Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport GIGSBGL

Rio de Janeiro-Galeao (GIG) is Rio’s main international airport and the long-haul gateway for the state, while Santos Dumont is closer to downtown and more domestic-focused. GOL uses Galeao as a hub and LATAM has a significant focus-city presence, so the airport mixes Brazilian domestic trunk routes with flights across South America, North America, Europe and the Middle East. Passenger operations are concentrated in Terminal 2 and the South Pier; Terminal 1 is largely inactive for normal check-in/baggage use, so most travelers should simply follow Terminal 2 signage. For the city centre, the easiest frequent-flyer choice is an official taxi or app ride via Linha Vermelha, usually around 25-45 minutes in good traffic but materially longer at peak times. Public transport is possible via BRT connections, including links toward metro/intermodal stations, but it is less seamless with luggage.

Timezone: America/Sao_Paulo

Airport lounges

Lounge access is reference info; commission never ranks.

Official info

Official site

https://www.riogaleao.com/passageiros

As of 2026-06-20 — confirm with the airport.

Airport facts

ICAO

SBGL

Elevation

28 ft

Scheduled service

Yes

Runways

2

Longest runway

13123 ft

Terminals

To the city

• BRT direct service → Terminal Gentileza / city-centre intermodal area · Direct Galeão-Terminial Gentileza BRT service; reported operating roughly 06:00-00:00 from the airport and 06:00-23:40 from Terminal Gentileza.
• BRT TransCarioca + metro/train connections → Rio metro/suburban rail network · BRT links Galeão with Madureira and Vicente de Carvalho, where passengers can connect to suburban rail and Metro Line 2.

Bus / coach

BRT services connect the airport with Terminal Gentileza, Madureira, Vicente de Carvalho and other Rio districts; intercity/urban bus details vary by operator.

Taxi

Executive and ordinary taxis are available at arrivals; exact official phone/booking contacts not verified.

Train / metro

No direct airport train verified; use BRT connections to metro/suburban rail/VLT terminals.

Airport services

Cities served

Hotels near the airport