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Ilhabela from Sao Paulo: the best way to travel.
Ilhabela, which literally means “Beautiful Island” in Portuguese, is one of Brazil’s most beautiful coastal destinations. Located just 207 km from São Paulo, it’s a perfect getaway for anyone looking to enjoy pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and waterfalls hidden in the Atlantic Forest.
Ferry to Ilhabela
To reach Ilhabela, you’ll need to take a ferry from São Sebastião, which is:
- FREE for pedestrians and cyclists
- Paid for cars and motorcycles (see details below in the car rental section)
- Runs 24/7, with ferries departing approximately every 30 minutes during the day
- Duration: 15-20 minutes
During weekends and holidays, the ferry can get busy, so expect longer waiting times if you’re bringing a car.
How to Get to Ilhabela from São Paulo
There are several ways to get to Ilhabela, depending on your budget and travel style.
1. The Cheapest Option: BlaBlaCar + Bus
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, combining BlaBlaCar + bus is the way to go. This is how we did it:
- BlaBlaCar from São Paulo (Tietê Bus Terminal) to Caraguatatuba: 96 BRL for two people ≈ $19 USD
- Bus from Caraguatatuba to São Sebastião: 30 BRL for two people ≈ $6 USD (Booked via ClickBus)
⚠ Important: ClickBus requires a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) to buy tickets online. If you don’t have one yet, check out my guide on how to get a CPF as a foreigner.
No CPF? You can use Busbud, which allows ticket purchases without a CPF, though prices are slightly higher. - Ferry to Ilhabela: FREE for pedestrians
Total cost: 126 BRL (for two) ≈ $25 USD
This method saved us 114 BRL ($22 USD) compared to the direct bus, which costs 240 BRL ($47 USD for two people).
How BlaBlaCar Works
BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing platform that connects drivers traveling between cities with passengers heading in the same direction.
- Step 1: Download the BlaBlaCar app or visit blablacar.com.
- Step 2: Enter your departure and destination to find available rides.
- Step 3: Create an account, you will need your passport.
- Step 4: Choose a driver based on reviews, price, and departure time.
- Step 5: Book your seat and meet at the agreed pickup location (often Tietê Bus Terminal in São Paulo).
BlaBlaCar is a safe and affordable alternative to buses, and it’s a great way to split travel costs and meet other travelers.
2. Direct Bus from São Paulo to São Sebastião
If you prefer a straightforward trip, you can take a direct bus from São Paulo to São Sebastião, where the ferry to Ilhabela departs from.
- Departure Point: Tietê Bus Terminal (Rodoviária do Tietê)
- Ticket Price: 120 BRL per person (240 BRL for two) ≈ $47 USD
- Duration: Around 4.5 hours
- Booking: Available on ClickBus
⚠ Important: ClickBus requires a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) to buy tickets online. If you don’t have one yet, check out my guide on how to get a CPF as a foreigner.
No CPF? You can use Busbud, which allows ticket purchases without a CPF, though prices are slightly higher.
3. BlaBlaCar Direct to São Sebastião (No Bus Needed)
Another alternative is to find a BlaBlaCar directly from São Paulo to São Sebastião, skipping the bus altogether.
- Average Cost: 160 BRL for two people ≈ $31 USD
- Departure Point: Usually from Tietê Bus Terminal
- Duration: Around 3.5 hours
This is a great option if you find a ride at a good price, as it eliminates the need to switch transport.
4. Renting a Car
For more flexibility, driving to Ilhabela is a great choice. The road trip from São Paulo to São Sebastião takes around 3.5 hours, and then you’ll need to take the ferry to Ilhabela.
Rental Options:
- Localiza (Check rates)
- Movida (Check rates)
- Unidas (Check rates)
Average Rental Price: 150-250 BRL/day ≈ $30-50 USD/day (depending on the car type and rental period).
⛴ Ferry Cost for Cars:
- From Monday to Friday: 23.50 BRL ($4.50 USD)
- Weekends & Holidays: 35.50 BRL ($7 USD)
⚠ Tip: The ferry can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so expect some waiting time if you’re bringing a car.
Our Return Trip: Direct BlaBlaCar
On our way back, we got lucky and found a direct BlaBlaCar from Ilhabela to São Paulo for 120 BRL ($24 USD for two people).
Usually, direct BlaBlaCar rides from Ilhabela are more expensive, so if you’re on a budget, the bus to Caraguatatuba + BlaBlaCar to São Paulo is often the cheapest choice.
Planning Your Trip? Check Out My 3-Day Ilhabela Itinerary!
Now that you know how to get to Ilhabela, why not plan an unforgettable trip? I’ve put together a detailed 3-day itinerary with the best beaches, hikes, waterfalls, and restaurants on the island.
Check out my 3-day Ilhabela itinerary here!
Final Thoughts
Ilhabela is one of the best beach destinations near São Paulo, and getting there doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you carpool with BlaBlaCar, take a direct bus, or rent a car, you’ll find an option that suits your budget and travel style.
Let me know if you’d add any other travel tips!
