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Travel & Stay

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Getting to Rio 

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RIOgaleao International Airport (GIG)

Galeao Airport is Rio's international airport. It is located 25km from Zona Sul – the South Zone of the city where we recommend you stay. We advise you to pre-pay for a fixed rate taxi at one of the official kiosks inside the arrivals area, rather than hailing a metered taxi outside. Expect to pay around R$140 to R$200 (roughly £20–£30) for a ride to the South Zone.

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) handles mostly domestic flights and select international connections. It’s located 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Zona Sul. Rates from this airport to the South Zone are about R$100 - R$150 (£15–£20).​ We recommend taking a licensed taxi or Uber Black from SDU for a smooth ride, especially with luggage. While Uber X is cheaper, the car quality can vary.

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Before Booking Your Flight

If you're planning to visit more of Brazil, especially the Northeast, keep in mind that direct flights from Rio are limited. Many destinations are best accessed through São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), which serves as Brazil’s largest international hub. You can find out more in our "Explore Brazil" section.​

Moving Around Rio

It is safe to take yellow street taxis or use Uber throughout Rio. However, we recommend opting for Uber Comfort or Uber Black when possible, especially traveling at night. While UberX is widely available, the car quality can be inconsistent, and the ride may be less comfortable.

 

Ubers in Brazil are generally a cheap way to get around, not typically costing more than £3 - £10 to go anywhere central.

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Where to Stay

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Our Top Neighbourhoods

For the best Rio experience, we recommend staying in Zona Sul, especially in Leblon and Ipanema. These neighbourhoods are vibrant and full of charm, and home to some of Rio’s most iconic beach scenes, chic restaurants, trendy bars, and relaxed, walkable streets. Arpoador, Copacabana and Sao Conrado are good options too, but they require you to take Ubers more often. Here's a small breakdown:
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  • Leblon: a more upscale option with beautiful beaches, stylish cafés, and a local vibe. Great for couples and families.

  • Ipanema: lively and cosmopolitan, Ipanema has fantastic shopping, dining, and beach culture.

  • Arpoador: very walkable and picturesque, this is the small, scenic point between Ipanema and Copacabana.

  • Copacabana: a historic favorite with a bustling beach promenade and larger hotels. Slightly more touristy.

  • São Conrado: a bit more removed and residential, but great if you’re seeking quieter surroundings with ocean and mountain views.

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