So you’re flying into Rio de Janeiro? You’ll be landing at Galeão International Airport (officially called Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, but let’s stick with Galeão or GIG for sanity’s sake).
I’ve spent more hours than I’d like to admit wandering these terminals, and I’m here to share everything you need to know to make your arrival or departure as smooth as possible.
Getting Your Bearings: The Airport Layout
Galeão sits on Governador Island, about 20km north of Rio’s buzzing city center. It’s a sizeable airport with two terminals that have seen different phases of activity over the years.
Terminal 1 at Galeão International Airport (GIG) is closed for all commercial passenger operations. All check-in, boarding, and arrivals take place exclusively at Terminal 2. If you’re flying into or out of GIG, you should go directly to Terminal 2.
While Terminal 1 still exists at the airport, it is not used by travelers and does not handle any airline services.
Terminal 2 is where most of the action happens these days. It opened in 1999 and handles the majority of international flights with its 174 check-in counters. When you arrive, you’ll likely notice that the airport feels… spacious. Maybe even a bit too spacious.
During off-peak hours, parts of the airport can feel almost abandoned – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you’re looking for some peace after a long flight!
Although there’s a moving walkway connecting the terminals, you likely won’t need to use it unless directed by airport staff, as Terminal 1 is not part of the passenger experience.
One thing I love about Terminal 2 is the floor decoration, which mimics the famous Ipanema sidewalk tiles. It’s a lovely little touch that reminds you that yes, you’ve arrived in Rio.
Arriving at GIG: What to Expect
When your plane touches down, you’ll follow clear signs for “Arrivals” and “Passport Control.” The signage is good, but do keep an eye on the digital screens rather than your boarding pass for gate information – gates change frequently here.
Immigration and Customs
If you’ve got a digital passport, you can try the self-service kiosks, though I’ve found the staffed booths are often quicker (especially if you arrive alongside several other international flights).
After collecting your bags, you’ll proceed through customs. If you’re carrying multiple electronic devices, having receipts handy can make this process smoother. That said, inspections are usually quick unless you’re carrying large quantities of high-value items. Most tourists pass through with minimal fuss.
Top tip: Unlike many airports, the Arrival Duty-Free at GIG actually offers better tax-free shopping flexibility than the Departure Duty-Free, thanks to Brazil’s import tax rules. Consider saving some of your shopping for when you land back in Brazil if you’re returning through GIG.
Getting To and From the Airport
This is where planning ahead really pays off. GIG is fairly distant from the main tourist areas, so let’s break down your options:
Private Transfers
The most stress-free option is a pre-booked private transfer. For around R$150-200, you’ll have a driver waiting for you with your name on a sign as you exit customs. They’ll handle your luggage and whisk you directly to your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
What I love about this option is that you skip the taxi queues, avoid potential scams, and don’t need to worry about having local currency immediately. Most services allow booking online and paying later, making it ideal for late-night arrivals.
Uber and Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber works reliably in Rio and is typically more affordable than traditional taxis. A ride from GIG to Copacabana can cost between 70 BRL (UberX) to 140 BRL (Uber Black during peak times). Many travelers prefer Uber Black or Uber Comfort for cleaner vehicles and better service, especially late at night.
The catch? You’ll need internet access to book a ride. GIG has free WiFi, but it’s hit or miss. If the WiFi fails, you’ll need mobile data—either through international roaming, a travel eSIM, or a local SIM card (though getting a Brazilian SIM can be tricky without a CPF number).
Where to find Uber at GIG:
- Uber does not pick up at the regular arrivals curb.
- After exiting customs, walk outside and turn left.
- Keep going until you see the official Uber pickup area, marked with a sign and color-coded zones. Match the color shown in your app to find your driver.
Important safety tip: Ignore anyone inside the airport claiming to be an Uber driver or offering a cheaper ride—they’re not official and often scam tourists. Always use the Uber app to book, and double-check the license plate before getting in.
Uber is a popular choice even during the early morning hours (1–5 AM). If you’re arriving at that time, many travelers recommend sticking with Uber Black for added comfort and peace of mind.
Shared Shuttle Services
If you’re looking to save some cash but still want door-to-door service, shared shuttles run every hour from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM to hotels in South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, etc.) or Barra da Tijuca. There’s also a late-night option at 3:00 AM.
You can book these shuttles online through services like GetYourGuide, directly at the airport’s transportation desk upon arrival, or through your hotel’s concierge if returning to the airport.
I’ve used these shuttles several times and found them reliable, though you may need to wait for other passengers and make multiple stops. They’re particularly good value if you’re traveling solo.
BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)
The budget option is the BRT system, with the Transcarioca line connecting GIG to areas like Barra da Tijuca. At around R$15-20, it’s significantly cheaper than taxis or private transfers.
