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.
Public and private transfers from the airport to the city
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 Minibus (Shared Shuttle), Taxi, Welcome Pickups (Private Transfer) or Uber.
There is also a public bus & metro service (Fetranspor, BRT & Bus Line 2018), but we do not recommend using it with luggage.
Transfer comparison from GIG airport to downtown
Overview of all airport transfers from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport to the City Center (Copacabana)
| Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Minibus | 45‑90 Min. | $ 15 | Details |
 |
Taxi | 25‑45 Min. | $ 15 | Details |
 |
Welcome Pickups |
25‑45 Min. | $ 23 | Details |
 |
Uber | 25‑45 Min. | $ 12-20 | Details |
Notices:
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.
Book a minibus ride ↗
Travel time:
45-90 minutesCost:
R$ 70 (around US$ 15) ppDescription:
Shared Shuttle (via GetYourGuide) from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (pick-up point according to provider) to the center of Rio or directly to your accommodation
Official local taxis
Travel time:
25-45 minutesCost:
R$ 70 (around US$ 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 minutesCost:
R$ 110 (around US$ 23)Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to Rio and to your accommodation
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
25-45 minutesCost:
R$ 55-100 (around US$ 12-20)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 accommodationRoute from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG) to Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Rio de Janeiro:
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)