Cabedelo’s Bus-Boats – Cabedelo, Brazil - Atlas Obscura

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Cabedelo’s Bus-Boats

Cabedelo, Brazil

Take a ferry across the Paraíba river in one of these 1980s bus-turned-boats. 

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If you are into boats, this is a deep dive into Paraíba’s power for surreal experiences. In the city of Cabedelo, you will encounter something the locals call a lancha, which translates to speedboat. The friendly locals can help you find the spot: a wooden pier suspended over the river, adorned with rusty bikes attached to both sides.

This is your opportunity to ride a floating 1980s bus that has been ingeniously transformed into a ferry boat, luckily even with the original benches. You’ll be able to ride alongside locals while gazing at the landscape through windows that usually frame urban scenes. As you float along, birds may glide by, and the side door, now a large window, offers a different perspective of the bustling port area.

Tickets are sold in advance at the entrance to the pier, and the journey lasts about 20 minutes each way. It’s recommended to purchase round-trip tickets. For those feeling adventurous, riding outside the bus is an option, allowing you to bask in the sun, enjoy the breeze, and savor the sensation of almost flying. Here, the natural beauty of Paraíba and local creativity converge to create a truly unique experience worthy of any travel journal.

Know Before You Go

Bring cash. The ticket only costs a few Reais per person, but they do not take credit as a payment option. The best way to arrive is by car, or by train, from the Central Station in João Pessoa, a trip that will take about 30-40 minutes. From the Cabedelo train station, call a taxi or Uber to the spot.

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