How to get to Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport in Brazil?
One of the favorite destinations in South America where the sun shines strong all year long, welcome to Rio de Janeiro. From its main airport, Galeão, getting to the busy Rio is possible on a number of means of transport like the metro from $0.80, local and express buses from $1, taxis from $11, or with your own driver from $24.
Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport IATA Code: GIG
Book a transfer with Mozio
Airport Shuttles, Taxis, Buses, Transfers & Limousines, anytime and everywhere. Reliable and cheap airport transfer is one click away from you.
What are my transportation options?
Available Transportation Options
bus
taxi
rideshare
Not Available Options
train
shuttle
tramway
subway
car rental
bike rental
Getting to Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport
By Taxi
Metered taxis are available on terminal 2 , floor 0. Prices will depend on your destination and the distance to it but also on the time of the day when you're riding and the traffic (which can make the trip longer). Prices range from $11 to $14.
By Bus
Regular bus stops are located on both terminals at level 1. Ride cost $1 (R$ 4.05) per passenger. The bus lines that offer transportation to downtown Rio are:
- Ideal's line 925 from Galeão Airport to Bancários.
- Paranapuan's line 915 from Galeão Airport to Bonsucesso.
- Paranapuan's line 922 from Galeão Airport to Tubiacanga.
- Paranapuan's line 924 from Galeão Airport to Bananal.
By BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) Bus
The BRT Bus (Bus Rapid Transport), also called a busway or transitway, was designed to improve capacity and reliability relative to a conventional bus system. These services are provided by (Semi-Direct) which connects Terminal Alvorada (located at Barra da Tijuca), directly to Rio Galeão Airport, stopping at Estação Madureira, Estação Vicente de Carvalho and Terminal do Fundão (Fundão terminal).
Another option is the TransCarioca line with stops, with 47 stations and five terminals on its itinerary. Bus stops are located on Terminal 1 arrivals, door H and just outside Terminal 2, door D.
Fares are around $1 (R$ 4.05) and buses operate daily. The main lines operates daily 24 hours, however other lines are closed for a few hours during the night. Exact opening hours for each station can be found on the website
By Metro
Rio's metro lines are integrated with the BRT with a direct route to Rio's Galeão Airport operating from 5am to midnight on weekdays and from 7am to 11pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Single rides cost $0.80 (R$4.30) per passenger.
The stations that serve this route are
- Vicente de Carvalho (Subway Line 2)
- Jardim Oceânico (Subway Line 4).
By Car
Estimated car travel time from Rio Galeão Airport to downtown Rio de Janeiro is 22 minutes.
The Comfort Option, a Professional Driver
Skip the lines and avoid the crowds that can form at Galeao airport particularly when the weather can become super hot and humid. Your professional driver will escort you to the air-conditioned vehicle in no time. Pre booked through Mozio with local partner Airport Service on a sedan for up to 3 passengers starts at $25, on a private van for up to 6 from $33 or a private bus for larger groups from 15 passengers starting at $101. The driver waits an hour from your flight landing with a sign with your name on it.
The Speedy Option, Metro or Taxi
If you´re staying at Zona Sul, the fastest way to leave the airport is by Metro. Take BRT to the Vicente de Carvalho station and then take the metro. Price is almost $1 (R$ 4.60).
For all other parts of the city, taking a taxi will be quickest and easiest way. Prices will depend on your destination and the distance to it but also on the time of the day when you're riding and the traffic (which can make the trip longer). Prices range from $11 to $14.
The Frugal Option, Rapid Transit Buses
If you have little luggage and do not mind packed transportation, public buses are the cheapest option from GIG to the city. BRT (Bus rapid transit) have their own bus lanes in all of Rio and the ticket price is almost $1 (R$ 4.05). The TransCarioca Expressa Line (Semi-Direct) connects Terminal Alvorada, located at Barra da Tijuca, directly to Rio's Galeão Airport, stopping at Estação Madureira, Estação Vicente de Carvalho and Terminal do Fundão (Fundão terminal).
Another option is the TransCarioca line with stops, with 47 stations and five terminals on its itinerary.
Common Destinations From Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (and how to get there...)
Copacabana
Famed for its crescent-shaped beach, Copacabana is one of Rio’s liveliest neighborhoods, drawing a cross-section of locals and visitors to round-the-clock activity along its sands and mosaic-tiled promenade.
BRT Line 42E takes you from Galeao Airport to Terminal Fundão where you can board either local bus line 321 or 323 to Castelo where you get off the bus and board bus line 456 to Copacabana.
