Rio airports: Galeão and Santos Dumont
Galeão for international flights, Santos Dumont for domestic ones: what changes and how to get around.
Updated on October 6, 2026 ✓ Information verified on October 6, 2026 adapted version of the Portuguese original
Galeão (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is the city’s main international airport, according to Wikipedia. It is on Ilha do Governador, in the North Zone. Flight, terminal and service information is on the official RIOgaleão website.
Leaving the airport: official taxi, ride-hailing app (from the signposted points) or public transport. The TransCarioca BRT line links Galeão to Barra da Tijuca, according to Wikipedia.
Santos Dumont (SDU)
Santos Dumont sits on the shore of Guanabara Bay, right next to downtown. Since 2023 it works mainly as a domestic airport, with Galeão handling international flights, according to Wikipedia. Take-offs and landings, with the bay and Sugarloaf in the window, are among the most scenic in Brazil.
Leaving the airport: the VLT Carioca light rail stops at the airport; according to the operator, Line 1 runs from Santos Dumont to Terminal Gentileza and Line 3 from Santos Dumont to Central. Taxis and apps reach the South Zone quickly, depending on traffic.
See also how to get to Rio.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rio’s international airport?
Galeão (GIG), Tom Jobim International Airport, on Ilha do Governador.
Does Santos Dumont have international flights?
Since 2023 it has worked mainly for domestic flights, according to Wikipedia. Check with your airline.
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