How to get from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG) ✈️ to the City Center

Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG), also known as Galeão International Airport or Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport, is the largest international airport of Rio de Janeiro and is located about 19 km north of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Rio by Taxi, Uber, Private Shuttle, Shared Shuttle or Rental Car. There is also a public bus & metro service (Fetranspor, BRT & Bus Line 2018), but we do not recommend using it with luggage.

💸 The cheapest transfer is by Uber

⏱️ The fastest transfer is by Taxi

This guide compares all available airport transfers at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.

Uber (AD)

Order an Uber ride ↗

Travel time:

25-45 minutes (+pickup)

Cost:

💸 R$ 30 (around US$ 5)

Description:

Uber from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (pick-up location according to Uber App) to central Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana or directly to your accommodation

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Taxi

Official local taxis

Travel time:

⏱️ 25-45 minutes

Cost:

R$ 40-80 (around US$ 8-15)

Description:

Taxi from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (Terminal 1 & 2) to central Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana or directly to your accommodation

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Private Shuttle (AD)

Book a private transfer ↗

Travel time:

25-45 minutes (+pickup)

Cost:

R$ 180 (around US$ 30)

Description:

Comfortable private transfer (GetYourGuide) from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central Rio or directly to your accommodation

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Shared Shuttle (AD)

Book a minibus ride ↗

Travel time:

45-90 minutes (+pickup)

Cost:

R$ 70 (around US$ 15) pp

Description:

Shared Shuttle (GetYourGuide) from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (pick-up point according to provider) to the center of Rio or directly to your accommodation

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Rental Car

Hire a rental car ↗

Travel time:

25-45 minutes (+pickup)

Cost:

Depending on the company

Description:

Rental Car from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (counter in Terminal 2) to Rio, Copacabana, to your accommodation & more

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Route from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG) to Copacabana

Lonely Planet Pocket Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro compact travel guide

Things to know about Rio de Janeiro:

1. Street art is legal in Rio
2. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the world’s new seven wonders
3. The Portuguese explorers mistook the bay for a river and called the area Rio de Janeiro (River of January)