 per night, ensuring a range of affordable choices.