Getting To Rio De Janeiro
Rio is located in southeast Brazil and is well connected to the rest of the country by its extensive road network system. Both cars and buses can take advantage of the excellent roads, which connect with many destinations throughout Brazil. Driving distances can be long and journeys arduous, as the nearest major city is a six-hour drive from Rio, so it is important to always take regular breaks while driving. Rio has busy international and domestic airports, which both have connections with other major cities in Brazil.
By car
If you are arriving from Salvador or São Paulo, highway BR-116 will lead you to Rio. The coastal highway is the BR-101, which runs from Natal through Salvador and Copacabana. This is a very scenic route, but not as fast as the BR-116 inland route. To arrive in Rio from Brasilia, you need to take the BR-040. The journey from São Paulo takes 6 hours; from Brasilia it takes 20 hours; and from Salvador it can take up to 28 hours.
By rail
Rail services to Rio are extremely limited and it is not recommended that you rely on trains for journeys to and from Rio. Trains that do run are often slower than buses, with most services for cargo only. There are two rail terminals in the city: Estação Dom Pedro II at Central do Brasil, Praça Cristiano Ottoni (tel: +55 21 2296 1244) and Estação Barão de Mauá at Leopoldina, Avenida Francisco Bicalho.
By bus
Rio's main bus station is called Novo Rio Rodoviaria and this is where all buses arriving in Rio deliver their passengers. From here, public transport taxis are available to take you to your hotel. Buses run to Rio from all major cities throughout the country. It is advisable to book a ticket in advance to ensure a seat. These can be booked at any travel agent.
By air
There are two major airports in Rio: Santos Dumont, which caters for domestic flights, and Galeao, which services international flights. From both airports, it is possible to take a bus or a taxi to your hotel. You will find many flights from all continents arriving in Rio.
By ferry
Ferries and catamarans depart from Estação das Barcas port for the commuter route across the Guanabara Bay to Niterói and Paquetá Island. Both of these are popular day trips from Rio. The route is operated by many companies.
Rio de Janeiro Galeao Airport
Rio de Janeiro’s international airport is officially known as Rio de Janeiro Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, but more commonly referred to as Galeao Airport. It lies just over 12 miles north of the city and serves worldwide destinations. There are two terminals at the airport. Bureaux de change and information desks can be found in both terminals. There is a wide variety of restaurants and shops to choose from, which are located across the airport. There are also shops and disabled access throughout.
Transportation from Galeao Airport
Taxis are available and can be found outside Terminal 1. Visitors are advised to buy prepaid taxi vouchers at the information desk. They are a bit more expensive, but are a safer bet as you can be sure you are not going to be ripped off.
An airport bus leaves regularly, dropping passengers off at their hotels. Public buses are also available from the airport, but are not recommended unless you are familiar with the area.
Two major roads connect the airport with the centre of Rio: the Linha Vermelha and Avenida Brasil. You will find that the airport is clearly signposted on both roads.
Santos Dumont Domestic Airport
If you are flying from or to another city in Brazil, you will use the domestic airport, Santos Dumont. This is situated just outside downtown Rio and offers shuttle flights to and from São Paulo. These depart every 30 minutes, although services are limited at weekends.
This airport has an information desk, exchange facilities, eateries and some shops. It is served by both buses and taxis.