Transfer to Ilha Grande from Copacabana: Complete Guide to Shared & Private Options
Planning your escape from Copacabana’s bustling beaches to Ilha Grande’s pristine paradise? Choosing the right transfer from Copacabana to Ilha Grande makes all the difference between a stressful journey and an effortless start to your island adventure.
This complete Ilha Grande transfer(opens in a new tab) guide covers everything you need to know about how to get to Ilha Grande from Copacabana, comparing shared and private transfer options to help you make the best choice for your travel style and budget.
The Journey Overview
The route from Copacabana to Ilha Grande involves two stages: a comfortable 2.5-hour drive to Conceição de Jacareí port, followed by a scenic 25-minute boat ride to the island.
The boat takes you to the main pier of Vila do Abraão, which is the main settlement on the island . This is where you will find 90% of the island’s hotels, restaurants, bars and tour operators and it is the perfect place to base your exploration of the island.
The Green Toad Bus will have you picked up from hotels and apartments located in Copacabana and other popular Rio neighbourhoods. These transfer services handle the entire journey door-to-island, eliminating the complexity of navigating public transport, language barriers, and boat schedule coordination. Total travel time is around 3.5-4 hours.
Reservations for either a shared shuttle or a private transfer(opens in a new tab) to get to Ilha Grande from Copacabana can be made by selecting your preferred option during the booking.
Booking Tips: Reserve 48-72 hours in advance during low season, but get in early during high season as seats fill up (December-March, July).
Book long in advance if travelling around Rio de Janeiro’s peak tourist events such as New Year’s and the Rio Carnival.
Shared Transfer Services
What’s Included:
- Door-to-island pickup from Copacabana hotels and Airbnb apartments.
- Air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
- Boat tickets and port coordination
- Port Taxes
Key Benefits:
- Cost-effective: $45-65 USD per person
- Social experience: Meet fellow travelers (8-15 passengers)
- Hassle-free: No navigation or language concerns required
- Reliable scheduling: Fixed departure times
- Safety first: Licensed operators with full insurance coverage
Perfect for: Budget-conscious travelers, solo adventurers, couples who enjoy meeting new people, and those with flexible schedules.
Private Transfer Services
Exclusive Features:
- Dedicated vehicle (SUV, sedan, or van options)
- Flexible departure times matching your schedule
- Complete privacy for your group
- Premium comfort and personalized service
Investment & Value:
- Pricing: $200-400 USD for groups up to 8 passengers
- Cost-effective: For groups of 3+ people
- Flexible timing: Depart when it suits your itinerary
- Quicker: No stopping to pick-up other passengers around Rio.
Ideal for: Families with children, travelers preferring privacy, groups with specific timing needs, or those wanting a customized experience.
Booking Requirements: Can accommodate last minute bookings, but reserve 48-72 hours ahead for best availability.
Choose shared if you’re budget-focused and enjoy meeting travelers. Choose private for flexibility, privacy, and group travel convenience.
Continue Your Trip
During the reservation, take advantage of the discounted onward transfers by adding on one of the following destinations:
- Return to Copacabana or other areas of Rio city.
- Get dropped off at either the Rio Galeao (GIG) or Santos Dumont (SDU) airport
- Travel onward to the colonial coastal town of Paraty
Why Choose Professional Transfers
Professional transfers offer significant advantages over public transportation:
- Time savings: Direct route without multiple connections
- Comfort: Air-conditioned vehicles vs. crowded buses
- Reliability: Guaranteed boat connections and schedules
- Safety: Licensed operators with experienced drivers
- Local expertise: Traffic knowledge and insider tips
- Language support: English-speaking assistance
Essential Booking Information
What to Bring: ID, booking confirmation, light jacket, motion sickness remedies, and cash for Ilha Grande (limited ATMs).
Pickup Preparation: Be ready 5-10 minutes early, confirm location with hotel staff, and keep transfer company contact details accessible.
Payment: Credit card payment online
Whether you choose shared or private transfers, professional services transform your journey from Copacabana to Ilha Grande into a comfortable, stress-free experience. Book your transfer in advance to secure availability. Your island paradise adventure begins with the right transportation choice – make it count!
Copacabana Pick-up Areas
- All accessible streets of Copacabana, except if located in locations deemed a Favela.
- The shared vans do not enter narrow streets or long one-way roads eg. Rua Santa Roman
- Get picked up from hotels or Airbnb apartments
Copacabana hotels we service
| Acapulco Copacabana Hotel | Hotel Atlântico Copacabana | Orla Copacabana Hotel |
| Américas Benidorm Hotel | Hotel Astoria Copacabana | Pestana Rio Atlantica |
| Américas Copacabana Hotel | Hotel Astoria Palace | Pousada Girassol |
| Arena Copacabana Hotel | Hotel Atlântico Copacabana | Premier Copacabana Hotel |
| Augusto’s Copacabana Hotel | Hotel Atlântico Rio | Raro Ipanema Boutique Hotel |
| B&B Copa Angela | Hotel Atlântico Travel Copacabana | Real Palace Hotel |
| B&B HOTEL Rio Copacabana Forte | Hotel Atlantico Star | Rede Andrade Canada |
| B&B HOTEL Rio Copacabana Posto 5 | Hotel Bandeirantes | Regency Copacabana Hotel |
| B&B Hotel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Posto 5 | Hotel Nacional Inn Rio Copacabana | Regency Park Hotel |
| Bamboo Rio Hostel | Hotel Vanity | Riale Vilamar Copacabana |
| Boulevard Bed & Breakfast | ibis budget RJ Copacabana | Rio Design Copacabana Hotel |
| CabanaCopa Hostel | ibis Copacabana Posto 2 | Rio Othon Palace |
| Chill On the Beach Hostel | ibis Copacabana Posto 5 | Ritz Copacabana Hotel |
| CLH Suites Copacabana Anita | Ipanema Copa Hostel | Royal Rio Palace Hotel |
| Copa Sul Hotel | JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro | Royalty Rio Hotel |
| Copamar Hotel | Lido Hotel | Savoy Othon Lite |
| Copacabana Mar Hotel | Majestic Rio Palace Hotel | Social Hostel |
| Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel | Mar Palace Copacabana Hotel | Socialtel Copacabana |
| Copacabana Sol Hotel | Maroca RIO | Solar Hostel Beach Copacabana |
| El Misti Suites Copacabana | Mercure Rio Boutique Hotel Copacabana | South American Copacabana Hotel |
| Emiliano Rio | Mirador Rio Copacabana Hotel | Windsor California Copacabana |