Arriving in Rio: How to get from the airport or bus station to your hotel or Airbnb
Arriving in a new city can be overwhelming — especially when you're tired from a long flight and just want to get to your hotel. Whether you land at Galeão (GIG), Santos Dumont (SDU), or step off a long-distance bus at Novo Rio, this guide breaks down all your options to reach your accommodation safely and smoothly.
From taxis and ride-hailing apps to public transport options like the metro and VLT, we’ll help you choose the best route depending on your destination, budget, and time of day. After all, your trip to Rio deserves a good start — and we’re here to help you get there.
Where you’ll arrive in Rio: airports and bus station overview
Galeão - Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG) – Main international airport, about 20 km from the South Zone
Santos Dumont (SDU) – Domestic airport, central and convenient
Novo Rio Bus Terminal – Main long-distance bus station, located in the port area near the city center
Choose where you're arriving to see your best transportation options — complete with pros, cons, and Let’s Rio’s honest tips.
Galeão - Tom Jobim International airport (GIG)
Quick guide: What’s the best way to leave Galeão (GIG)?
First time in Rio or arriving late?
Go for the prepaid taxi for maximum peace of mind — or Uber if you're comfortable using apps and don't mind a short walk.On a budget or traveling solo?
The Express Bus + VLT/Metro is the cheapest option — great if you're traveling light and not in a rush.Want total convenience?
Book a private transfer — someone meets you at arrivals and takes you straight to your hotel.
🚕 Taxis
Recommended for:
Arriving late, carrying luggage, or wanting a hassle-free ride — especially if budget isn’t a big concern.
Types:
Prepaid taxi: Self-service kiosks are available right after baggage claim and near Exit A. You can pay by card and get a printed voucher. Price is fixed based on your destination — no surprises.
Regular taxi: Head to the exit and look for the yellow cabs. They use a meter (make sure the driver turns it on). Be cautious of scams.
Let’s Rio’s tip:
If your go-to is a taxi, go for the prepaid option — it’s safer, more straightforward, and ideal if it’s your first time in Rio or if you’re arriving late.
Never accept taxi offers from people approaching you inside the terminal — they are likely unauthorized and will charge way more than the official rate.
Average price: R$ 80–150 (to South Zone)
🚘 Uber
Recommended for:
Comfort-seekers who want a cheaper ride than a taxi and don’t mind a short walk. With minimal need for conversation — handy if you don’t speak Portuguese
Pick-up info:
Uber has an exclusive pick-up zone at Galeão, located between Terminals 1 and 2.
To get there, exit through the domestic arrivals door and turn left on the sidewalk. Then follow the signs and turn left again onto the pedestrian walkway. The path leads you to the Uber Lounge, where you’ll choose one of three pick-up sectors: orange, green, or purple.
Average price: R$ 50–90 (to South Zone).
🚌 Premium Airport Bus (“Frescão”)
Recommended for:
Travelers with light luggage going to the South Zone or Barra da Tijuca, looking for a direct ride without transfers — and not in a rush.
Service information:
The Frescão is a great option for getting to the South Zone or Barra — comfortable, direct, and affordable.
The only catch? It operates almost under the radar: there’s no signage in the arrivals hall, and it’s not even listed on the official bus company’s website. Locals know about it, but most travelers have no idea it exists. Lines available:
LECD 71 – Galeão to Leblon
Stops on request at: Downtown (Av. Passos, Av. Graça Aranha), Glória, Praia do Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana (Av. Atlântica), Ipanema (Av. Vieira Souto), and Leblon (Praça Antero de Quental).
🕒 ~1h30 to Leblon, ~50 min to Catete2918 – Galeão to Jardim Oceânico (Barra da Tijuca)
Stops at Terminal Alvorada and along Av. das Américas - You’ll likely need a taxi or Uber from the final stop to your hotel.
🕒 ~1 hour to Barra
Departure info:
Exit the terminal, walk right along the sidewalk. The stop is on the central island, near the international arrivals area.
How to pay:
R$ 24.85 — in cash or with a Riocard.
🚍 Express Bus + VLT/Metro
Recommended for:
Solo travelers on a budget, those heading to the Novo Rio Bus station, Downtown, or anyone who wants to experience Rio like a local — especially during rush hours when traffic can be brutal.
Service information:
The direct express bus connects the airport to Terminal Gentileza — Rio’s new intermodal hub integrated with Novo Rio Bus Station. It runs along the BRT Transbrasil corridor with no stops and no traffic delays. From Terminal Gentileza, you can continue your journey by:
VLT (light rail) → connects to Downtown, Santos Dumont Airport, Lapa, and the cruise port
VLT + Metro → takes you to South Zone (Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema, etc), and Barra da Tijuca
Departure info:
Board at the BRT station in front of Terminal 2. Buses run every 20 minutes from 6am to midnight.
