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.
Transfer comparison
Overview of all airport transfers from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport to the City Center (Copacabana)
Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Uber | 25‑45 Min. | $ 5 💸 | Details | |
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Taxi | 25‑45 Min. ⏱️ | $ 8-15 | Details |
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Private Shuttle |
25‑45 Min. | $ 30 | Details |
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Shared Shuttle |
45‑90 Min. | $ 15 | Details |
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Rental car | 25‑45 Min. | Individ. | Details |

Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
25-45 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
💸 R$ 30-50 (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
Official local taxis
Travel time:
⏱️ 25-45 minutesCost:
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
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
Book a minibus ride ↗
Travel time:
45-90 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
R$ 70 (around US$ 15) ppDescription:
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
Hire a rental car ↗
Travel time:
25-45 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
Depending on the companyDescription:
Rental Car from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (counter in Terminal 2) to Rio, Copacabana, to your accommodation & moreRoute from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG) to Copacabana
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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)