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Public transit in Porto Alegre
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Porto Alegre moves on buses. There is no underground metro under Centro. Anyone who tells you “take the metro” means the Trensurb, a surface train toward Canoas, Novo Hamburgo and the north. Useful if you live or work on that line. Irrelevant if you live in Tristeza.
Buses and EPTC
EPTC regulates the system. From 19 February 2026 a ride costs R$5.30 (municipal decree). A monthly pass sits around R$300.
Pay with a Tri card or the official apps and QR flows. This stack changes, so check EPTC before you trust a blog screenshot. Do not plan a life around cash on board.
Buses bunch. Rain makes them later. Peak hours on the north–centre corridors are ugly. If you live in Hípica without a car, you will feel the gaps.
Trensurb
One line, more or less. Mercado / Centro out through the northern metro. It is cheap and useful. It does not go to the airport, the waterfront parks, or PUCRS.
Lots, apps, bikes
- Uber and 99: default after 21h, with bags, or when the bus is a story.
- Bike: the waterfront is the gift. The rest of the city is hills, parked cars, and drivers who may not see you. Wear a helmet and use lights.
- Lotação minibuses exist in the metro region. Inside the capital you will mostly meet regular buses.
Airport (Salgado Filho / POA)
It is in the city, which is a blessing, and it flooded in 2024, which is a scar. Uber is the default. Give extra time when it rains hard.
Driving instead
Plenty of households buy a car. Parking in Moinhos is a sport. Read driving.