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Domestic Transportation: how it works in Brazil — first-hand

Short answer
Intercity bus travel between São Paulo and Rio can take 6 to 10 hours, so choose 'leito' seats for comfort and always bring warm clothing as buses are kept very cold. When flying Ethiopian Airlines to Brazil, you must reclaim baggage at São Paulo (GRU) to re-check for domestic connections and provide medical documentation at least 24 hours in advance if pregnant.

From real experience

Bus travel between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro: scheduled travel time is approx 6 hours, but actual duration is heavily dependent on traffic, holidays, and time of day (often exceeding 9-10 hours).
Recommendations: opt for 'leito' (sleeper) seats for comfort. Bring warm clothing as bus air conditioning is typically set to very low temperatures.
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When flying Ethiopian Airlines to Brazil: 1. **Entry Requirements:** Be prepared for immigration to ask for return tickets at Moscow check-in; a booked flight with a temporary hold (e.g., Emirates 71-hour booking) can suffice.
2. **Pregnancy Travel:** Submit a filled, signed, and stamped Pregnancy Certificate and Medif form to Ethiopian Airlines via email at least one day prior to departure. Be ready to present these documents again at Addis Ababa boarding. Carry a self-responsibility letter. 3. **In-flight Experience:** Aircraft may be older (especially Moscow-Addis Ababa), but service is friendly, food is generally good, and amenities (blanket, pillow, headphones, hygiene kit on longer segments) are provided. In-flight entertainment might be limited to English. 4. **Addis Ababa Airport:** The airport is modern with rest areas and food options. 5. **Sao Paulo (GRU) Transfer to Domestic:** Even with a single ticket (e.g., Moscow-Rio), checked baggage MUST be claimed at São Paulo (GRU) and re-checked for domestic flights (e.g., Latam to Rio) after passing customs. A Latam representative might assist with baggage re-check before the main counters. 6. **Domestic Flights in Brazil:** Expect domestic flights to be cold; dress warmly. The recommended layover time for connections is 4-5 hours.
✓ 1 report from chats
Intercity bus travel in Brazil: Tickets are plentiful and easily bought at terminals (e.g., Catarinensis is a recommended operator).
Buses are comfortable, often featuring reclining seats (cama). Essential tips: bring a warm sweater and long pants (AC is very cold), and a travel pillow for better sleep.
✓ 1 report from chats
Intercity buses in Brazil offer various comfort levels: 'semi-leito' (approx.
140° recline) and 'leito/cama' (up to 180° recline). Booking platforms include busbud, obilet, and plataforma10. Passengers are advised to carry warm clothing due to powerful onboard air conditioning.
✓ 1 report from chats

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