Rio de Janeiro Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)

Galeao International Airport (GIG) is located 20km (13 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro. The airport is connected to Rio de Janeiro by two major roads, Linha Vermelha and Avenida Brasil. It has two terminals which are linked by a travelator. Information counters can be found on the second floor in Terminal 1 and on the Departures floor in Terminal 2. Computerized information screens are available in Terminal 2. 

Transfer and transport from the Airport to the city centre

Car rental:  Pick up desks for car rentals can be found in Terminal 1.

Bus: Public buses operate 5:30am-11:30pm. There is an airport shuttle bus (Empresa Real ) every hour which stops at major hotels and beaches. They have air-conditioned frescao buses that drive into the city as well as along the seafront stopping off at the hotels (journey time - 45 minutes). There are also other public buses run to the city centre. Average fares are R$35 to the international airport and R$30 to Copacabana or Ipanema.

Taxi: Taxis are available, although visitors are advised to ignore the RDE taxi desk and go to the Rio de Janeiro State Tourism Authority desk instead and buy prepaid taxi vouchers. Otherwise, passengers should ensure that their taxi's meter is cleared of the last fare.

Transportation within Rio de Janeiro

Taxi: This is the most convenient way to navigate around the city during. It is not obligatory to give tips to the taxi drivers. Taxi drivers will often round up the fare as a tip for their services. Special or radio taxis do not use typical taximeters and always charge more than the original amount. Metered taxis charge around R$4.30 flat rate, plus around R$3 per km – slightly more at night and on Sunday. Radio taxis are more expensive, (approx R$5 per km) but safer.

Buses: The cheapest means of transportation in Rio de Janeiro (R$1.90 to R$2.30). Public buses operate 5:30am-11:30pm. Buses are fast and frequent. They run on circular lines, and are typically only 15-20 minutes apart; excluding peak hours which may take 30-45 minutes.

Minibuses: (local vans) provide a faster alternative between Av Rio Branco in Centro and the Zona Sul as far as Barra da Tijuca. The destination is written in the front window. The flat fare costs around R$4.

Subway: The Subway system is an excellent, speedy way to get around. It opens from 5am to midnight Monday through Saturday and 7am to 11pm on Sunday and holidays. During Carnaval the metro operates nonstop from Friday morning until Tuesday at midnight. Various ticket options are available for the Subway.