Rio Holiday Transportation Services

This is a supplement and additional information to our Rio de Janeiro Transportation Guide found in the Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide from Rio Holiday.  It contains additional information about the services and private transportation options offered by Rio Holiday.

The transportation needs of every guest are a little different.  Some guests are very active and want to see everything, while others prefer to spend a lot of time around the pool or at the beach.  Sometimes guests want a car available at all times, because they don’t want to be bothered with too much advanced planning.  Other times, a little advance planning is no problem and there is no need to have a car “parked in the garage” when no one is planning to use it.  We draw on a variety of travel resources in order to give you the best range of service.  This also will help keep your transportation costs under control.  The information below can look confusing, but think of it as simply a menu that allows you to pick and choose the best transportation options for your trip

Rio Holiday Private Vehicle Options

Rio Holiday works with transportation service providers in Rio.  Our service options include driver, driver/guide, or sometimes both a driver and a separate guide.  We have divided our rates into two parts: the time cost of the driver and the vehicle, and the distance cost as measured in kilometers.  This makes it easy to calculate costs for people who want mostly the convenience and security of a car, but don’t really plan to drive very much.  Examples of this are shopping or sampling the nightlife.  On the other hand, our rates also accommodate guests that want to take a tour of Corcovado or make a side trip to Búzios.  All private transportation options must be arranged in advance with your Hospitality Manager.  All vehicles are air conditioned.

If you can plan your vehicle needs at least one day in advance, we can probably provide a private vehicle and driver by the hour, with a 4 hour minimum.  This is the most economical way to go since you don’t need to pay for a car that is sitting in the garage while you are playing on the beach or by the pool.  Private cars are great for shopping because they provide a secure place to put your purchases between shops.  For nightlife, the presence of a private car is both more convenient and safer.  Tours simply involve a car, driver, and an English speaking driver or guide.
Prices vary and discounts are available because it is simply much cheaper to arrange both the driver and the car in advance. The 4 hour minimum rate is per callout, not per day.  For example, 1 hour in the morning and 3 hours in the evening is 8 hours minimum charge. 
Important note on availability.  It can take up to 24 hours to arrange a private vehicle and up to 48 hours to arrange a private van.  Occasionally, transportation can be arranged on shorter notice, so it doesn’t hurt to try.  Availability of private transportation is not guaranteed for your Rio Holiday visit unless booked and paid for in advance of your arrival.

• The following prices are valid for in and around Greater Rio.  For trips outside of this area, prices may vary.  Please consult your Hospitality Manager.
• All partial hourly charges are rounded up to the next half hour.
• Transportation charges will be added to your final bill, payable at checkout unless arranged in advance.  Some charges must be paid in advance.
• Excursions provided by others may be added to your final bill for a small service fee.
• A minimum charge for daily rates is 4 hours per callout.
• Guest does not pay for gas, but tolls and parking may be added.
• The Guest is responsible for the admission, food, and accommodation charges of any Rio Holiday Guide or Driver.
• Trips that cross state lines require a different type of bus with a different license.  These cost more, but can be arranged on request.
• All prices are subject to change without notice unless incorporated as part of a Rental Agreement.
• CANCELLATION POLICY:  Cancellation of transportation requested requires 24 hours notice or a cancellation fee will apply.  Transportation vendors charge us a cancellation fee when they have scheduled service and it is cancelled at the last minute, and this is passed on to the customer.  This can be up to 25% of the requested service even if the service was just scheduled in the same day of the request.  Taxis also have a cancellation charge.