Rio Shuts Avenida Atlântica and Tightens Access as Copacabana Gears Up for Réveillon 2026

Overview

• Traffic restrictions are now in force, with Avenida Atlântica closed, full vehicle access to Copacabana ending at 21:00, and a staged reopening of internal streets from 05:00 on January 1.
• MetrôRio runs a special 19:00–05:00 operation that requires a R$15 ‘passaporte’ for entry and a mandatory wristband for return boarding, with post‑midnight embarkation limited to designated stations.
• Bus departures after 21:00 shift to the Terminal Enseada de Botafogo, which operates through the night with municipal and intermunicipal lines serving the North Zone, West Zone, Baixada, Niterói/São Gonçalo/Maricá and the Serrana region.
• Security screening at controlled access points includes metal detectors and facial‑recognition cameras, and police warn that glass bottles, sharp objects and private fireworks will be barred at checkpoints.
• The program features a 12‑minute fireworks show launched from 19 barges and an approximately 1,200‑drone display, with headline sets by Gilberto Gil with Ney Matogrosso, Belo with Alcione, João Gomes with Iza, and Alok.