How to get to Rio de Janeiro: by plane, bus, car and the best routes
How to get to Rio is one of the first questions people ask when planning a trip to the city. Rio de Janeiro has two major airports, a bus terminal connected to the VLT, access via major highways, and transportation options that vary considerably depending on the neighborhood where you’ll be staying.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get to Rio by plane, bus, or car; which airport to choose; how to get from Galeão or Santos Dumont; when it’s worth renting a car; and which links to use to compare tickets, buses, travel insurance, and tours.
Quick summary
- Is it worth arriving by plane? Yes, it’s the best option for travelers coming from other Brazilian states or from abroad.
- Best airport: Santos Dumont is more central; Galeão usually has more international flights and plenty of domestic options.
- Is it worth arriving by bus? Yes, especially if you’re coming from São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, or nearby cities.
- Is it worth arriving by car? It depends. A car can be useful for Região Serrana, Costa Verde, and Região dos Lagos, but traffic and parking are significant considerations within the city.
- First tip: choose your transportation with your hotel’s neighborhood in mind. Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra, Centro, and Zona Norte can make a significant difference to the logistics.
How to get to Rio: what’s the best option?
The best way to get to Rio depends on three things: your city of origin, your budget, and where you’ll be staying. Travelers coming from far away generally choose to fly. Those coming from elsewhere in the Southeast can compare buses, cars, and flights. If you plan to combine the city with the mountains, beaches, or day trips, consider renting a car for only part of the journey.
If you’re still putting together your itinerary, also check out our guide to the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro, our post on safety in Rio de Janeiro for tourists, and our guide to finding affordable accommodation. They’ll help you decide on an airport, neighborhood, and transportation.
| Arrival method | Best for | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Plane | Long-distance trips and domestic and international connections | Choosing between Galeão and Santos Dumont |
| Bus | São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and nearby cities | Arrival at Rodoviária do Rio / Novo Rio |
| Car | Itineraries combining the mountains, beaches, and day trips | Traffic, tolls, and parking |
| Cruise ship | Cruise season and quick stops | Planning transportation from Pier Mauá |
Arriving in Rio by plane
For most travelers, flying is the most practical way to get to Rio. The city is primarily served by two airports: Santos Dumont Airport, in Centro, and RIOgaleão, also known as Tom Jobim International Airport, on Ilha do Governador.
Santos Dumont is usually more convenient for those staying in Centro, Flamengo, Glória, Catete, Botafogo, Copacabana, or Ipanema, as it is very close to the central area and can be reached by VLT, taxi, and ride-hailing apps. Galeão, meanwhile, is more commonly used for international flights, connections, and some domestic routes, with access by taxi, ride-hailing apps, bus, BRT, and car.
Compare flights to Rio
Galeão or Santos Dumont: which airport should you choose?
When researching how to get to Rio, many people get stuck on this choice. Santos Dumont is the more central airport and normally makes things easier for those heading to Zona Sul or Centro. The view on arrival is also one of the most beautiful in Brazil, when the weather cooperates.
Galeão, on the other hand, may offer more flight options on certain routes, especially international ones. It may also be a good choice if the fare is significantly lower, if your hotel is in areas farther north, on Ilha do Governador, in Barra via Linha Amarela, or if you plan to rent a car and continue your journey.
- Choose Santos Dumont if: you want convenient access to Centro, Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.
- Choose Galeão if: the flight is cheaper, it’s an international flight, it has a better schedule, or you plan to leave by car for other destinations.
- Always compare: the ticket price + the cost of getting to your hotel + the arrival time.
How to get from Santos Dumont Airport
Santos Dumont is in Centro and is the simplest airport for travelers looking for convenience. The most common ways to leave are by ride-hailing app, taxi, VLT, or a short walk to nearby areas, depending on your destination and luggage.
The VLT stop is directly in front of Santos Dumont and connects the airport with Centro, Cinelândia, Carioca, Central, Praça XV, the bus terminal area, and Terminal Intermodal Gentileza, depending on the line used. According to the VLT Carioca website, the system operates daily, with the single fare listed on the website and service running from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- For Centro and Cinelândia: the VLT can be a practical and inexpensive option.
