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Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport Insider Guide
GIGRio's main international airport, located on a peninsula about 20 km from the city center. Two terminals — Terminal 1 (older, mixed) and Terminal 2 (newer, mostly international). Hub for LATAM. Immigration can be slow during peak times.
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45min
Transit to city
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40min
Immigration
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45min
Security buffer
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Leave with 6–10 hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
6–10h
10h+
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Lounges
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T2 | LATAM VIP Lounge (Golden) | LATAM biz, oneworld Sapphire+ | Yes | Full buffet, bar, Brazilian food | ~$60 USD walk-in |
| T2 | LATAM VIP Lounge (Silver) | LATAM economy plus, elite members | No | Snacks, drinks, basic | Not sold at door |
| T2 | United Club/Star Alliance Lounges | UA biz, Star Alliance Gold+ | Yes | Good food, quiet areas | Not sold at door |
| T1/T2 | Aerotel Rio de Janeiro | Paid, available airside | Yes | Shower-only (BRL 150) or rooms | Rooms from ~BRL 150/h |
LATAM Golden Lounge is the standout. Aerotel offers hourly shower access if you need a quick wash (no lounge membership needed).
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Traveler notes
- Immigration lines can exceed 60 minutes during peak hours (especially arrivals from the US). Bring patience.
- Airport is on a peninsula; traffic on entry/exit can be slow.
- The Metro Line 2 connection (Vicente de Carvalho station) provides reliable access.
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Sleep / Rest
- Aerotel Rio: Rooms available on 3rd floor (T1) and Level 3 (T2), airside. Day rooms available.
- Rio Aeroporto Hotel: Pre-security in T1, basic day rooms.
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Food
- Brazilian staples (pão de queijo, brigadeiros) and international options in both terminals.
- T2 has better variety post-security. Some 24-hour cafés available.
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Showers
- LATAM Golden Lounge has showers. Aerotel offers shower-only packages (hourly).
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Luggage Storage
- Luggage storage available in arrivals area; approximately BRL 80–150 per bag per day (~$16–30 USD).
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Transit to City
- Metro Line 2: Vicente de Carvalho station connection, ~40–50 min to Cinelândia/downtown, BRL ~9 ($1.80 USD).
- Taxi/Uber: ~30–50 min depending on traffic, around BRL 100–200 ($20–40 USD).
- Airport shuttle buses: Available but slower and less reliable.
- Buffer: Back at GIG 3h international, 2h domestic.
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Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: Claro and Oi in arrivals; tourist SIMs available. eSIM recommended.
- ATMs: Widespread; dispense BRL. Decline DCC. Caixa Bank often has lower fees.
- Wi‑Fi: Free (registration required), decent speed in terminals.
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