Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG), popularly known as Galeão International Airport, is the main international airport serving Rio de Janeiro. You have four main options to get from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city; taxi, private transfer, metro, and bus.
A Rio de Janeiro Airport taxi is a good option for last-minute transportation while a private Rio de Janeiro Airport transfer is best if you want to arrange everything in advance. Both options are available 24/7 and provide comfortable door-to-door transportation for a smooth arrival.
The metro and the bus are the cheapest options, ideal if you’re on a tight budget. However, the trip duration is longer as neither of these options is direct. You can leave the airport with the BRT Transcarioca bus and then change to the L2 Metro or the 329 bus to get to the city center.
4 options to go from Rio de Janeiro Airport to city center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €23 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| You will have 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after your scheduled pickup to pass through passport control and baggage claim. | ||||||
Taxi | €12 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Executive taxis operating at GIG Airport have different fares depending on the operator and usually cost twice the price of a regular taxi. Instead of taking an executive taxi, you can pre-book a private transfer that ensures a fixed fare that you'll know in advance. | ||||||
Metro L2 | €3.80 | 50min | 05:00–00:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're carrying multiple pieces of luggage or traveling with toddlers in a stroller, this is not a good option for you. The metro can get very crowded during rush hour, so it can be a bit uncomfortable. | ||||||
Public Bus 329 | €2.80 | 80min | 04:12–21:30 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're looking to save money, a combination of BRT and the metro is a better value-for-money option. It's only slightly cheaper and you'll get to the city center faster. | ||||||
Taking a Rio de Janeiro Airport taxi to the city center is one of the best ways to get to your hotel or apartment directly. After landing, you can head to the taxi rank, where yellow official taxis are available around the clock, offering on-demand services. If you’re lucky and there’s no queue, you can quickly secure a ride and reach the city center in less than half an hour in light traffic.
Executive taxis are also available at GIG Airport and offer rides in modern air-conditioned vehicles, but they’re more expensive than regular taxis.
How much does a taxi from Rio de Janeiro Airport to city center cost?
The fare for a ride with an official yellow taxi from GIG Airport can either be fixed or calculated by a taximeter. The average Rio de Janeiro Airport to city center taxi cost is $13 (€12/BRL 70) for up to 4 passengers.
In both cases, there are two different tariffs; Tarif 1 applies from Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 21:00, and Tarif 2 from 21:00 to 06:00 and all day on weekends and public holidays.
If you want a metered ride, you can simply walk to the taxi rank and make sure that the taximeter is set to the base fare of $1.10 (€1/BRL 6.10) before you start your ride.
To secure a fixed fare, you can go to the self-service booths with the sign ‘Taxi Comum’, where you can select your route, pay by debit or credit card, and then take your voucher to the taxi queue. Be careful to choose the regular taxi booths, as there are also booths for radio taxi services. Fixed fares are usually a bit more expensive, but can be a better option during rush hour.
Where do I get a taxi from?
The official taxi rank at Rio de Janeiro Airport is on the Ground Level. Exit the Arrivals Hall through Door A next to Domestic Arrivals and you’ll see yellow taxis lined up and passengers queuing up during peak hours.
Convenience
Taking a taxi from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city can be a convenient option if you don’t want to make any plans in advance and decide how to leave the airport after landing. Keep in mind that wait times can be longer than usual during peak hours, so consider pre-booking a private transfer if you’re in a hurry to leave the airport.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreAlthough there is no direct train from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city center, you can leave the airport by bus and connect later to the subway network.
By taking the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Transcarioca Line 42 from Rio de Janeiro Airport, you
can reach Vicente de Carvalho Station; where you can transfer to Metro Line 2, which passes through several parts of the city, including Cidade Nova, Centro, and Cinelândia. You can check the closest stop to your accommodation and continue on foot or by switching to another metro line.
How much is the fare for the train from Rio de Janeiro Airport to city center?
A single metro ticket costs $1.30 (€1.20/BRL 6.90), and the fare for the BRT Transcarioca line is $0.80 (€0.70/BRL 4.30), bringing the total cost of the trip to $2.10 (€1.90/BRL 11.20) per traveler.
Keep in mind that to use public transport in Rio de Janeiro you will need to purchase a Rio Card. You can purchase it from the BRT station at the airport for $0.75 (€0.70/BRL 4).
The Metro L2 operates from 05:00 to 00:00 Monday through Saturday and from 07:00 to 23:00 on Sundays and public holidays. The BRT Transcarioca line operates from GIG Airport from 04:00 to 00:00 daily.
Where do I get the metro from?
To take the L2 Metro, you will need to get to Vicente de Carvalho Station. You can get there by taking the BRT Transcarioca line 42 from the airport. The BRT leaves from Gate H in Terminal 1 and Gate D in Terminal 2. There are signs inside the arrivals hall and outside the terminals.
