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High-speed train between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo could revolutionize travel in Brazil
By land, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are currently connected by bus, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours each way
Brazil’s plans for an innovative high-speed train (HST) system, which promises to connect Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo in around 1 hour and 45 minutes, could revolutionize transport in South America.
The project, supervised by the private company TAV Brasil, was designed to operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h, with the capacity to reach 350 km/h in certain sections. If completed, it will be the first service of its kind on the continent. TAV Brasil plans to begin operations in 2032, subject to obtaining licenses and financial closure.
Since February 2023, TAV Brasil has had a 99-year authorization granted by the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) to develop and operate the system. This model avoids the need for a public tender, but requires the company to demonstrate its technical, economic and environmental viability. The proposed route is approximately 417 kilometers, with terminal stations in the central regions of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and intermediate stops planned in Volta Redonda (RJ) and São José dos Campos (SP).
The project includes dedicated high-speed trains that will utilize 25 kV AC electrification and the ERTMS/ETCS signaling system, a global standard used in countries such as France, Spain and Japan.
TAV Brasil estimates that a total investment of R$60 billion (approximately US$12 billion) is required, which will cover civil works, control systems, stations and train acquisition.
The financial structure is expected to combine private capital and long-term financing, and negotiations are ongoing with investment funds and international manufacturers, including groups from Spain, China and Arab funds. The government’s role will be limited to institutional coordination and licensing, with no direct public investment currently planned.
The project is still in the planning phase and construction has not yet begun. Mandatory technical, economic and environmental feasibility studies (EVTEA) are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. This will precede the environmental licensing and construction phases.
Experts suggest that reducing travel times in this highly congested corridor could drastically change the transport profile, reducing dependence on air and road transport. TAV is expected to reduce airport congestion, increase travel predictability and potentially decrease emissions per passenger.
The progress of the project remains subject to obtaining definitive environmental licenses, the resolution of land expropriation agreements and the finalization of the important financial structure.