Prebooked through Mozio, a professional driver from local partner's My Transfers fleet on a private sedan for four passengers from $25, on a private van for six passengers from $33, or a private bus for fifteen from $101. Offering All Inclusive service, your chauffeur waits with a sign with your name on it for an hour.
Ipanema
Fashionable Ipanema is known for its iconic namesake beach, which draws a diverse crowd for sunbathing and socializing. A popular surfing spot that also offers trails and sunset views.
BRT Line 42E takes you from Galeao Airport to Terminal Fundão where you can board either local bus line 321 or 323 to Castelo where you get off the bus and board bus line 435 to Ipanema. Otherwise, walk one minute to Praça Onze where you can take Metro lines 1 or 4 to General Osório Station (2 minutes walk to Ipanema).
Prebooked through Mozio, a professional driver from local partner's My Transfers fleet on a private sedan for four passengers from $25, on a private van for six passengers from $33, or a private bus for fifteen from $101. Offering All Inclusive service, your chauffeur waits with a sign with your name on it for an hour.
Buzios
Armação dos Búzios is a Brazilian resort set on an ocean peninsula east of Rio de Janeiro known as an upscale vacation destination with numerous beaches. Located at 140 km from GIG, you can enjoy the beautiful peninsula of Buzios and Arraial do Cabo on a one-day tour.
There is a special bus operated by (line 1900D) that can take you to that location for almost $13 (R$ 70).
Prebooked through Mozio, a private professional driver from local company My Transfers on a private sedan for up to four passengers from $140, on a private van for up to six passengers from $152, or a private bus for up to fifteen passengers from $400 or from $745 for up to twenty-seven passengers.
Macaé
Macaé is a municipality located in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, 180 km northeast of the state capital. Enjoy its beautiful beaches and warm, humid climate for most of the year.
Bus company is available from Monday through Friday and tickets cost almost $13 (R$ 71.18).
To get there, prebook a professional chauffeur through Mozio's local partner My Transfers from $171 for up to four passengers on a private sedan, $186 on a private van for up to six passengers, or a private bus for up to fifteen passengers from $506. The convenience being their All Inclusive service offering Meet and Greet, where the driver waits for an hour with a sign with your name on it for an hour after your plane's landing.
Angra dos Reis
Located at 151 Kilometres from GIG and made up of 365 islands and a small port surrounded by steep, forested coastline, welcome to Angra dos Reis.
The most economical way to travel to Angra dos Reis is by bus. From bus terminal "Rodoviária Novo Rio" take the bus for around $11 (R$ 58) per passenger. The journey there takes 3 hours.
Prebooked through Mozio, a private professional driver from local company My Transfers on a private sedan for up to four passengers from $134, on a private van for up to six passengers from $144, or a private bus for up to fifteen passengers from $400.
Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is an island in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro ringed by beaches, covered by Atlantic forest and crossed by winding trails. Located at 180 km from GIG, the island is only reachable by boats which depart from Mangaratiba.
To get there, prebook a professional chauffeur through Mozio's local partner My Transfers from $106 for up to four passengers on a private sedan, $114 on a private van for up to six passengers, or a private bus for up to fifteen passengers from $253. The convenience being the Meet and Greet service where the driver waits for an hour with a sign with your name on it for an hour after your plane's landing.
There are also regular daily shuttle operated by departures from GIG to Ilha Grande. The boat ride to reach the island is included. Ticket costs $32 per passenger.
operates a ferry from Mangaratiba (a taxi from GIG to Mangaratiba costs around $30 and takes 45 minutes) to Ilha Grande once daily. Tickets cost $3 (R$17,30) and the journey takes 1h 20m.
Are Rideshare & TaxiApps Readily Available at GIG?
Available On-Demand Providers
uber
lyft
cabify
99 taxis
Not Available Options
grab
freenow
gojek
didi
bolt
Rideshare and Taxi Pickup Instructions
An Uber from GIG Airport to the city costs from $8 (R$42.43) to $13 (R$69.39) approximately. For pickup:
- On Terminal 2 - Central Isle (between gates B and C).
- On Terminal 1 (gate B)
- Pickup is also possible from Reception of Linx Hotel (located only 500 m from Galeão) - at reception entrance.
Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport Key Information
Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport better known as Galeão International Airport is Rio’s major international airport and the second-largest airport in Brazil after São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport. Located on Governador Island, 20km north of Rio de Janeiro, it opened in February 1952 and soon became an important gateway to Brazil. Several airlines serve Galeão International Airport, connecting more than 18 countries.
