monument / viewpoint · Brasília, DF
Ponte Juscelino Kubitschek
Three steel arches crisscrossing over Lago Paranoá in a movement that recalls a stone skipping across the water. Lit up at dusk, it is one of the city's postcard images.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ponte Juscelino Kubitschek
The Ponte Juscelino Kubitschek, or Ponte JK (bridge), crosses Lago Paranoá and links central Brasília, via the Setor de Clubes Sul, to Lago Sul. It is the third bridge over the lake and has become one of the capital's best-known postcard images.
It was designed by architect Alexandre Chan, with structural engineering by Mário Vila Verde, and opened in December 2002. It is about 1,200 meters long and has three large asymmetrical steel arches that crisscross over the lanes, supporting the deck with cables. The design idea is the motion of a stone skipping across the water. In 2003, it received the Gustav Lindenthal Medal in the United States, an international bridge engineering award.
The bridge has side walkways for pedestrians and cyclists, and you can walk across it looking at the lake on both sides. But the best view is from a distance, from the shore of Lago Paranoá, where all three arches appear reflected in the water. At night, the lighting highlights the curves of the arches.
On the nearby shores people go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and the area is a meeting point for watching the sunset. It is a short, easy outing, good for anyone who enjoys photography and contemporary architecture.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half an hour is enough to see and photograph the bridge from the shore; allow about an hour if you want to walk across and back.
Best time
In the late afternoon, to watch the sunset over Lago Paranoá and then see the bridge lit up. In the dry season, from May to September, the sky is usually clear.
How to get there
The bridge crosses Lago Paranoá between the Setor de Clubes Sul and Lago Sul, east of the Plano Piloto. The easiest way is by car or ride-hailing app; bus lines running from downtown to Lago Sul, Paranoá and São Sebastião cross it. To see the full arches, go to the lakeshore near the bridge.
Tip
For the classic photo, with all three arches and their reflection in the water, shoot from the lakeshore, not from the bridge itself.
A look at the place
Ponte Juscelino Kubitschek in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ponte Juscelino Kubitschek
Is there a toll to cross the Ponte JK?
No. The bridge is a public road, free for cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
Can you cross the Ponte JK on foot or by bike?
Yes. The bridge has side walkways for pedestrians and cyclists.
How long is the Ponte JK?
It is about 1,200 meters long, with three steel arches over Lago Paranoá.
Who designed the Ponte JK?
Architect Alexandre Chan, with structural design by engineer Mário Vila Verde. It opened in 2002.
Where can I get the best photo of the Ponte JK?
From the shore of Lago Paranoá, near the bridge, where you can see all three arches reflected in the water, ideally in the late afternoon.