How to pay:
Use the Jaé transport card — available at machines in the station. You can download the Jaé app to use a virtual card and avoid the R$ 7.95 fee for the physical one. Note: The same card works for the VLT, but you’ll need a separate MetroRio ticket if transferring to the metro.
Let’s Rio’s tip:
A reliable and budget-friendly way to get into the city — especially for solo travelers or anyone curious to see how Cariocas really move around. But, depending on your final destination, multiple transfers (especially if the metro is involved) can make the journey long and tiring. If you're two or more, splitting an Uber might be smarter — and definitely easier with luggage.
🚐 Private Transfers
Recommended for:
Those looking for maximum comfort, traveling with family or a group, or arriving very late or with lots of luggage.
About the service:
Private transfers can be booked in advance and include a driver waiting for you at arrivals with a name sign. Some hotels also offer transfer services upon request.
Let’s Rio’s tip:
Perfect if you want to skip the hassle of figuring things out upon landing. Especially useful for those heading to farther neighborhoods like Barra da Tijuca, Santa Teresa, or Cosme Velho, or for anyone arriving at odd hours.
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
🚕 Taxis
Recommended for:
A quick and convenient ride to nearby areas like Centro, Flamengo, Santa Teresa, or even Copacabana and Ipanema.
Types available:
Prepaid taxi: Book at the booth inside the terminal. Fixed rate based on your destination — no surprises.
Regular taxi: Pick up outside the terminal. Make sure the meter is on, or ask for a fixed price.
Pick-up info:
Prepaid taxis can be arranged at the booth near arrivals, while regular yellow taxis are available just outside the terminal doors.
Let’s Rio’s tip:
Go for the prepaid option if you’re unfamiliar with the area or want peace of mind.
🚘 Uber
Recommended for:
Budget-conscious travelers, solo visitors, or anyone looking for a quick, cashless ride with minimal communication. Uber is often cheaper than a taxi, and just as fast.
Pick-up info:
Follow the signs to the Uber Lounge, located inside the Bossa Nova Mall, right next to the airport terminal. It’s a short walk and well signposted.
🚋 VLT + Metro
Recommended for:
Travelers on a budget, those heading to the South Zone or Downtown, and anyone wanting to move around like a local — as long as you're not carrying heavy luggage or arriving late at night.
Departure info:
The VLT station is right in front of the SDU terminal. Take Line 1 toward Cinelândia or Carioca to connect with Metro Lines 1 or 2.
How to pay:
Use a Riocard to pay for both VLT and Metro. You can buy it at kiosks or vending machines at the airport or metro stations.
🚐 Private Transfers
Recommended for:
Travelers who want a completely stress-free arrival — especially useful for families, business travelers, or those with mobility concerns.
About the service:
Private transfers must be booked in advance. A driver will wait for you at the arrivals area with a name sign and take you directly to your accommodation.
Let’s Rio’s tip:
Especially useful for those heading to farther neighborhoods like Barra da Tijuca, Santa Teresa, or Cosme Velho, or for anyone arriving at odd hours.
Novo Rio Bus Terminal
🚕 Taxis
Recommended for:
Travelers arriving late or with luggage, or or looking to reach areas like Lapa, Flamengo, or Copacabana quickly and comfortably.
Type:
Regular taxi: Available at the official taxi stand outside the terminal. You can ask for a fixed price or request the meter (always check that it’s running).
Pick-up info:
Follow the signs to the taxi stand outside the main exit — it's clearly marked and usually has cars available.
🚘 Uber
Recommended for:
Budget-conscious travelers or anyone who prefers to avoid haggling with taxi drivers and prefer minimal communication.
Pick-up info:
Exit the terminal and follow the app’s instructions for the Uber lounge, located at the terminal.
🚋 VLT + Metro from Novo Rio
Recommended for:
Solo travelers or backpackers, or anyone with light luggage going to Centro or the South Zone — and looking to save money.
Departure info:
The VLT station is right in front of the terminal. Take Line 1 toward Cinelândia or Carioca to transfer to the metro.
How to pay:
Use a Riocard to transfer between VLT and metro. You can buy one at the VLT or metro stations.
Made it to Rio — Now let’s make it worth it
Getting to your hotel is just the first step — but making the right choice can set the tone for your entire trip. Whether you’re all about comfort, budget, or experiencing Rio like a local, there’s an option that fits your travel style.
Still unsure which route works best for you? Or want help planning the rest of your time in Rio? Let’s Rio offers personalized travel services to help you make the most of your visit — with local insights, safe tips, and stress-free planning.
