People drive far more aggressively in Brazil than in most other places on earth. I was born and raised in Belo Horizonte, and drove there for many years before moving to the US. Still, whenever I go back it still takes me a couple of days to get used to the pace of driving. Especially because of the motorcycles: there are ton of motorcycles from courier services and they will zip around cars not respecting lane divisions or anything like that. With regards to parking, most of the downtown areas will have street parking, but it will frequently be difficult to find a spot, and normally street parking will require a "Faixa azul," a ticket you buy where you enter the time and date you parked and it lets you park there for a few hours. But on top of the street parking, there are many garages you can park in. Those are likely better, safer options. One thing to keep in mind is that car break ins are fairly common in Brazil: don't leave any valuables in sight. Another is that parking is not allowed in most streets around the stadium on game day, so you will have to check what arrangements fifa has set up for parking.
Thanks for the info - much appreciated! I'm from South Africa, so I know all about aggressive driving and a (mild) disrespect for the rules of the road. I think I'll give it a try - but may resort to using public transport for match days. If it's anything like SA 2010, then a very large area outside the stadium is cordened-off from traffic.
Anyone planning to go back to Rio the day after the England game? Have to get back in time for France v Ecuador.
I am flying to Belo from Rio on Jun 21 to catch the Argentina v Iran game. I need to be back to Rio the next day to catch the Belgium v russia game. I am thinking of taking the bus after the game from Belo to Rio. Should I buy the bus ticket in advance or are there frequent buses every few hours?
Hi James, yes I will be doing this same trip. Haven't decided whether I will fly or get the bus yet. Probably whatever is the most affordable option. What were you thinking?
Yes, My friend and I plan on doing the same thing. Most likely for cost purposes, taking the overnight bus which leaves Belo at 10pm and gets into Rio around 5am..
Can you please tell me what website you used to book this accommodation? I have been looking for this hotel but have been unable to find it anwhere on the internet! Thanks.
Hi there. I just used ibis.com and searched for hotels in Belo Horizonte for the dates that I will be there. There were about eight available hotels in and around the city. This seemed to be the best located. There is also an Ibis Budget at the same location that was a little cheaper. Good luck. Cheers. ken.
There are frequent buses, but they are cheaper if you buy them online ahead of time. Additionally, keep in mind that we don't know how busy these things will be during the world cup. Now it is very easy to just drop by and buy a ticket. During the world cup? Who knows.
If anyone needs any tickets to the games here let me know. I have 4 Cat 1 tix to Belgium/ Algeria, Argentina/Iran, and England/Costa Rica that Ive got to sell.
Are you able to please tell me the name of the website where I can buy a ticket for these buses? Thanks.
Hi All!! I had some difficulties to find Hotel, because they only have packages, and I understand that are many people looking for Hospitality too. JUST AS A TIP FOR YOU ALL, my dad bought a package on this site and they were very attentive and have good prices. And as a Flight Attendant, I know the Hotels that they offer and all are very good and reliable. http://www.terramarnacopa.com.br
There are many, including the company specific websites. But I linked this upthread: http://www.buscaonibus.com.br/en I don't know how good a deal you get there, but it was one I had found before.
This is the main company that goes from BH to Rio. There are many buses during a day, but in WC days I think u should buy it before. http://www.util.com.br/
For those that live in Belo, what is the locker situation for storing luggage at the Bus terminal like? I will be flying into Belo the day of the England game, and will be leaving the same day on an overnight bus to Rio. I will need to store my luggage though during the game. Any idea how many lockers there are in the Bus Station and how many lockers in total there are? cheers
Hi Rafael, how safe is it to travel by bus at night? Need to be back in Rio early on June 15. Do you think it will be safe to travel overnight?
I'm in Belo Horizonte from June 13-15 - there for the Colombia-Greece game. You guys have any suggestions for accommodations? My last resort will be to book via the FIFA website, but just curious to see if you guys know anything. Thanks.
Would it be possible for the guys who kno BH to make a list of the neghborhoods to avoid?? I'm looking for accommodation but there is obviously lots of places there. Thanks in advance guys.
Yes. It is close to downtown and Savassi, close to most major nightlife and restaurants. Excluding the area immediately surrounding the bus station (rodoviaria), most areas within the Avenida do Contorno perimeter will be ok. Most areas to the south of the city, especially around Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Raja Gabaglia avenues will be ok. On the north side, the closer you are to the stadium or Pampulha lake, the better. Other than that, it is hard to get too specific. As in many cities in Brazil, it is quite common to have a perfectly fine neighborhood right next to a pretty bad one.
Hi ALL Q - WE (Dave and Will) have 2 choices to fly in from Curitiba on the 24th June after AUST V SPAIN game ( NO tickets yet either to PAMPULHA Airport AT 11.00 am or fly into Tancredo Neves Inter. Airport at 10.30 and SAVE $ 100 each . Not sure if it is easy/time wise or cost to get from the Tancredo airport to the ground for 13.00 KO. Or pay extra to fly into Pampulha ? Any tips & info would be great for above and advice on 1 nights Accommodation for two as we fly out to Salvador next day . We also have two spare tickets for this game Cat. 1 and would be great to swap for Aust. v Spain or ENG. V URUGUARY or any game in RIO . HOPING Thanks and have a great World Cup DAVE PS. GO ENG - AUST AND MELBOURNE VICTORY !!!!!!!
Would any of you happen to be looking for a ticket to the Belgium-Algeria match on June 17th? My itinerary changed and now I have an extra to spare (One CAT2 ticket). Would trade for almost any other game... just trying to put together a better package of tickets to trade for the match I am really after... thank you all in advance!