Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport
Aeroporto Internacional do Rio de Janeiro/Galeão – Antônio Carlos Jobim · Aeroporto do Galeão
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Since 1977
Last updated:
About GIG
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG), officially named Aeroporto Internacional Tom Jobim after the famous bossa nova composer, is the main international airport serving Rio de Janeiro. Located on Ilha do Governador (Governor's Island) in Guanabara Bay, the airport is about 20 km from the city center and the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. GIG has two terminals and handles both domestic and international flights, serving as a focus city for LATAM and GOL airlines.
Terminals
Terminal 1
Handles select domestic flights. Recently renovated with improved facilities and updated food court. Connected to Terminal 2 by free shuttle bus.
Terminal 2
The main international terminal and the busier of the two. Handles all international flights and most domestic services. Features extensive duty-free shopping, food options, and airline lounges.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at GIG
GOL
Terminal 1
LATAM Airlines
Terminal 1
Aerolineas Argentinas
Air Canada
Air France
Terminal 1
Air Transat
American Airlines
AVIANCA
Showing 8 of 24 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
BRT Transolímpica, Premium Auto Ônibus buses, taxis, ride-hailing (Uber/99), hotel shuttles
Taxi
$25-45
30-60 min to city center
Public Transport
$2-4
60-90 min to city center
Popular Destinations
Parking at GIG
Covered multi-story parking at both terminals. Short-term and long-term rates available....
Terminal 2 Covered Parking
Terminal 1 Parking
Economy Parking
Airport Lounges
LATAM VIP Lounge
Terminal 1
LATAM's lounge in Terminal 2 with views of the runway. Offers a buffet with Brazilian and international dishes, caipirinha bar, shower suites, and comfortable seating.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Terminal 1
Open-access lounge in Terminal 2 international departures. Buffet with Brazilian specialties, alcoholic beverages, shower facilities, and runway views.
GOL Premium Lounge
Terminal 2
Domestic lounge in Terminal 1 offering a light buffet, beverages, and comfortable workspace. Good for domestic connections.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
Ramada by Wyndham Rio de Janeiro Galeão
Ilha do Governador, 5 minutes from airport
Budget-friendly option near the airport on Ilha do Governador. Free airport shuttle, restaurant, outdoor pool, and fitness center.
Linx Hotel International Airport Galeão
Inside airport complex, 2-minute drive from terminals
The closest hotel to GIG airport, located within the airport grounds. Basic but clean rooms, restaurant, and free shuttle to both terminals. Day rooms available.
Food & Dining
MC Donald's
Fast Food
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Standard McDonald's menu with some Brazilian-exclusive items. Open 24/7 for late night and early morning travelers.
24/7
Spoleto
Italian/Brazilian
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Popular Brazilian chain where you choose your own pasta, sauce, and toppings. Fresh and customizable Italian-inspired meals at reasonable prices.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Confeitaria Colombo
Brazilian/Cafe
Terminal 1 (Landside)
Branch of Rio's legendary 1894 Belle Époque café. Serves traditional Brazilian pastries, empadas, quiches, and excellent coffee in a charming setting.
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Car Rental
Localiza
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 2
Brazil's largest car rental chain. Counter in T2 arrivals. Driving in Rio requires confidence — traffic is intense and parking scarce in beach areas.
Hertz
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 2
International chain with reliable vehicles. International driving permit recommended. Brazilian insurance coverage is mandatory.
Movida
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 2
Major Brazilian rental company with competitive rates. Good for road trips along the coast to Búzios or Paraty.
What to Do During a Layover
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Copacabana Beach Walk
Stroll along the iconic 4-km Copacabana promenade, grab a fresh coconut water, and soak up Rio's beach culture. Bus from the airport takes about an hour.
Christ the Redeemer & Corcovado
Visit Rio's most iconic landmark atop Corcovado mountain. Take the cog train or van up for panoramic views of the city, Sugarloaf, and Guanabara Bay. About 45 minutes from airport. Book tickets online in advance.
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
Take the famous cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking 360-degree views of Rio, the beaches, and the surrounding mountains. Two cable car stages with trails and viewpoints at each level.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type N (Brazil), USB charging stations
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $8-15/day
- Showers: Free in lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Exchange: Exchange counters in arrivals halls of both terminals
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Airport exchange rates are poor. Withdraw BRL from ATMs (Banco do Brasil, Bradesco) for better rates. Notify your bank before traveling to Brazil.
Smoking Areas
Outdoor smoking areas outside terminal entrances only
Insider Tips
Uber and 99 are widely used and much cheaper than official taxis. During Carnival and New Year, the airport gets extremely busy — arrive extra early. Terminal 2 handles most international flights and is the better-equipped terminal. Watch out for unofficial taxi touts in the arrivals area.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, prayer room, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, medical center, children play area, left luggage, SIM card shops, VIP lounges, food courts, pharmacies
Traveler Reviews
Leave a Review
Compare with Nearby Airports
See how GIG compares to other major airports in the region.
Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Belo Horizonte International Airport
Belo Horizonte, Brazil