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Road trip

Driving from São Paulo to Cabo Frio

Short answer

From São Paulo to Cabo Frio it is about 574 km and 7 h of driving. In a car that gets 11 km/L, with gas at R$ 6.40/L, fuel costs about R$ 334 and tolls about R$ 95: in total, about R$ 429 one way (R$ 858 round trip).

Amounts are in Brazilian reais (R$), with no conversion to another currency. Gas uses the reference price from the ANP, Brazil's National Petroleum Agency.
Sources: ANP (fuel) · OpenStreetMap (route) · updated on October 19, 2026
Most reviewed activity in Cabo FrioBúzios Day Trip★ 9 · 6 reviews · from US$ 46 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →
Distance
574 km
Average time
7 h
Fuel
R$ 334
Tolls
R$ 95
Calculate with your car
Total one way: R$ 429 · R$ 858 round trip
+ accommodation in Cabo Frio: average nightly rate of about R$ 325. 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).

Tours and tickets

Things to do in Cabo Frio

booking on Civitatis
Búzios Day Trip
9· 6 reviews

Búzios Day Trip

On this day trip to Búzios, we'll sail on a traditional-style ship along the paradise beaches of Rio de Janeiro and enjoy a delicious lunch by the sea.

6 h
from US$ 46
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Cabo Frio Catamaran Ride
8· 5 reviews

Cabo Frio Catamaran Ride

Discover the paradisiacal landscapes of the state of Rio de Janeiro on this catamaran trip around Cabo Frio. The beautiful corners of this coastal city await!

3 h
from US$ 33
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Cabo Frio Beach Hiking Tour
8· 3 reviews

Cabo Frio Beach Hiking Tour

Join us on a hiking adventure to the stunning beaches and scenic viewpoints of Cabo Frio. We'll cross sea caves, white sand bays, cliffs, and natural pools.

3 h
from US$ 22
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Rio de Janeiro Shuttle Service
10· 1 review

Rio de Janeiro Shuttle Service

Do you want to visit the famous Copacabana beach? With this transfer service to Rio de Janeiro from Cabo Frio, you'll travel comfortably to the city.

3 h 30 min
from US$ 53
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Cabo Frio Catamaran Ride

Cabo Frio Catamaran Ride

If you like sailing, this Cabo Frio catamaran trip is perfect for you. We'll cruise the coast of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro!

2 h 30 min
from US$ 46
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Transfer to Angra dos Reis
4· 1 review

Transfer to Angra dos Reis

Get ready for a convenient transfer to Angra dos Reis from Cabo Frio – one of Rio de Janeiro's top destinations! You'll be captivated by the stunning beaches.

6 h
from US$ 84
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See all activities in Cabo Frio
Where to stay

Hotels in Cabo Frio

With 7 h of driving, it is a good idea to arrive with your hotel already booked: the average nightly rate in Cabo Frio is around R$ 325. If you are driving, confirm that the hotel has parking before you book.

Green Hoteis in Cabo Frio 9.7 ★★★★ · 11 reviews Green Hoteis See on Booking → Samba Bossa Nova Cabo Frio in Cabo Frio 8.3 ★★★★ · 12 reviews Samba Bossa Nova Cabo Frio See on Booking → Pousada do Albatroz in Cabo Frio 7.3 ★★★ · 3 reviews Pousada do Albatroz See on Booking → Hotel la Plage in Cabo Frio 6.8 ★★★ · 15 reviews Hotel la Plage See on Booking →
See all hotels in Cabo Frio

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

Torn between Cabo Frio and another destination?

Before you set out, see Cabo Frio side by side with other destinations competing for the same trip: weather, driving cost, ideal days and profile.

Cabo Frio or Arraial do Cabo? Cabo Frio or Búzios? Cabo Frio or Paraty?
see all comparisons →
Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the trip to Cabo Frio

How much does it cost to drive from São Paulo to Cabo Frio?

From São Paulo to Cabo Frio it is about 574 km and 7 h of driving. In a car that gets 11 km/L, with gas at R$ 6.40/L, fuel costs about R$ 334 and tolls about R$ 95: in total, about R$ 429 one way (R$ 858 round trip).

How long does the drive from São Paulo to Cabo Frio take?

It takes roughly 7 h by car to cover the 574 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 São Paulo to Cabo Frio?

Yes. The route adds up to about R$ 95 in tolls each way. The amount can vary with the vehicle category and with rate adjustments by the toll road operators.

Can you drive from São Paulo to Cabo Frio in one day?

You can, but it is about 7 h behind the wheel, not counting stops to refuel and eat. Drivers who prefer to take it easy split the trip into two days and spend the night in a city along the way.

Complete guide to Cabo Frio Getting to Cabo Frio Best time to visit