Rio de Janeiro Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) Information

(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Brazil's second airport, the Rio de Janeiro Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is a twin-terminal, twin-runway facility to the north of Rio de Janeiro. It is the main entry point to this famous Brazilian holiday centre, with passengers landing and taking-off here being able to enjoy fantastic views over Guanabara Bay.

The airport dates from the 1920s and today handles over 15 million flyers a year (averaging around 40,000 passengers per day). It serves roughly 25 different international destinations and close to 30 domestic cities. There are scores of check-in counters, most of which are in Terminal 2, where the best facilities are situated.

Combined, national Brazilian carrier TAM Airlines and American Airlines offer the most flights here from the US, including direct flights from New York and Miami. British Airways serves flights from London, Air France from Paris, and Iberia from Madrid.

Rio de Janeiro Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)

Address: Infraero-Empresa Brasileira de Infra-Estrurura Aeroportuaria, 21942-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: +55 21 398 4597
Rio de Janeiro's Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is located approximately 20 km / 13 miles from the city, which is roughly due south. The airport itself is located on an island in Guanabara Bay, close to the Penha Circular and the Cidade Universitaria suburbs.

Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport Guide

Facilities:

• Both terminals have bureau de change booths
• ATMs are situated throughout the site
• Cafés and restaurants are available in both terminals, with Terminal 2 offering the best selection
• Flowers, jewellery, news, beachwear and duty free goods can all be purchased in Terminal 2
• Car hire companies include Avis, Hertz, National, Unidas and Localiza
• Business facilities are available at the nearby Luxor Hotel
• Wheelchair-accessible elevators, toilets, telephones and parking
• Useful information desks featuring English-speaking staff
• Long- and short-stay car parks onsite, comprising around 2,750 parking spaces

Cars

Downtown Rio can be reached from the Rio de Janeiro Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport along the Rio on Ilha do Governador (Linha Vermelha / Avenida Presidente Joao Goulart), which forms the main route from the airport to the city. This highway bends around the bay to destinations north and east of Rio's centre. The route can be congested at rush hour, when it may take an hour or longer to get into the city.

Book your Rio De Janeiro Car Rental here.

Buses

The airport bus stops at some hotels and connects the Novo Rio Rodoviaria (New River Road) terminal, not far from downtown Rio, although this service currently only runs hourly. Several companies provide shuttle buses, such as Empresa Real, which stop at hotels and the principal beaches. Real buses run half hourly, from 05:30 to 22:00, with many large hotels also choosing to provide shuttles for their guests.

Taxis and Limos

The Rio State Tourism Authority offers pre-paid taxis at desks outside Arrivals. Metered taxis can be cheaper, but are only available from outside the airport - it should be noted that fares do vary widely. Rio Airport Transfer taxis can be pre-booked if necessary, while the Le Meridien Copacabana Hotel offers a convenient limousine option for its guests.