Galeão International Airport Transfers (GIG)
Whether you’re arriving at Galeão International Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), we’ll make sure your transfer to or from Galeão International Airport is relaxed and hassle-free.
With everything arranged in advance, there’s no need to worry about taxis, directions, or delays. Just settle in, enjoy the ride, and take in your first glimpses of Rio as you head to your hotel or destination across Rio de Janeiro.
It’s a simple, comfortable way to start your stay.
Flight Monitoring
Meet & greet inside the airport
Prepaid Service
Nothing to pay on arrival
Professional Drivers
Know the quickest & safest routes
Door to Door Service
Straight to your accommodation
Your Transfer to and from GIG Made Easy
Touch down in Rio and start your journey feeling relaxed and looked after. Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a clear name sign, ready to welcome you and get you on your way – no queues, no confusion, and no last-minute decisions to make.
As you head Galeão International Airport handles the majority of international flights into Rio. After a long-haul flight the last thing you want is to negotiate taxis or public transport. Your driver will be waiting inside arrivals with your name on a sign, and will take you directly to your hotel without any fuss.
Why Travellers Trust Us
- Meet & Greet - A member of our team will meet you inside the airport
- Flight Tracking - We adjust your pickup time if your flight is delayed
- Safe, Friendly Drivers - Local drivers with years of experience
- Private Transfers Only - No shared rides and not waiting
- Comfortable Vehicles - Air-conditioned cars, vans and minibuses
- Since 2007 - Rio's original, trusted airport transfer provider
Travel Time From the Airports
OK, so Rio traffic has a personality of its own. Galeão is located on Ilha do Governador, north of the city centre. Journey times to the main tourist areas vary depending on traffic, weather, events, or whatever surprises Rio decides to throw in that day. Here’s what to expect on average:
GIG → Copacabana / Ipanema / Leblon: 50–70 minutes
GIG → Barra da Tijuca: 60–80 minutes
GIG → City Centre / Santa Teresa: 30–45 minutes
Return to GIG from South Zone: ~90 minutes
Top tip: Always allow at least 90 minutes for travel back to Galeão from the South Zone, and up to 2 hours during peak traffic.
About Galeão International Airport
Galeão International Airport (GIG), officially Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, is Rio de Janeiro’s main international airport and one of the busiest in South America. It has two terminals — most international flights use Terminal 2.
The airport is located on Ilha do Governador, around 20 km north of the city centre and 40 km from the South Zone beaches. A private transfer is by far the most convenient option — the public bus is slow, taxis can be unpredictable, and Uber availability at the airport can be hit and miss.
With Rio Airport Transfer, your driver monitors your flight, meets you inside the terminal, and takes you directly to your destination. Fixed price, no surprises.
Our Vehicles
Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or arriving with a group big enough to start your own Carnival bloco, we’re ready for you.
From mid-size to truly spacious, our fleet covers it all. Explore the full fleet and find the right fit for your arrival in Rio.
Medium Car
Up to 3 passengers and luggage
Small Van
Up to 12 passengers and luggage
Large Van
Up to 15 passengers and luggage
Small Bus
Up to 22 passengers and luggage
Large Bus
Up to 48 passengers and luggage
FAQs
When you’ve completed your online booking you will receive an email confirming your transfer details, including date and time, as well as information on how to meet your driver and our local phone number in Rio de Janeiro
No problem. We’ll monitor your flight to ensure your driver is waiting, even if your flight is delayed.
If you miss your flight, you can email or whatsapp us to advise of your new arrival flight information, and we’ll do our best to ensure your driver is waiting for you when you arrive on your new flight.
Your driver will be waiting for you inside the public arrivals area of the airport, immediately after you exit customs. He will be holding a sign with your name printed on it.
Yes, absolutely. We can provide transfers to and from most locations within Rio de Janeiro.
Ok, so this is an interesting question. Traffic in Rio can be horrific, depending on the day of the week, time of day, weather conditions, security issues etc. Generally, it will take approximately 60 minutes to travel from Galeao International Airport to Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon areas, and up to 75 minutes to Barra da Tijuca.
As with transfers to your accommodation, return transfer times can depend on many factors. We always advise allowing 90 minutes for the return transfer from Copacabana, Leblon, Ipanema back to Galeao International Airport. This allows for unexpected delays. Please keep in mind that we can’t predict if there will be delays, or how long they will be.
No problem. If you can’t find the destination on our booking for, contact us and we’ll be happy to provide a quote.
That’s not a problem. We provide free cancellation, with a full refund, up to 12 hours prior to your scheduled pickup time. Just contact us and let us know.
Other Transfer Options
Looking for transfers to other areas of Rio de Janeiro?
We also offer:
