Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) is Rio’s main international airport, located on Governador Island around 20 km from the city centre. There’s no direct metro or rail connection, so most travelers continue by road, BRT, or pre-booked private transfer. Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is closer to central Rio and mainly serves domestic routes.

Sometimes simply referred to as RIOgaleão, it lies just 20 kilometers (11 to 12 miles) from Rio’s city center (Centro) and 25 km (15.5 miles) from the golden sands of Copacabana. GIG is the main entry point for international travelers to Rio de Janeiro.

If you’re landing at GIG, this guide to Rio’s largest transport hub will help you cruise through security and get your visit to Rio started as smoothly as possible.

Summary

• Understand the layout of Rio's primary international hub, Galeão (GIG), including terminal differences, how to navigate between them, and what to expect during arrivals and departures.

• Learn the best ways to travel to the city center, Copacabana, and Ipanema, as the airport lacks a direct rail link, making private transfers or the BRT/VLT network essential.

• Gain insights into passenger conveniences, including VIP lounge locations, dining and shopping options, parking facilities, and nearby hotels suitable for layovers.

• Discover advice for a smoother, stress-free experience, such as utilizing meet-and-greet services, fast-track security options, and the benefits of pre-booked private chauffeurs.

Rio de Janeiro Airport at a glance

Rio Airport IATA code: GIG

Main airline: LATAM Brasil

Terminals: Terminal 1 (Domestic) & Terminal 2 (International)

Transport: No dedicated train or metro service, travel by private transfer or BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and change to Metro/VLT.

Parking: Long-term, short-term, and valet parking on-site.

VIP Services: Meet & Greet, fast-track, and chauffeur services are available through third-party providers.

Lounges: Plaza Premium, Star Alliance, GOL Smiles, and American Airlines Admirals Club.

Shops & Restaurants: A variety of Brazilian and international restaurants and brands can be found alongside Duty Free.

Amenities: Free WiFi, luggage storage, sleep pods, and family facilities are available.

Where is Rio de Janeiro Airport?

Rio de Janeiro airport is located on Governador Island in Guanabara Bay, roughly 20 km north of the city center.

Address: Av. Vinte de Janeiro, s/nº - Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 21941-900, Brazil

Telephone number: +55 21 3004-6050

Rio de Janeiro Airport Overview

Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport is named after the legendary Brazilian bossa nova musician Antonio Carlos Jobim, and welcomes you to the city of Carnival, bossa and samba, and idyllic beaches. GIG handles both long-haul domestic and international flights across its two terminals, which connect Rio de Janeiro to many destinations throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Rio Terminal Guide

Rio de Janeiro airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is only partly operational, and is mainly used for domestic flights on Gol, Azul, and some LATAM domestic routes. 

When you land in and depart from Rio you will most likely use Terminal 2, the modern main terminal, which was renovated for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, and now handles all international arrivals/departures plus LATAM's domestic and international flights. Terminal 2 is where you will find the majority of Galeão airport’s shops, services, and VIP lounges.

Tips for navigating the terminals

Terminal 2 is very large, and walking from security to the furthest gates can take roughly 15–20 minutes. Even with moving walkways, it can take some time, so factor that into your planning or organize transfer through the airport in advance. 

The Sector A gate has been referred to as a “desert”, with very limited food/shopping options and a roughly 10 minute walk from the main concourse. Travelers have reported the need to backtrack for water or snacks. Keep that in mind if you’re flying from this part of the airport. 

A free, 24/7 air-conditioned shuttle bus (Ônibus Integrador) links T1 and T2, taking about 10 minutes, and there's also a covered walkway with a travelator between them.

Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) vs Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

Rio de Janeiro has two airports. Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) handles domestic flights only, as Galeão Airport took over the city' s international service in 2023. SDU is minutes from downtown Rio, located between Botafogo and Sugarloaf Mountain.

