Getting There -- As there are no direct long-distance buses to Tiradentes, visitors must travel to São João del Rei first and from the rodoviaria connect with one of the 11 buses a day that cover the 14km (8 1/2 miles) to Tiradentes in 20 minutes and cost R$2 (US$1/£.50). Regular buses connect São João del Rei to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The Paraibuna line runs at least three buses a day to Rio. The Vale do Ouro line has five buses a day to São Paulo, and one bus leaves for Ouro Prêto every day at 5:30pm.
In a pinch one can always take a taxi, for about R$50 (US$25/£14). For taxi service contact tel. 032/3355-1466 or 032/3355-1100. The Tiradentes Rodoviaria is within walking distance of most pousadas.
To arrive in style, take the 115-year-old narrow-gauge steam train, called Maria Fumaça (Smoking Mary) [STST], from São João del Rei (tel. 032/3371-8485). Following the Rio das Mortes, the train takes 35 minutes to reach Tiradentes's rail station. Trains depart São João del Rei Friday through Sunday and holidays at 10am and 3pm, and from Tiradentes at 1pm and 5pm. One-way tickets cost R$14 (US$7/£3.75) adults, R$10 (US$5/£3) children 6 to 10. The train station is a short taxi ride or a 10-minute walk from the historic center of town.
Visitor Information -- The tourist office is located at Largo das Forras 71 (tel. 032/3355-1212), and open daily from 9am to 5:30pm.