One important thing to note: there’s no pedestrian crossing directly from the airport to the BRT station—you need to follow the designated paths. It’s not intuitive for first-timers, so don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for directions.
And be honest with yourself about whether this is the right option for your arrival. If you’re landing at 11 PM with mountains of luggage and jet lag, struggling with public transport might not be the best start to your Brazilian adventure.
Inside the Airport: Facilities and Services
Food and Drink
Terminal 2 has a decent selection of places to eat, though prices are predictably higher than in the city. You’ll find international chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Subway alongside Brazilian options like Casa do Pão de Queijo (don’t miss their cheese bread—it’s divine!).
Food options by terminal:
- Terminal 1: Latitude
- Terminal 2: Café Aviador, McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, various cafés
One quirk of GIG is that many food outlets close late at night, though vending machines remain accessible. If you’re on a late-night layover, it’s worth buying snacks before everything shuts down.
Shopping
The duty-free areas stock all the usual suspects—perfumes, chocolates, alcohol, and souvenirs. What I particularly appreciate are the uniquely themed shops like Espaço Maracanã and Espaço Copacabana, which sell local goods like cachaça.
For souvenirs, check out Brasil Carioca Sport Souvenirs in Terminal 1 or Brasil Rio Souvenirs in both terminals. They’re tourist-oriented but have a decent selection of last-minute gifts.
Lounges and Comfort
If you’ve got access to airport lounges, GIG has several options:
- Plaza Premium Lounge (accessible with Dragon Pass and some credit cards)
- American Airlines Admirals Club (OneWorld business/first class only)
- Air France/KLM/Emirates Lounge (for premium passengers)
Even without lounge access, you’ll find plenty of seating throughout the terminals. The airport is clean and modern, with thoughtful decor that makes it feel more like a mall than an airport.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, though connection quality can vary. For those arriving without an international plan, there’s the SIM card dilemma.
You can buy SIM cards at the airport, but they’re typically pricier than in the city. The bigger issue is that purchasing a local SIM usually requires a Brazilian Tax Payer ID (CPF). Without one, your better bet might be arranging an international roaming plan or eSIM before you arrive.
For a hassle-free option, you can pre-order a tourist eSIM online through platforms like Airalo or Holafly – these work without a CPF and can be activated as soon as you land.
Practical Tips for Different Scenarios
For Short Layovers (Under 5 Hours)
With less than 5 hours, it’s generally not worth leaving the airport. Brazilian traffic is notoriously unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to miss your connection.
Instead, grab a meal, browse the shops, or find a comfortable spot to relax. If you need to freshen up, look for the shower facilities—they’re basic but do the job.
For Longer Layovers (6+ Hours)
With 6+ hours, you have time to sample a bit of Rio, though you’ll need to be strategic. Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the closer attractions to the airport, offering stunning views without requiring a full day.
If arranged in advance, a private driver can make this kind of excursion much smoother. Just be sure to build in plenty of buffer time for your return—I’d recommend being back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next flight.
For Overnight Layovers
GIG operates 24/7 and is generally considered safe for overnight stays. If you’re looking to catch some sleep without leaving the airport area, there’s the Linx Hotel located near the terminal. It offers clean rooms and a free 24-hour shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes to and from Terminal 2, making it a convenient choice for overnight connections.
For budget travelers content with camping out in the terminal, identify the 24-hour restaurants or quiet corners. The airport has plenty of space, so finding a relatively peaceful spot isn’t usually difficult.
Departing from GIG: What You Need to Know
Heading back home or to your next destination? Here’s what to remember:
- Arrival Times: The general rule is 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international. Even if the airport looks empty when you arrive, lines can suddenly form, especially at check-in and security.
- Check-in Options: Terminal 2 has self-service check-in kiosks for many international flights, which can save you time if you’re traveling light.
- Security and Immigration: The process is generally efficient, but can slow down during peak times. Remember that for international departures, you’ll go through both security and passport control.
- Return Transportation: If you’re heading to the airport from your hotel, shared shuttles run every hour from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, plus an extra departure at 10:30 PM. Book in advance to secure your spot.
Your Gateway to Brazil
Galeão International Airport reflects Brazil itself—spacious, sometimes a bit chaotic, but with an undeniable charm. Its oversized design means it rarely feels crowded, but can sometimes come across as eerily quiet during off-peak hours.
What I appreciate most about GIG is how it offers a gentle introduction to Brazilian culture before you’ve even left the airport—from the Ipanema-inspired floor tiles to the aroma of fresh pão de queijo. It’s not the world’s most efficient airport, but it has a personality that many modern airports lack.
So whether you’re just passing through or starting an adventure in Rio, hopefully this guide helps you navigate GIG with the confidence of a seasoned traveler.
Bem-vindo ao Rio!