South America’s First High-Speed Train Will Connect Rio and São Paulo in Under 2 Hours by 2032

Finally, South America was the only continent without high-speed rail lines on its territory. But that’s about to change with this next-generation bullet train set to connect Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil, by 2032.

260 Miles in 1 Hour 45 Minutes

This will mark a historic first for this part of the continent with a long-studied project that will link Brazil’s two largest metropolises. A potential network extension to other distant cities is also on the table, particularly Campinas, about 62 miles from São Paulo, which remains a major economic hub for the region.

But initially, the focus is on covering 260 miles between Rio and São Paulo in just 1 hour and 45 minutes aboard trains capable of exceeding 186 mph. The project expects to carry 30 million passengers annually, offering a transportation mode that should significantly reduce the saturated air traffic between the two cities and eliminate the 6 to 7-hour journey required by bus or car. Even better, ticket prices will be competitive with airfare on the same route—around $80 per trip. That’s affordable for a significant portion of the population and tourists alike.

As for the line’s opening, it’s scheduled for 2032, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The estimated cost is $10 billion, including the necessary construction of viaducts and tunnels designed for high-speed rail.

In short, this ambitious project should also have a significant impact on tourism. Particularly for São Paulo, which receives relatively few international tourists and could benefit from Rio de Janeiro’s appeal with this connection, potentially becoming a viable day trip destination from Rio.