Rio Carnival Tickets 2026

Experience the Greatest Show on Earth from the Best Seats in the Sambadrome

Disclaimer: This is not an official website. All content is for informational purposes only. We may earn commission from bookings.

Multiple options available
1 Languages
Individual & Group Tickets
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Experience the Magic of Rio Carnival

Rio Carnival is not just an event; it's a sensory explosion and the world's most famous celebration. For five unforgettable days in February, the city of Rio de Janeiro transforms into a non-stop festival of rhythm, color, and joy. The heartbeat of the event is the Sambadrome (Sambódromo), where the top Samba Schools compete for the championship title with elaborate floats, thundering drum sections, and thousands of costumed dancers. Whether you choose the electric energy of the Grandstands, the front-row immersion of the Frisas, or the all-inclusive luxury of the VIP Camarotes, attending the Rio Carnival Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience that defines Brazilian culture.

4.9/5
Guest Rating
90K+
Spectators
10+ Hours
Party Duration
Feb 13-21
2026 Dates

Why Book Your Carnival Experience With Us

Official Ticket Guarantee

We partner with authorized ticket agencies to ensure 100% authentic LIESA access passes, eliminating the risk of scams common with street vendors

Select Your Exact Sector

From the tourist-friendly Sector 9 to the local vibes of Sector 1, browse real-time inventory and choose the viewpoint that fits your budget and style

Verified Traveler Reviews

Read thousands of experiences from fellow international travelers who have successfully booked their Sambadrome seats through our platform

Secure Payment Processing

Transactions are protected by industry-standard encryption, allowing you to book high-value VIP suites with complete peace of mind

Instant Confirmation

Receive immediate digital confirmation for many ticket types, essential for planning your trip during the busy peak season

Expert Support

Access 24/7 customer support to help navigate the logistics of getting to and from the Sambadrome safely

Prime Sambadrome views
Elevated private boxes
Premium spirits and beers
Live shows on-site
Expert tour guide

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Ticket Types
Arquibancadas (Grandstands)
Frisas (Open Front Boxes)
Camarotes (VIP Luxury Suites)
Logistics
Parades run ~9PM to 6AM
Subway runs 24/7 during Carnival
Shuttles recommended for safety
What to Expect
Loud music (bring earplugs)
Crowds of 90,000+
Humidity and heat
Marathon duration

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book Sector 9 if you want assigned seats
  • Purchase at least 3-4 months in advance for Special Group nights
  • Choose 'Special Group' nights (Sun/Mon) for the highest level of competition
  • Book a hotel package with transfers for safety

What to Bring

  • Rain poncho
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Neck pouch for money
  • Copy of passport
  • Toilet paper (just in case)
  • Earplugs
  • Positive energy

Best Seasons to Visit

Late February to Early March (Carnival dates vary by year)

What to Wear

Light breathable fabrics|Comfortable sneakers (lots of walking/standing)|Rain poncho (umbrellas often banned)|Costume accessories encouraged

Planning

Historical Context

The first Carnival festivals in Rio dates back to 1723. The samba schools parade began in the 1920s, and the Sambadrome was built in 1984 to give the parade a permanent home.

Photography Tips

  • Bring a zoom lens for grandstands
  • Fast shutter speed for dancers
  • No tripods allowed in stands
  • Protect gear from rain

Insider Tips

  • Bring a seat cushion for the concrete grandstands
  • Arrive a bit later (10 PM) to skip the initial lines
  • Use the bathrooms during the breaks between schools

Our Partners

  • Bookings processed via Viator/TripAdvisor partner network

Fun Facts

  • A single samba school can have up to 4,000 participants.
  • The Sambadrome was designed by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer.
  • Points are deducted if a school runs over the time limit.

Cancellation Policy

Varies by ticket type. Most parade tickets are non-refundable once issued due to high demand. Tours often have 24h free cancellation.

Social Media

Share your experience: #RioCarnival2026 #Sambadrome #RioCarnaval #BucketList #BrazilTravel

Explore More

More Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
USA • 2025-02-20

Worth every penny!

We booked the Sector 9 tickets and the view was incredible. The assigned seating meant we didn't have to stress about losing our spot. The energy is indescribable!

P
Pierre Dubois
France • 2025-02-18

Magnifique experience

The VIP Camarote was expensive but fantastic. Open bar, AC (essential in the heat), and a great view of the parade. Highly recommend for comfort.

J
Juan Martinez
Argentina • 2024-02-15

Great show, long night

The parade is amazing but be prepared for a long night! We arrived at 10 PM and stayed until 4 AM. Bringing a seat cushion for the grandstands is a pro tip.

L
Li Wei
China • 2025-03-01

Unforgettable

Booking the shuttle transfer with our tickets was the best decision. It made getting to the Sambadrome so much safer and easier. The costumes are even better in person.

E
Emily Blunt
UK • 2024-02-22

Electric atmosphere

We did the backstage tour and then the parade the next night. Seeing how the floats are made gave us such appreciation for the show. Sector 5 had great local vibes.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

Ready for Adventure?

Join thousands of happy travelers who have discovered this incredible experience

Book Your Experience Now
4.9/5
Free Cancellation
24/7 Support