Galeão Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)

Overview

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport is located 13 miles (20km) from downtown Rio de Janeiro. One of the busiest airports in Brazil, the facility serves more than 12 million people each year, which is far more than its official capacity of 7.5 million.

This excess traffic creates inconveniences like long queues and a lack of seating for passengers, however the airport is undergoing constructions to expand its terminals for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2014.

Flights to Galeão International Airport come from all over the world as holidaymakers flock to the sunny beaches of Ipanema and wild parties of Carnival, including routes to most major cities in Europe and North America. There are also a number of convenient local flights to Salvador de Bahia, Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Vitoria.

Location

The airport is located on Governor's Island, 12 miles (20km) north of Rio de Janeiro.

Getting to the city

The easiest and fastest transport from the airport is by taxi. Taxi vouchers should be bought from the Rio de Janeiro State Tourism Authority desk in the arrivals terminal to avoid any hassle and should cost about US$25. Public buses are available and passengers can connect to Rio's Novo Rio Rodoviaria bus station in the city centre. Fares are roughly US$3. More expensive airport shuttles are available to downtown hotels and popular destinations but can have an English speaking guide.

Time

GMT -2 (GMT -3 between the third Sunday in October to the third Sunday in March).

Contacts

Tel: +55 21 3398 4106, 3398 4208 or 3398 5050.

see full airport guide

Rio de Janeiro International Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.