rodoviária

Rodoviária is the Portuguese term for a bus station or bus terminal, a facility where passenger buses originate, terminate, and pass through on intercity, regional, and urban routes. The word comes from rodovia (highway) with the feminine suffix -ária, indicating a place associated with road transport. The term is widely used in Brazilian Portuguese; in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, terms such as estacao rodoviária or terminal rodoviário are also common.

Rodoviárias function as nodes in the passenger transport network. They are typically located near city centers or major transit hubs and provide connections between long-distance travel and local public transport. They serve as points for boarding and alighting, as well as for baggage handling and transfer to urban buses, metro, or other modes.

Typical facilities found at rodoviárias include ticket offices, information desks, waiting areas, platforms, restrooms, and baggage services. Many terminals offer food and retail services, accessibility features, security measures, and parking or storage for buses. They are usually owned and operated by municipal or state agencies, or by private concessionaires under public contracts, and may host multiple bus companies.

Operations often involve coordinated timetables and real-time information boards. Some rodoviárias are integrated with other transport modes and utilize digital ticketing, online reservations, and mobile apps to streamline service and improve passenger experience. In addition to their practical role, rodoviárias can reflect regional architecture and urban planning, ranging from utilitarian facilities to landmark terminals.