Convenience
Getting from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city by metro is the cheapest option during the day, making it a great choice if you’re traveling on a tight budget. However, changing modes of transportation can be overwhelming, especially during rush hour when the metro is crowded, so this option is better suited for experienced travelers.
Timetables
BRT official website
In Portuguese
Metro fare information
In Portuguese
Useful Tips
Another budget-friendly option to leave the airport is by bus. Again, there is no direct connection so you’ll need to combine different services.
The best option is to leave the airport with the BRT Transcarioca line, get off at the Aroldo Melodia Terminal, and then take the 329 bus to Candelária operated by Viação Ideal. This line makes several stops in the city center, so you can choose the one closest to your accommodation or a metro station.
How much is the bus ticket from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city center?
A single bus ticket costs $0.80 (€0.70/BRL 4.30), but you’ll need to purchase another ticket for the BRT Transcarioca line, which costs another $0.80 (€0.70/BRL 4.30), bringing the total cost of the trip to $1.60 (€1.40/BRL 8.60) per traveler.
Keep in mind that to use public transportation in Rio de Janeiro, you will need to purchase a Rio Card. You can buy it at the BRT station at the airport for $0.75 (€0.70/BRL 4).
Bus line 329 operates from 04:12 to 21:30 daily. The BRT Transcarioca line operates from GIG Airport from 04:00 to 00:00 daily.
Where do I take the bus from?
To take 329 bus, you will need to reach Terminal Aroldo Melodia. You can get there by taking the BRT Transcarioca line 42 from the airport. The BRT leaves from Gate H at Terminal 1 and Gate D at Terminal 2. You will find relevant signage inside the Arrivals Hall and outside the terminals.
Convenience
Getting from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city center by bus is the cheapest transportation option, but it’s also the slowest. It’s a good choice for solo travelers or experienced travelers on a tight budget. However, it’s far from ideal if you’re carrying multiple pieces of luggage or you’re traveling with young children; a taxi or a private transfer is a much better option.
Timetables
Viação Ideal Bus route 329
Useful Tips
A Rio de Janeiro Airport transfer to the city center is by far the most convenient transportation option for a hassle-free arrival. With a top-rated company like Welcome Pickups, you will enjoy tailored services through several perks, such as:
With Welcome, you can take care of everything in advance and leave nothing to chance on the day you arrive in Rio de Janeiro. If it’s your first time in this vibrant city, your driver will be happy to recommend places to eat and share tips on the local culture to help you get the most out of your trip.
What's the cost of a private transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport to city?
Pre-booking your private transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city center ensures a fixed price that you know and pay in advance. This guarantees peace of mind on the day of your arrival, without having to worry about the local rates and traffic conditions.
The booking process is very simple and you will be assigned the best type of vehicle for your needs by selecting the number of passengers and your luggage. The quote you’ll get is final and everything is included in the price; you won’t be expected to pay for anything else on the day of your arrival unless you wish to tip your driver.
That said, a private transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city costs $23 (€21/BRL 126) for a sedan, $50 (€46/BRL 273) for a minivan, and $73 (€67/BRL 399) for a minibus.
You can book a private transfer 24/7 from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG).
Where do I get a transfer from?
After passing through passport control and baggage claim, head towards the Arrivals Hall. Your driver will have your flight information and will wait for you in the terminal where your flight lands. They will also hold a sign with your name on it so you can’t miss them! Following a warm meet and greet, your trained driver will help you with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle in the parking lot.
Convenience
Although regular taxis are a good option at GIG Airport, a private transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city is the best way to elevate your travel experience. With reliable 24/7 door-to-door service, you will ensure a stress-free arrival and a trip tailored to your needs. Whether you’re traveling with your family, are a business traveler, or simply value speed, safety, and comfort, Welcome Pickups is your best bet.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€13Starting from 4.3 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 6 passengers
€40Starting from 6.7 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€60Starting from 5 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Rio de Janeiro Airport to city center?
Rio de Janeiro Airport is located about 16 km north of the city center and you can get there by taxi, private transfer, metro, or bus. Taxis and private transfers are the fastest and most convenient options, offering door-to-door service. If you’re on a budget, you can take the metro or the bus. However, none of these options are direct. You can leave the airport with the BRT Transcarioca bus and then transfer to the L2 Metro or the 329 bus.
How far is Rio de Janeiro from the airport?
The distance from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city is about 16 km south and getting there by car or taxi takes around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
How much does a taxi cost from Rio Airport to City Center?
The average fare for a taxi from Rio de Janeiro Airport to the city center is $13 (€12/BRL 70) for up to 4 passengers. The fare can either be calculated using a taximeter, or you can go to the taxi booths in the Arrivals area to pay for a fixed fare in advance. Note that higher rates apply at night, on weekends, and on public holidays.
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