Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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guards came round shaking people and saying ‘no sleeping’! We were allowed to sit all night, as long as we didn’t fall asleep…. – Alex
GIG Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Rio de Janeiro Galeão – Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.
What to Expect
The larger of two airports in the city, Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (code: GIG) has two connected terminals. The original facilities are old, but ongoing renovations are modernizing the terminals. Amenities include a variety of shops and eateries, many of which may be open 24 hours during high season and otherwise close between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM. Unfortunately, WiFi is free for only one hour. Economy class passengers can pay to enter several airport lounges, most of which have showers for freshening up.
Sleeping in Rio de Janeiro Airport
Travellers report tolerant airport staff, though limited seating and cold temperatures make it a less-than-comfortable place to rest. Come prepared with a sleeping bag for the carpet-free floor, plus extra layers and even an eye mask. Head to rest areas in newer piers for reclining chairs. For uninterrupted sleep, you don’t have to go far. The airside Aerotel caters to international transit passengers, renting rooms hourly and offering a shower-only package. The landside Rio Aeroporto Hotel offers day rooms and overnight stays. Another hotel is adjacent to the main entrance, and additional hotels are nearby. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations, or read traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Galeão Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
The new pier has sections of reclining chairs to rest while you await your flights. Based on photos we’ve seen, the chairs seem to be lined up along windows, so you should bring eyeshades and a blanket if you want to try to sleep.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Galeão airport sounds like a nightmare, there are sleep pods inside the airport and nearby hotels on airport grounds.
Galeão Transit Hotel
Located in the secure area of the International terminal, this hotel is suitable for travellers connecting internationally.
- Aerotel – Location: International Terminal, Airside, South Pier, Level 3. Rooms come equipped with showers, WiFi, television and wake-up call service. A 1-hour shower-only package is available for 150BRL. Single room rates start at 180BRL (3 hours) and 380BRL (6 hours), including a 1-hour lounge use package. » Check Rates
Hotels inside the airport
Transit passengers would need to go through immigration to access these hotel options, as they are located in the public area of the airport.
- Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods – Nine soundproof sleep pods come equipped with a bed, Wi-Fi, a flight status screen and electrical outlets. Location: Terminal 2, Landside, Ground Floor, near “D” Door. Rates: 9 € per hour.
- Rio Aeroporto Hotel – Located on the 3rd Floor of Terminal 1, Landside. Day rooms are available 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (from 3 hour stays). » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Linx Hotel International Airport Galeao – Located adjacent to the airport terminal. Day-use rooms are available for 3, 6 or 12 hours. Free airport shuttle departs every 20 minutes. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Rio de Janeiro, search for deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, South Pier, 3rd Floor. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Admirals Club Membership.
- GOL Premium Lounge (Domestic) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Domestic Departures, 2nd Floor, opposite Gates B36 and B37. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- GOL Premium Lounge (International) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, South Pier, Airside, 3rd Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic) – Location: Terminal 2, Domestic Departures, Airside, 1st Floor, Mezzanine Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (International) – Location: Terminal 2, International Departures, Airside, 3rd Floor, South Pier. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals) – Temporarily Closed – Location: Terminal 2, Arrivals Area, Landside, Car Park Building, Level 1. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
Related Pages: Galeão Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Drinking water fountains are available to refill your water bottles free of charge.
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, a reader tells us that a few restaurants are open 24 hours a day (landside), but we haven’t confirmed this. Plan ahead, just in case.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Malex left luggage storage is available in Terminal 2, on the Ground floor. Hours: 24 hours. Rates: unknown.
Mobile Charging
A reader informed us that there are mobile charging towers “everywhere.”
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Shower facilities are inside a few pay-to-use lounges and the Aerotel Transit Hotel. See the Airport Hotels and Airport Lounges sections above for locations.
WiFi/Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Galeao Airport. Connect to the ”RIO GALEAO Wi-Fi” network.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Terminal 1, 3rd floor, in the Food Court • Terminal 2, Landside and Airside, on the 2nd floor.
Baby Care Facilities – Available in both terminals.
Banking Services – Santander Bank, Caixa Econômica Federal and Itaú Bank are available onsite Location: Terminal 2, 2nd floor.
Beauty Salon – Spanorâmico, Terminal 1, First Floor. Hours: unknown.
Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas. Locations: Terminal 1, Landside, 1st Floor • Terminal 2, Airside, Domestic, 2nd Floor • Terminal 2, Airside, International, 2nd Floor.
Currency Exchange – There are currency exchange counters available in both Terminals. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Dufry offers several Duty-Free stores, and you will also find a variety of shops to pass the time, including three Hudson News locations for any last-minute drink and snack needs. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM – note many of the shops are open 24 hours a day during high season.
Family Services – Comfortable armchairs, diaper-changing tables, bathtubs and other facilities for infant and child care are available at one of four airport nurseries. Locations: T1, Domestic Departures, 2nd floor • T2, Arrivals, 1st floor • T2, Domestic Departures, 3rd floor • T2, International Departures, 3rd floor. Hours: Open 24 hours. For children aged two years old and younger, parents can obtain a stroller for use in the airport free of charge. You must complete a form and present a valid photo ID at one of the Information Desks.
Information Desk – Locations: T1 (1st and 2nd floors) and T2 (1st and 3rd floors), Departures and Arrivals Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Luggage Wrapping – Protec Bag provides wrapping services at 2 locations in Terminal 2, Landside, 2nd Floor. Safe Bag also offers services in Terminal 2.
Medical Services – If you require medical attention, there is a Medical Center. Location: unknown.
Pharmacy – Air Farma Drugstore has three locations: Terminal 2, 2nd Floor, Airside, International. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM • Terminal 2, 1st Floor, Landside. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM • Terminal 2, 1st Floor, Airside, Domestic. Hours: 2:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Post Office – Location: T1, Arrivals lounge, 1st floor. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Prayer Room – Location: Terminal 1, 3rd Floor. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM every day. Catholic and Evangelistic Services are offered throughout the week.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Spa – Buddha Spa offers a variety of services. Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Domestic Departures. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
BRT
The Rapid Transport by bus (BRT) is a fast travel alternative for users. It makes quick travel an option by utilizing exclusive travel lanes through traffic. At the time of this update, fares start at R$ 4.05. For hours, schedules, routes and fares, visit the Rio Galeão website.
Bus
The Real Auto Bus offers five lines that travel directly to and from the Airport. For a complete rundown on schedules, costs and companies operating the routes, visit the Rio Galeão website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental companies are available at Galeão Airport: Avis • Localiza Hertz • Movida • Unidas.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update, we found only one hotel that provides an airport shuttle: Linx Galeao.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Metro
The Oak Vicente subway is tied in with the BRT (The Rapid Bus Transport) and provides direct access to RIOgaleão. When you leave the airport, you must take an express bus to connect to the subway station.
For hours of operation, schedules, fares and locations, visit the Rio Galeão website.
Taxi
Expressways provide easy and quick access for Taxi services to Rio Galeão Airport. They can be picked up at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.