Discover the airports of Rio de Janeiro before making your travel plans

If you’re flying to Rio de Janeiro soon, it’s important to note that there are two airports available. Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) primarily handles domestic flights, while Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) is geared towards international travel.

I’ve visited Rio numerous times, enjoying both Ipanema and Copacabana beaches along with the beautiful sunshine. Most of my trips have been via Galeão (GIG), which I’ve found to be incredibly convenient.

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

Arriving at Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) offers a breathtaking view as you land, showcasing the beautiful waters and Sugarloaf Mountain. Although it serves as Rio’s secondary airport, it is still relatively small in size. Established in the 20th century, it has undergone several expansions. Despite having limitations on the number of flights per hour, it remains quite busy for an airport located in the city center.

Location

This airport is conveniently located just a mile from Downtown Rio de Janeiro, while Ipanema Beach is around eight miles to the south. Its prime location makes it easy to navigate the city, offering stunning views of the bay and the iconic mountains, both from the air and within the airport itself.

How to reach the airport

There are several options for getting around Rio de Janeiro from SDU. The Rio light rail has a station located directly at the airport, linking the terminal to downtown and beyond. You can choose between two rail lines: Ramal Belford Roxo and Ramal Santa Cruz, both of which terminate at Central Do Brasil station but take different routes. Just follow the airport signs, and you’ll find a map detailing both routes.

Another convenient option is the subway system, which I personally prefer. The nearest subway station is Cinelândia (lines 1, 2, 4), only a minute’s walk from the terminal.

Taxis are readily available for hailing right on Olympic Boulevard as you exit the terminal. They are reasonably priced, and the drivers are typically friendly, embodying the warm spirit of Rio. Additionally, several buses can take you to the central bus station and around the city; simply follow the signs and check the map for stops and routes.

Terminals

This airport features two terminals: one for arrivals and the other for departures. However, it isn’t open around the clock and operates primarily when flights are scheduled. Only a handful of airlines, including Passaredo, LATAM, GOL, Azul, and Avianca, serve this airport, primarily covering domestic routes with some flights to select international destinations.

If you're facing a layover or a flight delay, you can enjoy the scenic views from the airport. However, I recommend stepping outside the terminal, taking the subway to the nearest beach, Copacabana, or enjoying a coffee in the trendy Botafogo area. This small airport has limited services, so experiencing Rio is likely to be more fulfilling.

Amenities

At the airport, you'll find all essential services, including ATM machines and banks located in the arrivals hall. Currency exchange services are available on both sides of security, and if you're in the mood for shopping, there are a few souvenir shops. Additionally, the departures terminal has a medical assistance area and a pharmacy. You can choose from four cafes in the departures area and one in arrivals—Kopenhagen is my top recommendation for coffee and a delicious cheese snack.

What sets this airport apart

The terminal itself is a stunning modernist design created by the architects at MMM Roberto. Today, it is regarded as a national treasure and frequently appears in various architectural publications.

Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG)

Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) is the largest airport in the dazzling city of Rio de Janeiro. Its name pays homage to the nearby Galeão beach, perfectly reflecting the vibrant, beach-loving culture of this lively city.

Location

Despite being a major airport, it is conveniently located just 12 miles from Downtown Rio de Janeiro. Situated on Governador Island, it offers stunning views during your approach. This is likely where you'll land if you're traveling from distant locations, as most major airlines operate from here in Rio.

Getting There

There are many convenient options to reach the airport, and all are quite accessible. One option is to take a taxi, which you can easily hail from any location in the city. They're affordable, and you’ll spot them easily—just look for yellow or white taxis, ensuring they're official. Depending on traffic, the ride can take between 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

Personally, I believe the quickest and most efficient way to get to the airport is by train. The SuperVia airport line takes about 50 minutes and is very budget-friendly, taking you directly to Central Station. Alternatively, you can use airport buses—look for the Costa Verde Bus Line, which takes a bit over an hour to reach the city center.

I've also traveled by metro, but keep in mind that you'll need to connect to a bus for the final leg. To do this, take line 2 and catch the bus at the Vicente de Carvalho subway station—it adds a few extra minutes to your journey to the airport.

Terminals

GIG features two interconnected terminals, linked by a covered walkway equipped with a travelator. Most international airlines, including United and Delta, operate from Terminal 2, while Terminal 1 is designated for Azul and Flyways.

Amenities

As a large airport serving a significant number of travelers, it offers a wide range of amenities and services you’d typically expect. These include ATMs, currency exchange services, and banks (with multiple branches in both terminals), as well as a car rental area conveniently located inside the terminal. You'll also find numerous food and beverage options throughout both terminals—be sure to visit the Galeão coffee shop for a cappuccino and a delightful pastry. If you’re looking for gifts or souvenirs, there are several stores featuring local products.

What makes this airport unique?

In addition to its stunning location on a private island, this major airport serves a bustling city, yet the terminals remain remarkably easy to navigate. It's also conveniently situated near some of the city's best airport hotels and beaches, so you’ll soon find yourself basking in the sun after leaving the terminal.

Choosing the Right Airport in Rio de Janeiro: A Guide

Wondering how to choose between the two airports? No need to fret—this helpful comparison will outline all the important details to assist you in making your choice:

Before Your Flight

If you’re gearing up for a trip to this amazing city, be sure to check out Dinogo’s comprehensive Rio de Janeiro guide for local insights and tips. You can also discover fantastic package deals and prepare for your long flight with essential advice. Additionally, reviewing our airport guide before your journey will provide you with valuable information.

The Creation of This Guide

Over the past two decades, I've spent countless hours in airports, often exceeding 200 days a year. Much of that time has been dedicated to traveling through South America and Brazil. I've flown through both of these airports numerous times, and as an admirer of design, I can't help but appreciate their architectural beauty. Additionally, Rio boasts some incredible hotels, making every visit a delightful experience.