How to Visit the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro

How to Visit the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro

The Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro is one of the main destinations to visit for football enthusiasts from all over the world. It is the temple where memorable matches were played, many of them involving joys, but also misfortunes. The location of this stadium in one of the most beautiful cities in Brazil, its history, and the matches still played on its pitch make it a mandatory stop for football-loving travelers. 

The Maracanã has a capacity for 78,838 spectators and is considered the “Temple of Football”. It was inaugurated on June 16, 1950, under the name Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho, and since then it has been the scene and witness of numerous events, such as Pelé's 1,000th goal, the top idol of Brazilian football; or the blessing of Pope John Paul II. It was also the scene of concerts by Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner, Kiss, and even a Rock in Rio. 

The Maracanã hosted two World Cup finals, in 1950 and 2014: the first date is remembered for the defeat of the Brazilian national team against Uruguay (Maracanazo); and the second, for the hard-fought final between the Argentine and German national teams, with the triumph of the latter. However, Argentines had their great moment of consecration at Maracanã, in the 2021 Copa América final: on July 10 of that year, Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 and became champion, breaking a 28-year streak without titles in the senior national team. 

Where is the Maracanã Stadium Located?

The iconic Maracanã stadium is in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the neighborhood that gives it its name. Its exact address is Rua Professor Eurico Rabelo, s/n – Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20271-150, Brazil. Below, everything you need to know for a guided visit or to get your ticket to the Maracanã. Do not miss including this historic place among your trip plans to Rio de Janeiro. 

How Do I Get to Maracanã Stadium if I Am a Tourist?

To get to the Maracanã Stadium from downtown Rio de Janeiro in 2026, the most efficient option to arrive if you are a tourist and are on foot is to take the Metrô. From the center, you can take Line 2 (Green) towards Pavuna and get off at Maracanã station, which is located right in front of the stadium. This option will allow you to dodge traffic on the street and arrive quickly and safely. Mind you: on days when there are important football matches, it is likely that the metro will be busier, so if you have a scheduled activity, leave with time and take care of your belongings. Before leaving, verify metro schedules and frequencies on the dates of your visit, as they may vary. In addition, it is always useful to consult maps or navigation applications to orient yourself better in the city. 

The easiest way to visit the Rio de Janeiro stadium is with excursions with ticket included, expert guides, and transfer service from and to your hotel. In addition, prices are really accessible, so your only worry is the angle with which you are going to take photos. The best proposals are:

How to Buy Tickets for Maracanã Stadium Matches

Watching football at the Maracanã stadium is a great plan. When a match is played, each club sells tickets separately. Tickets to see Flamengo matches are consulted on the club's official website, and the same happens with Fluminense. 

Another option to get tickets is to approach the box office (entrance through gate A for pedestrians and through the gate 2 parking lot for cars, open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). At the box office, payment can be made in cash or with credit/debit card, or with QR and PIX system. 

An important fact: on match days, the last visit will end five hours before doors open. If there is a change in the day/time of the game, it will eventually be necessary to reschedule some times. In these cases, customers may choose new available dates/times or opt for a refund.