Rio de Janeiro, or simply Rio, is located on the western shore of Guanabara Bay on Brazil's Atlantic coast.
The city is divided into the historic center (Centro), the tourist-friendly South Zone (Zona Sul), the residential North Zone (Zona Norte), and several districts in the West Zone (Zona Oeste), including Santa Cruz, Campo Grande and Barra da Tijuca district.
The most convenient route to Rio is by air to Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport (GIG), located about 20km (12mi) north of downtown Rio de Janeiro.
The airport is also known as Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport and by the brand name RIOgaleão.
The following are the most convenient routes to Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport (GIG).
From United Kingdom: British Airways offers the most convenient daily direct flights to Rio de Janeiro.
London to Rio is 11 hrs 45 min, direct flight
Manchester to Rio is 14 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
From France: Air France offers the most convenient direct flights to Rio de Janeiro.
Paris to Rio is 11 hr 15 min, direct flight
From Germany: Lufthansa offers the most convenient flights to Rio de Janeiro.
Frankfurt to Rio is 11 hrs 35 min, direct flight
Berlin to Rio is 13 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
Dusseldorf to Rio is 13 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
Hamburg to Rio is 13 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
Munich to Rio is 13 hrs 50 min, connecting flightˆ
From United States: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer the most convenient daily flights to Rio de Janeiro.
Atlanta to Rio is 9 hrs 37 min, direct flight
New York to Rio is 9 hrs 45 min, direct flight
Boston to Rio is 12 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
Chicago to Rio is 13 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
Dallas-Fort Worth to Rio is 13 hrs 20 min, connecting flightˆ
Los Angeles to Rio is 14 hrs 29 min, connecting flightˆ
San Francisco to Rio is 15 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
From Canada: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Air Canada offer the most convenient daily flights to Rio de Janeiro.
Toronto to Rio is 12 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
Montreal to Rio is 12 hrs, connecting flightˆ
Vancouver to Rio is 17 hrs 30 min, connecting flightˆ
From Australia: Air New Zealand, Qantas, LATAM Chile and Gol Transportes Aéreos offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Rio de Janeiro.
Adelaide to Rio is 21 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
Brisbane to Rio is 22 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
Sydney to Rio is 19 hrs, connecting flightˆ
Melbourne to Rio is 19 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
Perth to Rio is 24 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
From New Zealand: Air New Zealand, LATAM Chile and Gol Transportes Aéreos offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Rio de Janeiro.
Auckland to Rio is 16 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
From Singapore: Singapore Airlines and Emirates offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Rio de Janeiro.
Singapore to Rio is 24 hrs 25 min, connecting flightˆ
(ˆincludes transfer time.)
Rio de Janeiro-Galeão Airport (GIG) is located about 20km (12mi) north of downtown Rio de Janeiro.
The two terminals are linked by a travelator.
Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminals. Visitors are advised to ignore the RDE taxi desk. Taxi vouchers should be bought from the Rio de Janeiro State Tourism Authority desk in the arrivals terminal. Otherwise, passengers should ensure that their taxi's meter is cleared of the previous fare.
Shuttle: An hourly airport shuttle bus stops at all the major hotels and beaches. Hotels can provide transport for guests by prior-arrangement.
Bus: The air-conditioned Empresa Real (tel; (21) 3035 6700; www.realautoonibus.com.br) Premium Bus services 2018 and 2918 link the airport to key parts of the city centre, including the Vicente de Carvalho metro station, from where you can catch a metro train to anywhere in the city, every 15 minutes, taking 33 minutes to reach downtown Rio.
Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Sixt and Localiza are all represented at the airport, along with several local agencies. Desks can be found in Terminal 1. Car hire is also available in Terminal 2.
Money: Terminal 1 has a range of ATMs, banks and bureau de change facilities. Currency exchange services are also available in Terminal 2.
Food: There are restaurants in Terminal 1 and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and cafés in the central area of Terminal 2.
Shopping: A selection of shops, including duty-free and gift shops, are located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Other: There is a pharmacy and a small 24-hour hospital in Terminal 1. A first-aid service is on hand to deal with emergencies throughout the airport. Baby change rooms are provided for parents and their young children. Shoeshine services are available at various points of the terminals.
Lifts connect the different levels where required. Wheelchair transportation can be requested from airport staff.
Passengers requiring wheelchairs and special assistance should also inform their airline prior to travel.
A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay, a return/onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Apart from walking, the easiest way to get around is by subway. Taxis and local buses are plentiful and inexpensive. Car hire is available at the airport and in town, and is best for trips out of Rio – city traffic is hectic and parking almost nonexistent.
Latest update: How to get to Rio de Janeiro: 11 May, 2022
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