Terminals & Airlines at Each Terminal at Galeão International Airport
Galeão Airport has two terminals in elliptical format with a capacity to handle 7.5 million passengers annually. Terminals are connected one to each other by its gate areas and a travelator. They are fully accessible by escalators, elevators & automatic doors.
Banking facilities with bank branches, currency exchange & cash machines are available on terminal 1 in each of its four levels as well as boarding gates B25-34 and B35-43.
Terminal 2, with 4 levels is served by Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Alitalia, American, Avianca, Blue, British Airways, Copa, Delta, Edelweiss, Emirates, GO, Iberia, KLM, LATAM, Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc, TAAG, TACA Peru, TAP & United airlines and is home of boarding gates 25-32 (Domestic) and 11-43 (International).
Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport Services
Lounges
There are four VIP Lounges available to passengers arriving, departing, or passing through Galeao , [Star Alliance], [American Airlines], and [Gol/Sky Team].
Plaza Premium Lounge: Located on the departures area of Terminal 2 and available between 6am and 10pm daily, this lounge is equipped with shower rooms, private relaxation suites, VIP room and meeting room. Prices per person go as follow:
- Adult $24 (R$ 130).
- Child between 2 and 11 years old $16 (R$ 91)
- Babies are admitted free of charge.
Some of their facilities have an extra charge associated:
- Showers $12.50 (R$ 70)
- Private Suite 3hs $27 (R$ 150)
- Private Suite 6hs $45 (R$ 250)
- Private Suite 12hs $63 (R$ 350)
- Private VIP Room for 8 people 2hs $172 (R$ 960)
American: Available to American Airlines passengers flying First class, Executive class, or holding an Emerald or Sapphire status membership on their frequent flyer program from any airline in the OneWorld alliance.
Gol: For International flights of passengers flying with Delta, Air France/KLM, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Lounge Club e Diners.
For Domestic flights of passengers flying Delta, Air France, KLM - Priority Pass, Lounge Pass, Lounge Club, Lounge Key e Diners.
For more information call +55 (21) 3398-3206.
Star Alliance: For passengers members of the Star Alliance with Gold status who fly Avianca, Copa, Edelweiss, Lufthansa TAP or United.
For more information call +55 (21) 3398-4121.
Car Parking
During the COVID-19 pandemic, parking has been reduced to the Terminal 2 parking building accessible through the Mezanine.
Parking is handled by Brazilian company Estapar at Tom Jobim International Airport's parking is open 24 hours. There are two economy parking open-air lots, one situated in Terminal 1 and the other in front of the airport's main building. There is also a parking building with covered spaces in Terminal 2. Services include 24 free vehicular first aid and patrol surveillance plus strategic monitoring. Parking can be paid with cash, credit or debit card, or through ConectCar and Nonstop, in Terminal 2 inside the parking lot next to the elevators, and in Terminal 1 near the entrance to the Terminal, in the specified windows with attendants or ATMs.
Rates depend on whether you park on the Economy Area or the Premium Floor:
Economy Area:
- Up to 1 hour: $4.10 (R$23)
- Up to 4 hours: $6.24 (R$35)
- Up to 10 hours: $11.23 (R$63)
- Up to 24 hours: $14.62 (R$82)
- Up to a Week: $42.79 (R$240)
- Up to a Month: $67.75 (R$380)
Premium Floor:
- Up to 1 hour: $4.99 (R$28)
- Up to 4 hours: $7.13 (R$40)
- Up to 10 hours: $12.84 (R$72)
- Up to 24 hours: $16.05 (R$90)
- Up to a Week: $44.57 (R$250)
- Up to a Month: $71.31 (R$400)
Stores and Restaurants
Dufry Shopping, located on the first floor of Terminal 2 is the main Duty-Free shop where you can find a large variety of imported goods at the best price. In that same terminal you can also find more than 100 options for shopping and dining. Coffee shops (Deltaexpresso Café, Chocolate Q, Empório Aviação, Casa do Pão de Queijo), fast food outlets (Harad, Doog Hot Dog, Mc Donald's, Burger King) and restaurants (Pastatore, Vivenda do Camarão, Spoleto).
Baggage Storage
As many airports after 9/11, Galeao does not have a luggage storage facility.
You may also be interested in:
Subscribe to Ground Control by Mozio Newsletter
Receive useful travel guides and promotions right to your inbox every other week