Petrópolis is 65 kilometres north of Rio de Janeiro via the BR-040 motorway. By bus, Unica/Fácil runs frequent services from the Rodoviária Novo Rio (main bus terminal) in Rio — the journey takes about 90 minutes. Buses depart every 30 minutes through the day and cost around R$30. The winding mountain road through Serra da Estrela is part of the experience: the descent into Rio on the return is particularly dramatic.
By car from Rio, take the BR-040 north. The road climbs sharply into the mountains and can be congested on weekends and holidays. Petrópolis makes an easy and rewarding day trip from Rio, though staying overnight allows you to enjoy the cooler evenings and quieter mornings.