- For Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon: a ride-hailing app or taxi is usually more comfortable with luggage.
- To save money: combine the VLT and metro when it makes sense.
- With a lot of luggage: a ride-hailing app or taxi is generally simpler.
How to get from Galeão Airport
Galeão is on Ilha do Governador, farther from the classic tourist areas. So, when deciding how to get to Rio via Galeão, also consider the journey to your hotel. The most common options are ride-hailing apps, regular taxis, executive taxis, buses, BRT, and rental cars.
The RIOgaleão website provides specific areas for taxis and ride-hailing apps: regular taxis depart from level zero, door A, near domestic arrivals; executive taxis depart from level zero, door B; and there is a dedicated Uber pickup area on the arrivals level. The airport also lists the bus and BRT routes serving the terminals.
- Most comfortable: a ride-hailing app or taxi, especially at night or with luggage.
- Most affordable: bus or BRT, if the route makes sense for your destination.
- Most practical for continuing your journey: a rental car, if you’re heading to Região dos Lagos, Costa Verde, or the mountains.
Compare car rentals
Arriving in Rio by bus
Another widely used way to get to Rio is by bus. Most arrivals are at Rodoviária do Rio, formerly Novo Rio, which is close to Centro, the port area, Avenida Brasil, Linha Vermelha, and the Rio–Niterói Bridge.
Taking the bus can be well worthwhile for travelers coming from São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Vitória, Juiz de Fora, Cabo Frio, Búzios, Angra dos Reis, Paraty, Petrópolis, and other cities in the Southeast. Depending on your departure point, it may cost less than flying and the logistics may be straightforward.
Compare bus tickets to Rio
How to get from Rodoviária do Rio
When you arrive by bus, the first decision is how to get from the bus terminal to your hotel. The area is connected to the VLT, which is useful for those heading to Centro, Santos Dumont, Praça XV, and Terminal Gentileza. For Zona Sul, Barra, or late-night arrivals, ride-hailing apps and taxis are generally more comfortable options.
- For Centro: the VLT can be an economical alternative.
- For Santos Dumont: the VLT connects the bus terminal area with the airport.
- For Copacabana and Ipanema: a ride-hailing app is usually more practical, especially with luggage.
- At night: prioritize direct transportation and avoid walking through the area with luggage.
Before getting around the city with luggage, also read our guide to safety in Rio de Janeiro. It will help you understand the practical considerations for tourists, including times and neighborhoods.
Arriving in Rio by car
Driving to Rio can work well for those coming from nearby cities or planning a longer itinerary around the state. The most common routes use highways such as Dutra, for those coming from São Paulo; BR-040, for those coming from Minas Gerais and Petrópolis; BR-101, for those coming from the coast; and the Rio–Niterói Bridge for those arriving from Niterói, Região dos Lagos, or northern Rio de Janeiro state.
One important point, however: arriving in Rio by car doesn’t mean you need to use a car every day in the capital. In neighborhoods such as Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Flamengo, Glória, and Centro, parking can be expensive or limited. Often, it makes sense to use the metro, VLT, taxis, and ride-hailing apps within the city.
If you’re unsure, read our guide to renting a car for a trip. It will help you decide when having a car is truly worthwhile.
Is it worth renting a car in Rio?
Not always, if you’re staying only in the capital. The metro serves many tourist neighborhoods, ride-hailing apps work well, and traffic can be heavy during peak hours. However, a car may be worthwhile in three situations:
- when you’re taking a day trip from Rio de Janeiro to the mountains or beaches;
- when you’re continuing your journey to Região dos Lagos, Costa Verde, or Região Serrana;
- when you’re traveling with family, carrying a lot of luggage, or staying in an area with less access to the metro.
Search for cars to travel around Rio
Arriving in Rio by cruise ship
During cruise season, many travelers arrive in Rio at Pier Mauá, in the port area. Its location is convenient for exploring Centro, Praça Mauá, Museu do Amanhã, Museu de Arte do Rio, and Boulevard Olímpico.
