Spend your 6+ hour layover exploring the city or the surrounding area instead of sitting in the terminal. Check out these options for a longer layover at RIOgaleão Airport.

Head downtown

If you have an extended layover, take advantage of your airport downtime and use it to explore Rio de Janeiro. The city center is located 11 miles from the Airport. Your best option for getting downtown in a reasonable amount of time is by taxi. Public transport links are available, but it will take over an hour to get downtown. Once you get to the city center, there are lots of things to do. Ride the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for iconic city views or spend your time strolling through the botanical gardens. Visit the Lonely Planet Guide to Rio de Janeiro for more details on what you can do on your layover. Always make sure to leave plenty of time to get back to the Airport and through security.

Avoid downtown

If you have a longer layover at GIG but don’t want to head into the city center, visit the Parque Nacional da Tijuca instead. This national park is located south of Rio de Janeiro and is home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. The park also offers hiking trails and waterfalls under the impressive canopy of the urban rainforest and many lookout points where you can appreciate and enjoy the beautiful surrounding area. The park is located 15 miles from the Airport. Hop in a taxi and spend your layover enjoying nature at the national park.

Transport Options

Bus: The BRT (Rapid Transport by Bus) system connects the Airport to downtown Rio de Janeiro and the surrounding areas. For fares, schedules and more information visit the airport website.

Overnight Layover?

For passengers with an overnight layover, there are many hotel options available at the Airport. Aerotel offers small, cozy cabins with private bathrooms to rent in the transit area. The Rio Aeroporto Hotel offers passengers a more traditional hotel experience without having to leave the airport terminal. Although you will have to pass through security to access the check-in area. The Linx Hotel International Airport Galeao is another great option for passengers to get some rest during an overnight layover and enjoy the luxuries of staying at a full-service hotel. The hotel is located next to the airport terminal and offers guests the use of a free airport shuttle.

Luggage Storage

Malex Left Luggage Storage Storage lockers are available on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1. Open daily for 24 hours.

6+ hours at RIOgaleão Airport

Head downtown

Avoid downtown

Transport Options

Overnight Layover?

Luggage Storage

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