SDU also offers high-frequency shuttle routes to São Paulo (CGH), Belo Horizonte (CNF), and Brasília (BSB) and it's the main hub of the "Air Bridge" with São Paulo's Congonhas Airport.

How do you get to Rio Airport?

Rio Airport has no direct rail or metro link straight into the airport, so you get there by road or bus and then change. 

Traveling to GIG with public transport

The most cost-effective way to travel between the airport and Centro is with the VLT, before transferring to the BRT. 

You need to take the Metrô Rio or VLT (Light Rail) to Terminal Intermodal Gentileza (TIG), then transfer to the BRT Transcarioca, which goes directly to Galeão Terminal 2 and runs every 15 minutes from TIG. It costs a flat municipal fare of R$5.00 (USD $1). However, it’s not ideal with lots of luggage. 

Buying tickets: You can buy tickets at metro ticket booths and automated machines, or through the Jaé app.

Book with Blacklane: If you’re traveling with family, luggage, or simply need the most convenient way to travel between the city and the airport, book a Blacklane airport transfer from GIG or SDU. Your chauffeur will monitor your arrival and departure times to guarantee you a stress free and comfortable transfer.

Parking overview at GIG

GIG offers premium and economy parking facilities depending on your budget and the length of time you plan to stay.

Note: There is no grace period in the lots, and you're charged for a full hour even if you park for just 10 minutes. For quick drop-offs/pickups, use the curbside departures area instead of a lot.

Garage Building (T2)

• Covered garage directly connected via pedestrian walkway

• Under 2 minutes on foot to check-in

Premium Floor (T2)

• Same building, wider and more exclusive spots closest to entrance

Economy 1 (T1)

• The outdoor lot next to Terminal 1, requires prior online reservation

• Short walk to Terminal 1

Economy 2 (T2)

• Farthest lot, about a 12–15 minute walk to Terminal 2

• Free 24-hour shuttle to/from the terminal

Arrivals and departures at GIG

Here’s what to expect when you land at Rio de Janeiro International Airport, plus available premium services to make the experience smooth and stress-free. 

Departing from GIG

• Chauffeur service: Book a Blacklane chauffeur in advance for a smooth and hassle-free journey to the airport—ideal if you don’t want to deal with public transport and are looking for safety and security.

• Meet & Greet: Through GaleON Hospitality, you can organize a greeter who will meet you curbside inside the terminal, confirmed in advance.

• Fast-track: Guests are then escorted through immigration, customs, and security as quickly as possible.

• VIP Lounge: Access facilities in the Plaza Premium Lounge, GOL Smiles Lounge, and Star Alliance Lounge while you wait for your boarding gate to be called.

• Escort to the gate: Finally, you're escorted from the lounge to the boarding gate in time for your flight, with real-time flight monitoring so the schedule adjusts if there's a delay or gate change.

Arriving in GIG

• Meet & Assist: GaleOn’s VIP Experience provides assistance as soon as you disembark, helping with hand luggage and navigating the airport.

• Navigating the airport: An electronic cart is available in Terminal 2 to get you from your gate to immigration or transfers.

• Fast-track: A dedicated VIP line gets you through passport control with ease.

• Luggage: A dedicated professional will take care of your luggage.

• Chauffeur service: With a pre-booked Blacklane airport transfer, your chauffeur can monitor your flight and meet you at the agreed pickup point after you arrive.

Lounge access at Rio International Airport

All six VIP lounges at Rio-Galeão can be found in Terminal 2—there are none in Terminal 1. Once you pass through security and immigration, you can head to your desired lounge, with most accepting walk-in payment at the door.

Plaza Premium Lounge

Plaza Premium is GIG’s most dominant lounge operator, with three locations found across Terminal 2. All three locations provide complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, comfortable seating, and shower facilities. Both the lounges in the International and Domestic locations offer a tasty hot and cold buffet spread, while the location in Arrivals offers quick refreshments and coffee.

