Scalea BoatsPractical guide · Editorial review 20/10/2026
In this guide
Ride-hailing apps in Ilhabela
In Ilhabela, driver availability varies by area, time of day and season. For remote beaches or nights out, we recommend planning your transport in advance.
1. Fast Go Drive
Local ride-hailing app for trips between accommodation, beaches, restaurants and sights.
- Website: fastgodrive.com.br.
- iPhone: Download on the App Store.
- Android: Get it on Google Play.
- Scalea tip: check availability before relying on the app to get back from a remote area.
2. Ilhapass
Local transport option connecting passengers with partner drivers.
- Website: ilhapass.digital.
- iPhone: Download on the App Store.
- Android: Get it on Google Play.
- Scalea tip: check service conditions and ride availability for your destination.
3. Woptin
Mobility app built for Ilhabela, with rides requested through the app or WhatsApp and partner drivers.
- Website: woptin.com.br.
- iPhone: Download on the App Store.
- Android: Get it on Google Play.
- Scalea tip: download the app before you need a ride and check availability, especially at night.
🚍 How to use the bus in Ilhabela
The bus is a practical way to explore different parts of Ilhabela without renting a car. Public transport is run by Expresso Fênix and serves many neighbourhoods and beaches across the island.
Check the line before boarding
Ilhabela has lines serving the North and South, as well as routes through Vila, Perequê and the ferry area. Check the sign on the bus and the route to make sure it goes your way.
Check timetables in advance
Times and frequency vary by line and day of the week. On public holidays and weekends it is especially important to plan both ways so you do not wait long at the stop. The Cittamobi app, recommended by Expresso Fênix, helps you track buses.
Choose how to pay
You can use the prepaid Cartão Fênix Fácil card or pay in cash or by Pix. From 1 November 2026, the fare is R$ 2.50 with the card and R$ 5.00 in cash or Pix. Until 31 October, fares are R$ 4.80 with the card and R$ 10.00 in cash or Pix.
Plan your return from the beach
Before heading out, check the time of the last bus serving the area and the direction you need. Some beaches are far from bus stops, so allow for walking time too.
Remote destinations need another plan
Not every beach is served by public transport. For places such as Bonete and Castelhanos you will need another kind of transport or tour, such as Scalea’s shared boat tour.
🔎 Timetables and routes: Expresso Fênix Ilhabela
Scalea tourRent a boat just for your groupChoose the boat and the route at your own pace.See boats →🚤 Aquabus: see Ilhabela from the water
🌊 How does it work?
The Aquabus is Ilhabela’s public boat service. It links six piers along the channel, in this order:
- Ponta Azeda
- Vila (historic centre)
- Engenho D’Água
- Perequê
- Ferry (Barra Velha)
- Praia Grande
It is a great way to reach different parts of the coast without relying only on a car or bus, and the ride along the channel is a trip in itself.
🎟️ How do I buy a ticket?
You need a valid card or ticket before boarding. Cash and bank cards are not accepted on board. According to the city council, the fare is R$ 20.00 with the Bilhete Único (Cartão SIM) and R$ 4.80 with the Cartão Fênix Fácil. Children under 6, people over 60 and people with disabilities travel free or at a discount, with documents.
Ticket outlets listed by the city council:
- Vila: Stand By, Rua da Padroeira, 63, and Bar SP, Rua Doutor Carvalho, 96.
- Engenho D’Água: Restaurante Porto do Engenho, Avenida Pedro de Paula Moraes, 1,146.
- Perequê: Gelo Perequê, Avenida Princesa Isabel, 245.
- Barra Velha: Banca da Balsa, Rua Paraíba, 2,227 (8:00–13:30 and 16:00–19:00).
- Praia Grande: Ops, Avenida Riachuelo, 5,967.
There is no ticket outlet at Ponta Azeda, so buy your ticket beforehand. Check current conditions and fares before you travel.
🕒 Opening hours
The service runs every day from 8:10 to 19:00. Departure times vary by pier and destination, and sailings depend on weather and sea conditions.
Check the official Aquabus timetable before you go, especially to plan your return.
☀️ Tips
- Arrive at the pier early with your ticket ready.
- Check that the boat stops where you want to go and where that departure is heading.
- Plan your return in advance, as the service runs to a fixed timetable.
- Sailings can change because of weather and sea conditions.
- Bicycles and surfboards are not allowed on board.
- One small pet per passenger is allowed, on your lap or in a carrier.
🔎 More information: Ilhabela city council – About the Aquabus
Bonete and Castelhanos without a bus?
Go by boat on Scalea’s shared tour and skip the difficult roads.
See shared toursEditorial references
Editorial review: 20/10/2026.
- Expresso Fênix – Ilhabela: timetable, top-up points and fares (checked 20/10/2026)
- Ilhabela city council: bus fare reduction from 1/11/2026 (announced October 2026)
- Official websites of Fast Go Drive, Ilhapass and Woptin (checked 20/10/2026)
- Ilhabela city council: About the Aquabus and timetable (checked 20/10/2026)
Scalea tourBeach tour by boatNorth or South route, full day. R$ 290 per person.See routes →