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Getting there

Getting to Rio de Janeiro

Short answer

The reference airport is Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) (GIG), in Rio de Janeiro, about 20 km (12 mi). By car, it is 430 km (267 mi) from São Paulo, a 5h30 drive costing about R$ 334 in fuel and tolls.

Most reviewed activity in Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Full-Day Tour + Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain by Minibus★ 8.6 · 338 reviews · from US$ 103 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →

Flying to Rio de Janeiro

The gateway from abroad is Tom Jobim International Airport, known as Galeão (GIG), about 20 km from the South Zone. The trip by taxi or ride-hailing app to Copacabana or Ipanema takes 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

The second airport, Santos Dumont (SDU), is right next to downtown and is ideal for domestic flights.

Routes and airlines flying to Rio from each country change often, so it is safest to check them when you plan your trip. Within the city, the subway links Copacabana, Ipanema, downtown and the Maracanã.

Nearest airport
GIGTom Jobim International Airport (Galeão)
Rio de Janeiro · about 20 km (12 mi)
Alternative
SDUSantos Dumont Airport
Rio de Janeiro · about 5 km (3 mi)

From Galeão to the South Zone (Copacabana/Ipanema) it takes 40 to 60 minutes by car. For domestic flights, Santos Dumont (SDU) is right next to downtown.

Driving to Rio de Janeiro

These are the driving routes to Rio de Janeiro from the main cities of origin, with distance, travel time and estimated fuel cost for a car that gets 11 km per liter. Amounts are in Brazilian reais (R$).

From São Paulo
430 km (267 mi) · 5h30
~R$ 334 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Belo Horizonte
440 km (273 mi) · 6h12
~R$ 315 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
Tours and tickets

Tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro

booking on Civitatis
Rio de Janeiro Full-Day Tour + Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain by Minibus
8.6· 338 reviews

Rio de Janeiro Full-Day Tour + Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain by Minibus

Discover Rio de Janeiro on this complete tour. See the world-famous Christ the Redeemer Statue, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Maracana stadium in real life!

10 h
from US$ 103
Book →
Rio de Janeiro Rocinha Favela Walking Tour
9.3· 187 reviews

Rio de Janeiro Rocinha Favela Walking Tour

Experience the other side of Rio de Janeiro with this guided tour of the Rocinha favela, during which you'll discover its lesser-known spots.

3 h
from US$ 50
Book →
Rio Sunset Sailing Tour
9.6· 158 reviews

Rio Sunset Sailing Tour

Experience a beautiful sunset over Rio de Janiero, sailing the bay as night falls on board a luxurious yacht - a unique experience in the 'Cidade Maravilhosa'.

3 h
from US$ 53
Book →
Dona Marta Viewpoint Sunrise & Christ the Redeemer
9.8· 51 reviews

Dona Marta Viewpoint Sunrise & Christ the Redeemer

On this tour in Rio de Janeiro, we'll see a spectacular sunrise at the Dona Marta viewpoint and the awe-inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer.

3 h
from US$ 98
Book →
See all activities in Rio de Janeiro
Where to stay

Hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Compare hotels and places to stay in Rio de Janeiro on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

Linx Galeao by Wish in Rio de Janeiro 8.8 ★★★ · 399 reviews Linx Galeao by Wish See on Booking → Americas Granada Hotel in Rio de Janeiro 8.5 ★★★★ · 589 reviews Americas Granada Hotel See on Booking → ibis budget RJ Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro 8.2 ★★ · 71 reviews ibis budget RJ Copacabana See on Booking → ibis Rio de Janeiro Nova America in Rio de Janeiro 8.1 ★★★ · 36 reviews ibis Rio de Janeiro Nova America See on Booking →
See all hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest airport to Rio de Janeiro?
The nearest airport to Rio de Janeiro is Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) (GIG), in Rio de Janeiro, about 20 km (12 mi) away. Alternative: Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), in Rio de Janeiro, about 5 km (3 mi) away. From Galeão to the South Zone (Copacabana/Ipanema) it takes 40 to 60 minutes by car. For domestic flights, Santos Dumont (SDU) is right next to downtown.
How do you get to Rio de Janeiro by air?
Fly to Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) (GIG), in Rio de Janeiro, about 20 km (12 mi), and cover the rest of the way overland. Flight routes and schedules change often: check them when you plan your trip.
Is it better to drive or fly to Rio de Janeiro?
It depends on where you start. From São Paulo, the drive is 430 km (267 mi) and takes about 5h30, costing about R$ 334 in fuel and tolls. From distant origins, flying usually saves time; from nearby cities, driving gives you more freedom. Compare the cost of the drive with the price of a plane ticket before you decide.
Is Rio de Janeiro easy to get to?
Yes: you can drive to Rio de Janeiro from São Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and its reference airport is GIG. See the driving routes on this page.
Can I book transfers and activities in Rio de Janeiro in English?
Yes. On this page you will find activities in Rio de Janeiro that you can book in English on Civitatis, with the price updated when you book.
Complete guide to Rio de Janeiro Best time to visit Driving routes