For those disembarking with luggage, a ride-hailing app or taxi is the most comfortable way to continue to the hotel. If you’re only stopping in port, you can combine Centro Histórico, Boulevard Olímpico, Confeitaria Colombo, Lapa, or even a guided tour, depending on how much time you have ashore.
To make the most of your arrival, save our post on free things to do in Rio de Janeiro and our guide to what to do in Rio this week.
Where to stay depending on how you arrive in Rio
Your choice of neighborhood can significantly change your experience. Those arriving at Santos Dumont and looking for convenience may like Centro, Flamengo, Glória, Catete, Botafogo, Copacabana, or Ipanema. Those arriving at Galeão should plan the journey more carefully, especially if their flight lands late at night.
- First trip: Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo, Flamengo, or a well-located area of Centro.
- Budget trip: look for accommodation near the metro.
- Events and concerts: choose your neighborhood based on the event venue.
- Road trip: check whether parking is available before booking your hotel.
To plan more effectively, also see our guide to finding affordable accommodation and our list of restaurants with views in Rio de Janeiro to round out your itinerary.
Checklist for deciding how to get to Rio
- Compare flights, buses, and cars before booking.
- Add up the cost of getting to your hotel.
- Check whether your flight arrives at Santos Dumont or Galeão.
- Check the arrival time, especially at night.
- Choose accommodation with easy access to the metro if you’re not renting a car.
- If you’re traveling by bus, plan how to leave the bus terminal in advance.
- If you’re driving, check tolls, parking, and peak travel times.
Viagens e Lugares tip
In practice, the best answer to how to get to Rio is usually: fly if you’re coming from far away, take the bus if you’re coming from the Southeast and find a good fare, and drive only if your itinerary includes other destinations. For a first trip focused on the capital, staying near the metro usually saves more time than renting a car.
Useful links for planning your arrival in Rio
These are the affiliate links that best fit this guide. Use them to compare prices and book whichever option makes the most sense for your trip.
- Compare flights to Rio
- Compare bus tickets to Rio
- Search for car rentals
- Compare travel insurance
- View international eSIM options
- Book tours in Rio
- View experiences and tickets in Rio
FAQ — how to get to Rio
Which is the best airport for arriving in Rio?
For those staying in Zona Sul or Centro, Santos Dumont is usually more convenient because it is more central. Galeão may be worthwhile for international flights, better fares, more convenient schedules, or specific connections.
Is it worth getting to Rio by bus?
Yes, especially when coming from cities in the Southeast. From São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Região dos Lagos, and Costa Verde, the bus can be an affordable and practical option. Compare travel times, prices, and arrival at Rodoviária do Rio.
Is it better to arrive at Galeão or Santos Dumont?
It depends on the price, schedule, and location of your accommodation. Santos Dumont is more central. Galeão usually has more international flights and may offer good fares. Always calculate the ticket price plus transportation to the hotel.
Can you leave Santos Dumont by public transportation?
Yes. The VLT runs in front of Santos Dumont and connects the airport with areas of Centro, Central, Praça XV, the bus terminal area, and Terminal Gentileza. With large bags, a ride-hailing app or taxi may be more comfortable.
Is it worth renting a car to visit Rio?
If you’re staying only in the capital, it’s generally not necessary. However, renting a car may be worthwhile if you plan to take day trips, continue to Região Serrana, Região dos Lagos, or Costa Verde, or travel with family and a lot of luggage.
Conclusion: what’s the best way to get to Rio?
The best way to get to Rio depends on your starting point and itinerary. For those coming from far away, flying is almost always the most practical choice. For travelers coming from nearby cities, the bus can save a considerable amount. If you want to explore the state, a car may make sense for part of the trip.
The most important thing is not to look only at the ticket price. Also consider the airport, arrival time, location of your accommodation, cost of getting to the hotel, and total travel time. That way, you’ll arrive in Rio with fewer hassles and get your trip off to a better start.
Content updated in June 2026. Before traveling, confirm schedules, fares, baggage rules, public transportation services, and traffic conditions through the operators’ official channels.
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