Access

Access available with Priority Pass or DragonPass membership, SkyTeam premium status or tickets (for the international lounge), eligible travel credit cards with Plaza Premium network access, or paid walk-in entry, which runs roughly R$150–240 (about USD $30–50). For International and Domestic lounges you will need a boarding pass to access.

Location

Plaza Premium International Departures: Level 3, South Pier; Open 24 hours. The walk from security takes approximately 5-8 minutes, and look for the signs marked ‘Salas VIP.’

Plaza Premium Domestic Departures: Level 1, opposite gates B27/B28; Open 24 hours. Take the escalators down to Level 1 and you will find it along the main passenger route toward the boarding gates.

Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge: (landside, no boarding pass needed) Level 2 of the T2 parking garage, via a 3-5 minute underground tunnel from arrivals; open 24 hours.

GOL Smiles

GOL Smiles also has a lounge in both the International and Domestic sides of Terminal 2. It offers modern facilities and a place to relax before take-off, with a hot and cold complimentary buffet, full beverage station with juices, soft drinks, teas, coffee, and beers, bathroom facilities with showers, and private business spaces.

Access

Access is available to Customers with GOL Smiles Platinum or Infinite card, Smiles Diamond Customer, Gold Smiles Customers, and free access is available to Premium Economy Customers. Walk-up prices are USD $35 for the Domestic lounge and USD $42 for the International lounge. Prices are significantly cheaper when booked through the GOL Customer Service Center.

Location

Domestic GOL Smiles Lounge: Level 2, opposite gates B36 and B37. Open 5 AM to 11 PM daily.

International GOL Smiles Lounge: Level 3, South Pier. Open 6 AM to 11 PM (Wednesdays and Fridays) 6 AM to 10 PM on all other days.

American Airlines Admirals Club

Available for Admirals Club members, the American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge provides guests with complimentary food and drinks, a self-service bar, showers, personal travel assistance, and a kids space. 

Access

Access is available to Admirals Club® members, Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard primary cardmembers, ConciergeKey members and AirPass members with Admirals Club privileges. First and Business Class passengers are also permitted with a valid American Airlines ticket. Day-passes are subject to availability, and available for purchase online and at select locations for USD $79.

Location

Level 3, South Pier. Follow signs to the VIP lounges. Open daily from 1 PM to 9:30 PM.

Star Alliance Lounge

Rio’s Star Alliance Lounge is the newest addition to the Star Alliance lounge network and arguably the best lounge in the airport, thanks to its sweeping views across the airport toward Rio landmarks like downtown, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. The space features handmade furniture from Brazilian designers and offers the usual selection of food and drinks, made-to-order meals, WiFi, showers, magazines, charging points, etc.

Access

Access is available to Star Alliance first and business class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, United Club members, and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members.

Location

Level 3, Terminal 2, International Departures pier. Open 12 PM to 2 AM daily. It can be found after passport control and duty-free but before the gates, a 5-10 minute walk.

Shopping at GIG

Once you’re through security and before you’ve settled into the VIP lounge, Rio Airport’s Duty Free awaits, offering an extensive range of international and local brands, featuring cosmetics, fragrances, liquor, tobacco, confectionery, electronics, and fashion accessories, with perfume brands like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Dolce & Gabbana.

If you’re short on time, GIG offers a Reserve & Collect service, where you can browse products and place an order online before your flight at tax-free prices. You then collect your items at the collection point in the airport. If you sign up to become a ClubAvolta member, you can receive 20% off.

Terminal 2 has the widest collection of stores, with Brazilian brands available without VAT, such as cachaça, Brazilian coffee, and Havaianas flip-flops. Other highlights include Britt Shop for local products to take home and Brasileiríssima.

Restaurants at GIG

There are plenty of restaurant and food options, especially in Terminal 2. Before you leave Brazil, enjoy a few last cheese breads or açaí bowls at spots like Casa do Pão de Queijo. Giraffas and Mania de Churrasco are two popular Brazilian restaurant chains serving up Brazilian plates with steak, rice, beans, and fries. Divino Fogão offers a pay-by-weight buffet option with traditional, home-style farm cooking.

