Rio has two airports that matter to most visitors: RIOgaleão International Airport (GIG) and Santos Dumont Airport (SDU). If you are flying internationally, GIG is the one you are most likely to meet first. Santos Dumont is closer to central Rio and is mainly useful for domestic flights.
Knowing which airport is printed on your ticket is surprisingly important. Arriving enthusiastically at the wrong one is an expensive way to learn Rio's geography.
What is the main airport in Rio de Janeiro?
RIOgaleão, airport code GIG, is Rio's principal international airport.
Its full name is Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport, also known as Tom Jobim International Airport. It sits on Ilha do Governador, north of the main tourist neighborhoods. If you are arriving from the US or Europe on a direct international service, GIG will normally be your arrival airport.
What is Santos Dumont Airport?
Santos Dumont, SDU, sits beside Guanabara Bay close to downtown Rio. Its location makes it extremely convenient for domestic travel. The approach can also be spectacular. If you happen to get a good window seat, this is not the moment to decide you should finally organise your downloaded podcasts.
How to get from GIG Airport to Copacabana or Ipanema
For most first-time visitors, the simplest choices are Uber, an official taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. RIOgaleão has designated Uber collection areas and official taxi services at the airport. (Aeroporto do Galeão)
A private transfer costs more but makes sense if you are arriving late, travelling with several suitcases or simply do not want your first activity in Brazil to be studying transport logistics after a ten-hour flight. Traffic is the big variable.
The road journey to the Zona Sul can be relatively straightforward outside peak periods and considerably slower during heavy traffic.
Can you take public transport from Rio Airport?
Yes. RIOgaleão is served by BRT and regular and special bus services. The airport currently lists connections including the BRT service and a special connection to Terminal Gentileza. (Aeroporto do Galeão)
Public transport is the cheaper option, although it can be less convenient with luggage or after a long international journey. Personally, after an overnight flight, saving money by adding several transport changes is rarely where my holiday spirit is strongest.
If your destination is downtown rather than the beach, our Rio airport to city centre guide explains the GIG–Terminal Gentileza–VLT connection and the much shorter arrival from SDU.
GIG to Rio by Uber
Uber is commonly used in Rio. The airport has designated collection zones, so follow the signs rather than accepting offers from random drivers inside the terminal. Enter your hotel address directly in the app and check the registration before getting into the vehicle.
Taxi from Rio de Janeiro Airport
Official regular and executive taxis operate at RIOgaleão. Stick to authorised services from the airport rather than accepting unsolicited offers. The official airport lists taxi desks and pick-up areas inside the terminal. (Aeroporto do Galeão)
Should you stay near Rio Airport?
Usually not if you are visiting Rio itself. Staying in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo or another central tourist neighborhood makes much more sense. An airport hotel in Rio de Janeiro becomes useful if you have an overnight connection, a very early departure or a disrupted flight. Check the transfer arrangements carefully: some properties described as airport hotels are not inside the terminal.
GIG or SDU: which airport is better?
For international connections, GIG usually wins by necessity. For domestic flights, SDU has one enormous advantage: location. If two domestic flights are similarly priced and convenient, I would happily choose Santos Dumont just to reduce the transfer into town.
How early should you arrive?
For an international departure, leave plenty of time for both the airport and Rio traffic. Do not calculate your journey based entirely on the fastest time Google Maps has ever displayed. Rio traffic occasionally has alternative plans. For more help organising your arrival days, see our Rio de Janeiro itinerary.
FAQ - Rio de Janeiro Airport Guide
What is the airport code for Rio de Janeiro?
The main international airport is GIG, while Santos Dumont Airport uses SDU.
How far is Rio airport from Copacabana?
GIG is north of the main beach neighborhoods. Travel time varies considerably depending on traffic, so allow extra time during busy periods.
Is Uber available at Rio de Janeiro Airport?
Yes. RIOgaleão has designated Uber pick-up locations. (Aeroporto do Galeão)
Does Rio have two airports?
Yes. GIG handles international and domestic flights, while SDU is especially important for domestic routes.
What is the easiest way from GIG to Ipanema?
For most visitors carrying luggage, Uber, an official taxi or a private transfer is the simplest option.
Which is better for tourists, GIG or SDU?
SDU is closer to central Rio and the South Zone; GIG serves most international arrivals. The better airport is the one that fits your flight and onward route.
Can you transfer between GIG and SDU airports?
Yes, by road, but they are separate airports. Allow substantial time between flights and check whether baggage must be collected and checked in again.
Does Rio de Janeiro Airport have a metro station?
Neither airport has a simple metro platform inside the terminal. Check the current airport connections and the final journey to your hotel.
