Rio de Janeiro has two airports with commercial flights: Galeão (GIG), officially Tom Jobim International Airport, and Santos Dumont (SDU), in the city centre. Choosing the right one can save you time and money when you arrive.
Location
Galeão is on Ilha do Governador, in the North Zone, about 20 km from the city centre. Santos Dumont is in the centre itself, on the shore of Guanabara Bay with views of Sugarloaf Mountain, a few minutes from Flamengo and Botafogo.
Flights
International flights arrive at Galeão, which also has plenty of domestic flights. Santos Dumont focuses on domestic flights, such as the air shuttle to São Paulo.
Distance to neighbourhoods and destinations
| Destination | From Galeão | From Santos Dumont |
|---|---|---|
| City centre | ~20 km • 25–40 min | ~2 km • 5–10 min |
| Copacabana | ~30 km • 40–60 min | ~11 km • 20–30 min |
| Ipanema / Leblon | ~30–35 km • 45 min–1 h 05 min | ~14 km • 25–35 min |
| Barra da Tijuca | ~35–40 km • 40–60 min | ~30 km • 40–60 min |
| Búzios | ~180 km • 2.5–3 h | ~177 km • 2.5–3 h |
Times without heavy traffic. At rush hour, add 30 minutes or more.
Public transport
- Galeão: express buses to the South Zone (LECD71) and to Barra (2918), plus the BRT.
- Santos Dumont: VLT tram stop in front of the terminal, connecting with the metro at Cinelândia or Carioca.
Details in GIG to Copacabana and Santos Dumont to Copacabana.
Transfers at both Rio airports
The driver tracks your flight at Galeão or Santos Dumont and waits for you at arrivals.
Which airport should you choose?
- Staying in the South Zone on a domestic flight: Santos Dumont is usually more convenient.
- International flight or connection: Galeão.
- Heading to Barra, Búzios or Arraial: the difference is small; choose by flight time and fare.