Aside from Brazilian fare, well-known international brands like McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and T.G.I. Fridays can also be found in the terminal. Galeão Coffee Shop, Deltaexpresso, Kafe, and Casa Bauducco all operate around the clock, so you can definitely grab that cup of joe even if you have a very early flight.

Hotels close to GIG

While the 5* resorts and luxury accommodations can be found closer to Copacabana and Ipanema, there are a handful of convenient options a few minutes from Rio de Janeiro International to consider for long layovers or flight cancellations for a comfortable stay.

Rio Aeroporto Hotel Galeão

Address: RIOgaleão Int'l Airport - Av. Vinte de Janeiro, 3 andar - Terminal 1 - Galeão, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 21941-900, Brazil

Shuttle: No, unnecessary

If you want the fastest access to the terminal, this hotel is located on the 3rd floor of Terminal 1 itself, a 5-minute walk from the airport. With free breakfast, gym, room service, 24/7 front desk, it’s the best pick if you have a very early flight and want zero transit time.

Linx Galeão by Wish

Address: Av. Vinte de Janeiro, s/n - Galeão, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 21941-900, Brazil

Shuttle: Yes, a free, 24-hour airport shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes between the hotel and Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport

Less than a kilometer from the airport, Linx Galeão by Wish is one of the best-rated airport-adjacent options. The hotel features comfortable rooms with 24-hour gym, pool, restaurant, and bar. A grab-and-go market is also available 24/7 providing quick snacks, drinks, and light meals at any time of day or night.

Mont Blanc Suites Duque de Caxias

Address: Av. Brg. Lima e Silva, 1065 - Jardim Vinte e Cinco de Agosto, Duque de Caxias - RJ, 25071-181, Brazil

Shuttle: No, you will need to organize transportation independently

3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) from the airport, this hotel is a little further away but still only 20 minutes by private transfer from the airport. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and a 24-hour front desk.

Other amenities at Rio Airport

WiFi: Free Wi-Fi ("RIOgaleão WiFi") is available throughout the terminals, limited to 60-minute sessions.

ATMs and currency exchange: Currency exchange terminals (Confidence Câmbio) can be found in both terminals. ATMs throughout the airport, and most stores accept cards and PIX

Shower access: No free public showers exist outside the lounges. 

Wellness & Spa: Sense Spa Express offers quick massages and reflexology in Galeão Terminal 1. 

Sleep pods: Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods provides nine soundproof capsules equipped with a bed, Wi-Fi, a flight status screen and electrical outlets. It can be found in Terminal 2, Landside, near “D” Door, and accessed through a virtual check-in process. It costs R$54 (USD $10.50) per hour.

Luggage storage: Left-luggage service on the lower level of Terminal 2, open 6 AM–10 PM. Cash payment is recommended.

Family facilities: Baby changing rooms, nursing rooms, and children's play areas are available within the terminals.

Prayer rooms: Located in Terminal 1, 3rd Floor, with Catholic and Evangelical services offered throughout the week. A separate chapel is also located in Terminal 2 near the international arrivals area, offering a quiet space for prayer and reflection.

Pharmacy: Two pharmacies can be found in Terminal 2 (post-security, domestic & international departures).

Smoking: Designated outdoor smoking areas only — located outside both terminals. No dedicated smoking areas exist once you pass through security.

Transfer to and from Rio Airport with Blacklane

Whether you're landing in Rio de Janeiro or departing, upgrade your travels with a private and reliable Blacklane car service to connect you seamlessly to your home, meeting, or hotel. Easily cruise between Rio’s famous beachfronts, or even organize a city-to-city service from Rio to São Paulo. Whether you’re in Rio for Carnival or for business, Blacklane provides you with a seamless and stress-free way to reach your destination.

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