Rio De Janeiro - Terminal map, lounges, bars & restaurants

Rio De Janeiro Airport Guide

Rio De Janeiro Airport - known to the airport authorities but noone else as Rio De Janeiro Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is the the main airport serving Rio de Janeiro, is Brazil.

It is named after Galleon Beach - where in 1663 a tiny Galleon was built, and this beach was in front of the original passenger terminal in the 1960, when Rio was a tiny stopover, and in those halcyon days, passengers could laze on the beach until they were ready for their aircraft (not, as now, the other way around).

Since 1985 the airport has increasing lost it's position as country's major international airport to São Paulo, where international flights can leave with no weight restrictions due to the lengthy runway.

The airport has two passenger terminals, each with twelve jetways. The terminals are two entirely separate buildings, and you cannot walk airside between them.

Rio De Janeiro Airport Terminal 1

Rio De Janeiro Airport Terminal 1 is a decrepid desolate hole. It was opened in 1977, and last underwent a revamp in 1991.

It is used mainly by oneworld and Skyteam airlines, such as British Airways, Iberia, Air France and KLM.

Rio De Janeiro Airport Terminal 2

Rio De Janeiro Airport Terminal 2 is by far the better terminal. It was opened in 1999.

Terminal 2 is used by mainly Star Alliance airlines, incluiding. Lufthansa, US Airways, TAM Airlines, and half of United Airlines flights. Emirates also fly from Terminal 2.

First & Business Class lounges at Rio De Janeiro Airport

Rio De Janeiro Airport transportation

The airport is located 20 km (12 miles) north of downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Rio De Janeiro Airport bus services

A shuttle bus runs from the airport to the Central Bus Station, and then in order the centre of Rio de Janeiro, the small local Santos Dumont Airport, and the southern parts of the city along the shore, with final stop at Alvorada Bus Terminal in Barra da Tijuca.

The three buses run by Real Auto Ônibus are:

• Bus number 2145 is the one you want: it is an express link between Galeão, the Central Bus Station and the city cenre. It also runs out ot Santos Dumont airport. It runs every 20 minutes between 0530 and 2230.
• Bus number 2018. It runs every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour, from 0530 to 2230.
• Bus number 2918 follows a similar schedule to Alvorada Bus Terminal following a different and more direct route.

Tickets are for sale from the small stand in the arrival hall.

Rio De Janeiro Airport taxi services

Getting a taxi to and from Rio De Janeiro Airport is usually trouble free, although you should avoid taking a taxi offered by a tout: they can be very expensive. Normal yellow taxis are available at the queue in the arrivals halls.

You can also pre-book an executive (blue) taxi.

Rio De Janeiro Airport shuttle

Travellers should know that many bus, limousine and shuttle bus services operating to and from Rio De Janeiro Airport usually require pre-booking.

Car Hire at Rio De Janeiro Airport

Major car hire operators are located in the Arrivals Halls. To save time and ensure you get the car you want, book your rental in advance. Rental car operators from Rio De Janeiro Airport include: Europcar, Thrifty, Avis and Budget.