How to get from Rio de Janeiro airport to Copacabana, Ipanema and your hotel for first-timers
Getting from Rio de Janeiro airport to Copacabana, Ipanema, or wherever you're staying doesn't have to be stressful, even after a long flight. Whether you land at Galeão (GIG), Santos Dumont (SDU), or arrive by bus at Novo Rio Terminal, the options are straightforward once you know what to expect.
This guide breaks down every transport option, from taxis, Uber, metro, VLT to buses, with honest tips on cost, safety and what works best depending on your destination and time of day.
If you plan to keep using public transport during your stay, the complete guide to getting around Rio covers fares, cards and everything else.
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
How to get to Rio de Janeiro from Tom Jobim International airport (GIG)?
Quick guide: What’s the best way to leave Galeão (GIG)?
Want total convenience?
Book a private transfer, someone meets you at arrivals and takes you straight to your hotel.
Comfortable figuring out things on your own?
Go for the prepaid taxi or Uber if you're comfortable using apps and don't mind a short walk.On a budget?
The Express Bus + VLT/Metro is the cheapest option, possible if you're traveling light and not in a rush.
🚐 Private transfer from Rio de Janeiro airport
Recommended for those looking for maximum comfort, traveling with family or a group or with lots of luggage. Especially useful for those heading to farther neighborhoods like Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca, Santa Teresa, or Cosme Velho.
Private transfers can be booked in advance and include a driver waiting for you at arrivals with a name sign. You skip the hassle of figuring things out upon landing.
Book a private transfer for your hotel.
🚕 Taxi from Rio de Janeiro GIG airport
Recommended if you’re carrying luggage, wanting a hassle-free ride without relying on apps and internet connection.
There are 2 types of taxi services:
Prepaid taxi (the recommended option): 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 with 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.
⚠️ Never accept taxi offers from people approaching you inside the terminal, they are likely unauthorized and will charge way more than the official rate.
Taxi average price: R$ 80–150 (to South Zone)
🚘 Uber from Rio de Janeiro GIG airport
Recommended for comfort-seekers who want a ride cheaper than a taxi and don’t mind a short walk. With minimal need for conversation it’s handy if you don’t speak Portuguese
Uber 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).
🚍 Public transport (Express Bus + VLT/Metro)
Recommended for budget travelers heading to the Novo Rio Bus station, Downtown, or anyone who wants to experience Rio like a local, especially during rush hours to skip traffic.
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 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:
You must use the Jaé transport card, available at machines in the station or downloading the Jaé app to use a virtual card. The same card will work to connect with the VLT or the metro.
To understand more about the Rio de Janeiro’s public transportation system, how to pay and working hours, read the how to get around Rio guide before landing.
So, which one should you actually pick?
Public transport is reliable and budget-friendly, but depending on your final destination, you'll likely need at least one transfer. After a long flight, with luggage, that's when it stops being fun.
The best option for most travelers is the private transfer. It's worth the extra cost to have someone waiting for you with a sign, already knowing your destination.. If it’s beyond your budget, choose the prepaid taxi, fast, fixed-price, no app or data connection needed, and drops you straight at your hotel door.
Uber is the cheaper option if you're comfortable using apps, have working data connection and don't mind a short walk to the pickup zone.
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Santos Dumont is Rio’s downtown airport and one of the most convenient arrival points in the city. It mainly receives domestic flights, especially connections from São Paulo (CGH), Brasília (BSB), and Belo Horizonte (CNF).
If you're arriving here, you're in for a treat: the landing approach over Guanabara Bay is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, with incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Rio’s coastline.
Because the airport is located in central Rio, it’s also one of the easiest airports to leave using public transport.
Quick guide: What’s the best way to leave Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)?
Want the fastest and easiest option?
Uber is usually the best choice. The airport is very central, and rides to areas like Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana, and Ipanema are quick and relatively inexpensive.
On a budget or traveling light?
Take the VLT right outside the terminal and connect to the metro. It’s one of the easiest airports in Rio to leave using public transport.
Prefer convenience?
Book a private transfer, especially if you are headed to areas like Santa Teresa or Barra da Tijuca.
🚕 Taxi from SDU airport
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 with no surprises.
Regular taxi: Pick up outside the terminal. Make sure the meter is on, or ask for a fixed price.
🚘 Uber from SDU airport
Recommended for budget travelers 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 from SDU airport
Recommended for travelers on a budget heading to Downtown or South Zone (via metro connection), 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. From there, you can easily reach neighborhoods in the South Zone like Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana, and Ipanema.
For the payment, you will need a Jaé card. To use this option, read my complete guide to getting around Rio before you land to be familiar with the public transportation system.
And if the metro will be part of your route, check our Rio metro guide with the key stations for tourists.
🚐 Private Transfers from SDU airport
Recommended for travelers who want a stress-free arrival, families, if you have many luggage or mobility concerns.
A driver will wait for you at the arrivals area with a name sign and take you directly to your accommodation.
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.
FAQ
What's the best ground transportation from Rio de Janeiro International Airport?
For most travelers, a prepaid taxi or private transfer is the easiest choice. If you're on a budget and traveling light, the Express Bus + VLT/Metro combo is the cheapest way into the city.
How much does a taxi cost from Rio de Janeiro's airport?
A taxi from Galeão to the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema) averages R$ 80–150. Always use the prepaid kiosk or a metered yellow cab, never accept offers from people approaching you inside the terminal.
What's the fastest way to get from Galeão airport to the South Zone?
A prepaid taxi or Uber, or private transfer service. Expect 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Is it safe to take a taxi from Rio's airport?
Yes, as long as you use the official prepaid taxi kiosks or a metered yellow cab from the taxi stand. Never accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal.
Can I use Uber at Rio de Janeiro's airports?
Yes, both Galeão and Santos Dumont have dedicated Uber pick-up zones, though pricing is subject to surge like anywhere else.
Which airport is closer to Copacabana, GIG or SDU?
Santos Dumont (SDU) is much closer. It's downtown and mainly serves domestic flights, while Galeão (GIG) is about 20 km away and handles international arrivals.
Do I need cash for public transport from the airport?
No, the Express Bus, VLT, and metro all run on the Jaé card (or Riocard for SDU/Novo Rio), which you can buy or top up at machines in the station.
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