Sao Paulo and its Transport System
What is public transport like in Sao Paulo? Do people have to travel by ferry, metro, bus or train? Do they have special passes that users can take advantage of? Are taxis the best way to get around? If so, what is the best way to hail a taxi? If you are looking for answers to such questions about transport in Sao Paulo, the following article will help you in every way.
Although there is a significant lack of public transport infrastructure in Sao Paulo, it still plays a key role in the daily lives of the people of this city. The city boasts a large bus system with a fleet of up to sixteen thousand buses managed by SPTrans. There are also numerous train systems such as the EMTU-SP, Sao Paulo Metro and CPTM, among many other connecting lines. Bilhete Unico, or Unified Ticket, is a contactless smart card solution used to control and collect fares on the city’s various public transport systems. Users are offered discounts when using this card for multiple journeys, and it also allows easy transfer between the different transport systems.
Here we take a look at the different public transport systems in Sao Paulo that will help you get around the city with ease.
Public transport in Sao Paulo on map
Map of Public Transportation In Sao Paulo showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Osaka Metro map in PDF format.
Buses in Sao Paulo
If you want to travel around Sao Paulo by bus, you can visit one of the city’s four bus terminals, which offer good fares and excellent connections to various locations. While they are a good way to get around during the day, it is recommended that you use a taxi to get around the city at night. Although they are frequent and plentiful, navigating a Sao Paulo bus can be tricky. As you get on at the front of the bus, pay the driver before you get on. You must flag down a bus to make it stop, otherwise it will simply pass you by. There are up to sixteen thousand buses in the city, of which around three hundred are trolleybuses. The fleet operated by SPTrans, which is the majority, with only a small number of buses operated by EMTU, is uniformly coloured. While some are white, others are coloured to represent the particular non-central region they serve: buses serving the northern region are dark blue, while those serving the north-western region are light green. Although until a few years ago there were many informal vans on the streets of the city, they have been brought under the full registered and authorised control of the city council.
Railways in Sao Paulo and the Sao Paulo Metro system
São Paulo’s rail network, which includes both surface trains and the metro, is the most trusted mode of transport for tourists. While the metro system is efficient, clean, modern and safe, the quality of the surface trains is inconsistent, although those in the more touristy areas can certainly give the metro a run for its money. ViaQuatro, CPTM and Sao Paulo Metro are the three companies responsible for operating the rail network. As a tourist in Sao Paulo, of the twelve lines that criss-cross the city, these are probably the most useful.
- Line 1 or Blue Line: Running north-south, this was the first metro line ever built and passes through the famous historic centre. The Jabaquara and Tiete bus terminals are also close by when travelling on this line. It is managed and operated by Metro.
- Line 2 or Green Line: The Green Line runs from east to west and crosses Avenida Paulista. This is another line run by Metro.
- Line 3, the Red Line: North of the Green Line and running in the same direction is the Red Line, probably the busiest of all the railway lines in the city of Sao Paulo. It is more expensive than its southern counterpart and also runs through the historic centre. At the western end of this line is the Barra Funda bus terminal. This line is operated by Metro.
- Line 4, the yellow line: This line serves as a link between the Historic Centre and runs mostly south of the Green Line. This line, which will not be fully operational until 2012, runs along Avenida Paulista and is operated and maintained by ViaQuatro.
- Line 9 or Emerald Line: The Emerald Line is located to the west of the Blue Line and runs parallel to it in a north-south direction. It crosses the entire western half of the city of Sao Paulo. This line is operated by the CPTM.
Cab or taxi service in Sao Paulo
For those looking for an alternative to driving in Sao Paulo, taxis are the best option. They are also the best choice of all the city’s transport systems for travelling after dark. Taxis can be hailed either from the street or from one of the many stands that can be found in busy areas and at major intersections. You can also book radio taxis in advance by calling the numbers of the service providers. Disabled people can use the wheelchair accessible minivans of Taxi Pro-Def. Whatever the time of day, you are sure to find a taxi to take you to your destination.
Hiring cars in Sao Paulo
Driving a car on the streets of Sao Paulo is not recommended as a means of getting around the city. However, if you insist on driving your own vehicle, you should be aware of some of the traffic rules. Traffic in Sao Paulo is extremely bad, especially during the monsoon season when rains can flood the streets. It is difficult to find a parking space, and even if you do find one, it can be quite expensive. The citizens of Sao Paulo seem to be well versed in the principle of “every man for himself”, so you will need to be extra vigilant when driving on the streets.
Getting around in Sao Paulo
One of the most enjoyable and exciting ways to see the city is on foot. You will be surprised at how pedestrian-friendly some of the towns and neighbourhoods are. They are also compact enough to allow you to explore them all in one long but easy stroll. The Jardins and Centro are among the few popular areas that can be easily traversed on foot. Although it is safe to walk the streets of Sao Paulo during the day, be careful about venturing out at night. Stay indoors as much as possible, and if you must go out, call a taxi to take you to your destination. Better to be safe than sorry!