Whether you're landing at Rio de Janeiro’s main international hub, Galeão International Airport (GIG), or its city-center airport, Santos Dumont (SDU), getting to Copacabana is straightforward. This guide breaks down your options, covering public transportation, ridesharing apps, and private shuttles.
Don't have time to read the whole article? > Book an airport shuttle from GIG to your hotel > Book an airport shuttle from SDU to your hotel > Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Rio de Janeiro > Find cheap bus tickets to Rio de Janeiro
See the summary table below, or skip ahead for detailed instructions:
I'm arriving at GIG - detailed instructions
I'm arriving at SDU - detailed instructions
How to get from Galeão International Airport (GIG) to Copacabana: 5 Ways
Option & Description | Total Trip Time | Total Trip Cost | Benefits |
Option 1: Ridesharing Apps (Uber, 99) | 30-45 minutes | R$60-80 | Fastest, convenient, good for luggage |
Option 2: Airport-Hotel Shuttle Services | 45 minutes to 1 hour | R$80 | Organized, good for groups. Book a shuttle. |
Option 3: BRT + Bus 108 | 1 hour | R$9 | Cheapest, reliable |
Option 4: BRT + Metro | 1.5 to 2 hours | R$12-14 | Affordable public transport option for those who prefer the metro |
Option 5: MOBI-Rio Bus + Uber from Rio Novo | 1 to 1.5 hours | R$25-35 | Budget-friendly, hybrid option |
How to get from Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) to Copacabana: 4 Ways
Option & Description | Total Trip Time | Total Trip Cost | Pros |
Option 1: Ridesharing Apps (Uber, 99) | 20-30 minutes | R$20-35 | Fastest, convenient, good for luggage |
Option 2: Airport-Hotel Shuttle Services | 30 minutes | R$80 | Pre-arranged, convenient for groups. Book a shuttle. |
Option 3: Public Bus (Bus 483 or 2018) | 30-40 minutes | R$4.30 | Cheapest, direct to Copacabana |
Option 4: VLT + Metro | 40-50 minutes | R$12 | Affordable, reliable |
Arriving at RIOgaleão (GIG): The Main International Airport
Galeão International Airport (GIG) is approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Copacabana. There are several ways to travel, depending on your budget and time constraints.
1. Ridesharing Apps (Uber, 99)
By far, the quickest, easiest, and safest way to reach Copacabana from the airport is to use a rideshare app. For those looking for convenience and speed, ridesharing apps like Uber and 99 provide a direct route to Copacabana.
UberX Fare: R$60-80, depending on traffic and time of day. It is often cheaper on 99 compared to Uber.
Duration: 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Ridesharing is the fastest option if you don’t want to deal with public transportation, particularly if you have luggage. It is also a safer alternative for anyone arriving late at night.
2. Private Shuttles
Private shuttles from Galeão to Copacabana can be pre-arranged or booked at the airport:
Cost: USD $14 per person.
Duration: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
These shuttles are convenient for those who prefer to have everything organized ahead of time, particularly if you're traveling with a group. Book a hotel transfer service online before you arrive.
3. Public Transport: BRT + Bus 108
If you prefer to travel by public transport or have budget constraints, convenient option is to take the BRT and transfer to Bus 108, which heads directly to Copacabana:
Step 1: Take the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) to Terminal Intermodal Gentileza
From Galeão, take the BRT to Terminal Intermodal Gentileza. This is a major transport hub where you can switch to various bus routes.
BRT Fare: R$4.30 (with a RioCard).
Duration: 30 minutes.
Step 2: Transfer to Bus 108
At Terminal Intermodal Gentileza, hop on Bus 108, which will take you directly to Copacabana.
Bus Fare: R$4.30.
Duration: 30 minutes.
4. Public Transport: BRT + Metro
This is the cost-effective public transport option.
Step 1: BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)
After arriving at Galeão, follow signs for the BRT, which connects the airport to various metro stations. You’ll board the BRT at “Galeão - Tom Jobim 1” or “Galeão - Tom Jobim 2” and travel to Vicente de Carvalho Station, where you’ll transfer to the metro.
BRT Fare: R$4.30 (using a RioCard).
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes.
Step 2: Transfer to Metro Line 2
From Vicente de Carvalho Station, take Line 2 (green) heading south.
Step 3: Transfer to Metro Line 1
Transfer at Botafogo Station to Line 1 (orange), which goes directly to Copacabana. There are several metro stops in Copacabana, including Cardeal Arcoverde, Siqueira Campos, and Cantagalo.
Metro Fare: R$7.50 (R$5 with RioCard).
Duration: 40-50 minutes from Vicente de Carvalho.
5. Public Transport: MOBI-Rio Bus from Rio Novo Bus Terminal
If you're looking for another budget option, MOBI-Rio runs regular buses between the Rio Novo Bus Terminal and Galeão Airport for just R$5. However, you will need to find your way from the bus terminal to Copacabana.
Step 1: MOBI-Rio Bus from GIG to Rio Novo Bus Terminal
This is a convenient option if you are near the bus terminal or prefer to minimize costs. The bus fare is R$5, but this only gets you to the Rio Novo Bus Terminal. From there, you'll need to either take public transport or a rideshare to reach Copacabana.
Step 2: Ridesharing (Uber, 99) from Rio Novo Bus Terminal to Copacabana
For a quick and direct option, you can take a ridesharing service from Rio Novo to Copacabana:
UberX Fare: Approximately R$20-30, depending on traffic. Prices may be cheaper on 99.
Duration: 20-30 minutes.
Arriving at Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): The City-Center Airport
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is much closer to Copacabana, only about 10 kilometers (6 miles) away, and it mostly handles domestic flights. Here’s how to get to Copacabana from SDU:
1. Ridesharing Apps (Uber, 99)
By far, the quickest, easiest, and safest way to reach Copacabana is to use a rideshare app. Uber and 99 are available at SDU and are a fast, convenient way to get from the airport to Copacabana:
UberX Fare: R$20-35, prices may be cheaper on 99.
Duration: 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
2. Private Shuttles
Private shuttles from SDU to Copacabana can be pre-arranged or booked at the airport:
Cost: R$50-80 per person.
Duration: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
These shuttles are convenient for those who prefer to have everything organized ahead of time, particularly if you're traveling with a group. Book a hotel transfer service online before you arrive.
3. Public Bus (Bus 483 or 2018)
For a low-cost option, take a public bus from SDU to Copacabana:
Bus 483: This bus passes through the city center and heads to Copacabana.
Fare: R$4.30 (using a RioCard).
Duration: About 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
4. VLT (Light Rail) + Metro
Alternatively, take the VLT (light rail) and transfer to the metro:
Step 1: VLT to Cinelândia Station
Take the VLT from Santos Dumont to Cinelândia Station. The fare for the VLT is R$4.30.
Step 2: Metro from Cinelândia to Copacabana
From Cinelândia, board Metro Line 1 towards General Osório, and get off at one of the Copacabana stations.
Metro Fare: R$7.50 (R$5 with RioCard).
There are so many ways to get from Rio de Janeiro’s airports to Copacabana, and your plan can be tailored to your needs depending on whether you're prioritizing budget, convenience, or speed. Public transport, including options offers an affordable journey, while ridesharing apps provide a more direct and convenient option, as well as extra safety at night.
If using public transport, make sure to check Google Maps for real-time schedules and route updates, and enjoy your time in Rio de Janeiro.
Have you been to Rio de Janeiro? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!
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