Ernestinho Carioca
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RIO GUIDE

Getting to Rio: Galeão and Santos Dumont

Rio de Janeiro has two main airports. Always check your flight code: GIG and SDU are in different areas and transfer times can vary greatly.

Galeão Airport GIG
Galeão (GIG), Rio’s main international gateway.
01

✈️ GIG – airport Internacional de Galeão

It is on Ilha do Governador and handles most international flights. For Copacabana, Ipanema, Downtown or Barra, factor in distance, traffic, time and luggage.

02

🛬 SDU – Santos Dumont

It is next to downtown and close to the South Zone. Although it looks very close on the map, traffic and event access can increase travel time.

Santos Dumont Airport SDU
Santos Dumont (SDU), beside downtown and close to the South Zone.
03

Taxi

Official taxis and services are available. Confirm the service type and price before leaving; as in many tourist destinations, an improvised booking may cost more.

04

Apps

Uber and 99 have pickup points or procedures that may vary by terminal. Check the license plate and driver before getting in.

05

Public transportation

It can be inexpensive, but it is not always practical with children, lots of luggage, a late-night arrival or several connections. Check your route and fare system before starting.

06

Ernestinho transfer

If you would prefer to arrange a vehicle with a driver, see the page for private transfers and trip quotes.

A member of the team meets you at the airport, accompanies you to the vehicle and our drivers take you to your destination. We have options for couples, families and groups.

07

Pay on arrival

You do not need to pay in advance: pay at the destination according to the conditions confirmed when booking. Send the date, flight, destination, passengers and luggage for a quote.

08

Picking up a car when you arrive?

If your trip continues outside Rio, compare picking up the vehicle directly at GIG or SDU. If you will first spend several days in the city, it may be better to rent only from the day you leave Rio. You will find the comparison tool and all the tips under Rio Guide → Car rental in Rio and Brazil.

Request a transfer quote on WhatsApp ↗Galeão map ↗Santos Dumont map ↗

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