Christ the Redeemer adds a van point on 23 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 17:13 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
A new official van embarkation point for Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) began operating in Rio de Janeiro on 23 September 2026, linking the Metropolitan Cathedral in the city centre with the monument on Corcovado. The change gives visitors from Western Europe another starting point for the journey to one of Brazil's most visited landmarks.
A new Cathedral van point reaches Christ the Redeemer
Paineiras Corcovado, the concessionaire operating the official vans, announced the Cathedral service for 23 September 2026. The point is in the car park of the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian at Avenida República do Chile, 245, in central Rio de Janeiro, and the operator lists daily operation from 7am to 4pm.
The new service joins existing official points at Praça do Lido in Copacabana, Largo do Machado and Paineiras Visitors Centre. The route from the Cathedral includes a stop at the Paineiras Visitors Centre before continuing towards the Alto do Corcovado. Paineiras confirms the new point, while reporting by g1 also places the start of the operation on 23 September 2026.
Corcovado access now includes a forest visitor centre
The Cathedral change matters because it joins an urban departure point to a route through Tijuca Forest. At Paineiras, visitors can see Floresta Protetora, a permanent interactive exhibition about the history and biodiversity of Tijuca National Park, before continuing to the mountain summit.
The operator identifies the monument as being on Corcovado Mountain inside Tijuca National Park. The route therefore connects central Rio de Janeiro, the forest visitor centre and the summit access area in one official transport arrangement. That combination makes the new date more than a simple change of departure address: it adds a city-centre option while retaining a stop focused on the landscape surrounding the landmark.
Platform access remains affected by lift works
Visitors should also allow for a changed approach at the summit. During the installation of new lifts, access to the upper platform remains via a stone staircase with 80 steps, according to the operator. The route to the second floor is unchanged, while special vehicles and climbing chairs are available for people with reduced mobility under stated conditions.
The access arrangement means the Cathedral service does not remove every practical consideration at the monument. Visitors using wheelchairs should contact Paineiras Corcovado in advance, because the operator says its support equipment is intended for standard wheelchairs and cannot operate in rain or on wet surfaces.
Visiting Christ the Redeemer: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The new Cathedral embarkation point operates from 23 September 2026 at Avenida República do Chile, 245, in central Rio de Janeiro.
- The point is in the Metropolitan Cathedral car park and operates from 7am to 4pm; the route continues by official van towards Alto do Corcovado.
- The nearest metro station is Carioca. From there, the operator directs visitors along Avenida República do Chile to the Cathedral car park; the route also has connections from Praça XV by way of Rua da Assembleia and Avenida Rio Branco.
- At the summit, the current approach to the upper platform uses a stone staircase with 80 steps while new lifts are installed. The journey also includes Paineiras Visitors Centre and the Floresta Protetora exhibition.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Christ the Redeemer
When did the new van point open at Christ the Redeemer?
The new official van point at the Metropolitan Cathedral began operating on 23 September 2026. It is at Avenida República do Chile, 245, in central Rio de Janeiro.
Where is Christ the Redeemer and how do you get there?
The monument is on Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park. Official vans can be boarded at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Praça do Lido, Largo do Machado or Paineiras Visitors Centre.
What has changed at Christ the Redeemer?
Visitors have an additional official departure point in central Rio de Janeiro. The upper platform is still reached by an 80-step stone staircase while new lifts are installed.
