Learn all the essentials about Sambadrome tickets and Samba Parade nights - all frequently asked questions are answered, advice and recommendations from experts and true Rio Carnival veterans are given.
Read more about the Rio Sambadrome or Sambodromo packages.
What should I decide before buying my tickets?
The day, sector and whether you want allocated chairs, in a front box, in a luxury suit or stay in the bleachers.
Is it the same show on Sunday and Monday?
Different schools march on the two days. Thus the show is different. For 2011, the famous Mangueira Samba School parades on Monday, causing the tickets to sell out faster for that day. If you want to see the Salgueiro, get your tickets for Monday. See the 2011 Parading Order here.
For which day should I buy my tickets?
The most important nights are Carnival Sunday and Monday, which are similar in terms of set-up. 6 of the best 12 samba schools (the Special Group) march on both days. Choose the one which best fits into your schedule. The always-favorite Salgueiro Samba School parades on Monday, so if you really want to watch them, get your tickets for Monday.
Which are the best sectors?
Sector 2, offering VIP seating and services. Sectors in the middle or slightly towards the end of the run-way are also excellent, such as Sector 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11. Paying just a little bit more for a ticket makes a big difference when it comes to the view. Make the best out of that special night of a life-time. Sector 7 is probably the best, indicated by the fact that most judges are located at this height of the Avenue. Go for the front boxes if you can afford it for more comfortable seating, space and better views.
Can I only buy tickets in tourist Sector No. 9?
No, you can buy tickets for all sectors. Sector 9 is a significantly higher price and there's very few locals here. But if your are a tourist you are not obligated to buy all your tickets here. These are designated numbered seats. You would be better off in a Sector 4 front box with better seats and more space, paying the same price.
Are the seats numbered?
Chairs in the boxes and in front of sector 6 and 13 and seats in Sector 9 are numbered and allocated. All other Grand Stand sectors offer free seating without allocated places.
Do you recommend the front boxes?
They are an excellent option. They offer comfort and space (only 6 chairs with a coffee table) with fantastic views, being right on the samba run-way. For a good view combined with excellent value opt for the front boxes in front of Sectors 3, 4 or 5.
Which tickets are the best value for money?
The boxes in front of Sector 4. It offers comfortable seating within a box with your own chair, coffee table and significantly more space. It also has a considerably better view, being right on the Avenue, than any Grand Stand sector. Being seated opposite the drummers’ niche, you will enjoy full view of the drummers who will stop, play and perform right in front of your eyes with some truly compelling atmosphere.
Which allocated seats are of good value?
The numbered, allocated chairs in front of Sector 6. You will have your own private chair, and can come and go whenever you like without anyone else taking your seat. The chairs are located on reclining steps to assure unrestricted, good views.
Do any sectors have restricted view?
Grand Stand Sector 4, since the building next to it, Sector 2 blocks the view.
Which are the very best tickets?
The luxury Suites in Sector 2 with the best views and VIP treatment with free buffet, dinner and drinks. You will be among the "A" crowd. Then follow the front boxes in front of Sector 9, then front boxes of Sector 7.
What should I buy if I am on a tight budget?
Try to go for Sector 3. If you want to have allocated seats however, the private chairs in front of sector 6 offer the best value.
Which tickets are still available?
All tickets on our dedicated Samba Parade ticket page are still available. That page is linked to our computer system and is constantly up-to-date.
How much are the tickets?
See prices on the dedicated Samba Parade ticket page.
Are there any child or student discounts?
Children under 5 can go for free. Over 5 they pay full price. There is no student concession.
Can I change my tickets?
Yes, you can always upgrade your tickets as long as they are still available. If you want to downgrade your tickets, a fee of 30% of the difference will be charged and considered non refundable. However, we cannot change tickets bought from intermediaries.
How do I change the name or e-mail on file?
Just update your personal information at your carnival personal page or send an email to rcs@rio-carnival.net.
Are the tickets refundable?
Tickets are refundable up to 70% of its value when you decide to cancel your order before December 15, 2009. After that, tickets are non refundable. However, we cannot refund tickets bought from intermediaries.
Why do I see different prices for the same ticket type?
Middlemen and ticket brokers charge more. Prices are not regulated.
How do I know if my tickets are booked?
If you completed your payment, receipt and vouchers will be e-mailed to you within 24 hours during business days.
When and how will I receive my tickets?
We will deliver tickets to any address in the city of Rio, on March 3rd or 4th for free. We will set and let you know the date and exact time of delivery, depending on your address.
Should the time of free delivery not be suitable to you, we can also give you a special deliver on the 5th, 6th or 7th for $15.00 (you can choose the day and we will let you know the time on the day requested, depending on your address).
If you also buy costumes, everything will be delivered together on the 5th (for free).
We also deliver to ships (all of them) on the 6th in the morning.
If you only order tickets for the Champions Saturday, they will be delivered on March 9th for free. And 10th, 11th, or 12th for $15.00 (you can choose the day and we will let you know the time on the day requested, depending on your address).
What if the free delivery time is not suitable?
Contact our rcs@rio-carnival.net and we will do the utmost to accommodate your request.
Do you charge for delivery?
Yes, we charge $15 and deliver to any address in the city of Rio de Janeiro, on March 5th, 6th or 7th (from 8:00 to 16:00). If you only order your packages for the Champions Saturday, The deliver will be on March 10th, 11th, or 12th (from 8:00 to 16:00).
When should I give my delivery address?
You will be able to enter your address - and make modificaitons - at your carnival page until February 5, 2010. Login is required.
Can my tickets be left with someone else?
Tickets will be delivered by special couriers in sealed envelopes addressed to the attention of the person you instruct us to give them to. If you wish, we can leave them at the reception or with a friend who can sign for the receipt. Or they will only be handed over to you personally. We will follow the intructions you give us at your carnival page. Login is required for you to access your own Rio carnival page at our site.
Is it safe in the Sambadrome?
It is considered to be the safest place in South America. There is a very high concentration of international celebrities, politicians and royalties among the crowd. It is surrounded by huge perimeter fencing which no-one can pass without being checked for both, safety, security and commercial reasons. All sectors are equally safe.
When does the show start?
The parades start at 21.00. See the 2011 Parading Schedule here.
When is the best time to arrive for the Parade?
Generally a person watches 3-5 samba schools on average. Thus, to arrive only around 20.00-21.00 would be a good idea, considering that’s when the atmosphere starts to peak. If you hold grandstands tickets, we advice to arrive early so you pick a place on the bleachers as you please.
How do I get there and return home?
You can go by subway/metro if you are on a tight budget. The other option to get there is by hailing a taxi; some of them will be waiting outside when you're ready to leave. We do offer English speaking guided roundtrip transfers for a fee of US$ 79 per person. If you want to be in a group, hear the guide lecture about the carnival and/or feel safer with a guide/escort, book the transfers. That’s best and easiest way.
Should I book a shuttle service?
Yes, We offer English speaking guided transfer services for $79 per person. Transfer will pick you up in either Leblon, Ipanema or Copacabana. For the return, transfers leave every hour after midnight back to the hotel area. As a client of ours, you will receive the details and options for transportation using our transfers, the subway and specialized taxi companies to take you straight to your sector and collect you when you are ready to go home.
Venue of the main
Rio Carnival Parade
The Sambadrome was purpose built for the Parade
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