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Road trip

Driving from Rio de Janeiro to São João del-Rei

Short answer

From Rio de Janeiro to São João del-Rei it is about 336 km and 4 h 30 min of driving. In a car that gets 11 km/L, with gas at R$ 6.20/L, fuel costs about R$ 189 and tolls about R$ 38: in total, about R$ 227 one way (R$ 455 round trip).

Amounts are in Brazilian reais (R$), with no conversion to another currency. Gas uses the reference price from the ANP, Brazil's National Petroleum Agency.
Sources: ANP (fuel) · OpenStreetMap (route) · updated on October 19, 2026
Distance
336 km
Average time
4 h 30 min
Fuel
R$ 189
Tolls
R$ 38
Calculate with your car
Total one way: R$ 227 · R$ 455 round trip
+ accommodation in São João del-Rei: average nightly rate of about R$ 511. Book before you leave See hotels on Booking →

Estimate covers fuel and tolls only, not parking, food or wear on the car. Distance and time calculated on OpenStreetMap; the gas price is a reference price (ANP).

Where to stay

Hotels in São João del-Rei

With 4 h 30 min of driving, it is a good idea to arrive with your hotel already booked: the average nightly rate in São João del-Rei is around R$ 511. If you are driving, confirm that the hotel has parking before you book.

See all hotels in São João del-Rei

Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

Torn between São João del-Rei and another destination?

Before you set out, see São João del-Rei side by side with other destinations competing for the same trip: weather, driving cost, ideal days and profile.

São João del-Rei or Diamantina? São João del-Rei or Mariana? São João del-Rei or Ouro Preto?
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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the trip to São João del-Rei

How much does it cost to drive from Rio de Janeiro to São João del-Rei?

From Rio de Janeiro to São João del-Rei it is about 336 km and 4 h 30 min of driving. In a car that gets 11 km/L, with gas at R$ 6.20/L, fuel costs about R$ 189 and tolls about R$ 38: in total, about R$ 227 one way (R$ 455 round trip).

How long does the drive from Rio de Janeiro to São João del-Rei take?

It takes roughly 4 h 30 min by car to cover the 336 km, not counting stops. On public holidays and high-season weekends, the time can increase considerably because of traffic leaving and arriving.

Are there tolls on the way from Rio de Janeiro to São João del-Rei?

Yes. The route adds up to about R$ 38 in tolls each way. The amount can vary with the vehicle category and with rate adjustments by the toll road operators.

Complete guide to São João del-Rei Getting to São João del-Rei Best time to visit