There are many airports through Brazil with direct flights from/to major international destinations. The major hubs for entering Brazil are the Rio de Janeiro Antonio Carlos Jobim International, better known as Galeão (GIG), São Paulo International (GRU) and Campinas - Viracopos International (VCP). São Paulo and Campinas have many daily flights to/from Rio de Janeiro City.
The Rio de Janeiro Antonio Carlos Jobim - Galeão International Aiport (GIG), is located at 38Km (on expressway) from the Windsor Oceânico Convention Center. The transfer time (35min - 70min) depends on route and time of the day.
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) operates only domestic flights from/to locations distant 500 km from Rio de Janeiro. It is located in Downtown Rio. The Transfer time to the convention center (35 min – 70 min) is strongly affected by the traffic conditions. Depending on the weekday and time you may get a route that follows the shoreline.
If you are entering Brazil through the São Paulo International Airport (GRU) it might be interesting to get a connection flight to the Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) instead of Galeão Airport (GIG). The landings and departures from SDU are simply beautiful.
Hint: If your are entering through Guarulhos Airporto (GRU) and decides for a connection to the Santos Dumont airport (SDU) be sure that your flight does not depart from the Congonhas Airpoirt (CGH) in downtown São Paulo. If that happens you will have to commute between GRU and CGH by bus (takes a long time due to traffic jam). It is like to arrive in New York JFK and pick your commuting flight from La Guardia Airport.
Current Options and Prices for the transfers (Updated on March 8, 2024)
Official Taxi (yellow) and Uber are common and reliable transportations in Rio de Janeiro. There are also special taxi companies available at the airport. Public transportation is also available (see below) but the efficiency depends on the area of the city you are moving through. There is no metro or train lines connecting the Galeão Airport to the rest of the city. Subway and train lines can be easily reached from the Santos Dumont Airport with a short ride in a light rail (VLT).
Recently a new multi-modal transportation terminal was inaugurated in downtown Rio de Janeiro. It is the Kindness Terminal ("Terminal Gentileza"). There is an express bus line connecting the Rio de Janeiro International to this terminal, running each 20 min in both ways. The terminal is integrated to the light rail (VLT) which, in turn, allows connections to the Santos Dumont airport and subway stations on its way, passing through the Tomorrow´s Museum, Rio Aquarium, Rio Museum of Art, etc. Nice for sightseeing but slow for transfer.
Option 1: Regular Official Taxi
Official Airport Taxi (Recommended) (yellow taxi)( up to 3 people, depending on the luggage size):
Note: An Intermag 2024 booth and meeting point will be set at the international and domestic flight arrival rooms the Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG), befor the exit to the hall. Look for the INTERMAG 2024 banner.
Several official taxicab booths are also located in the same area. Always prefer the pre-paid fares. You may choose between the Yellow Cab or one of the Special Taxi companies. Credit cards are accepted.
If you are familiar with Brazil and Rio, you may exit the arrival room and pick a taxi at the taxi waiting line (just outside) and pay the ride marked on the taximeter (counter). Just be sure to pick an official Yellow Airport Taxi.
Important: No tips are needed for Uber and Taxi in Rio de Janeiro. If you wish to give a tip it is never more than 10%. On the other hand, taxis are allowed to charge a fixed value per each luggage volume. The value is added to the taximeter (counter) value.
Option 2: Booked Transfers (Recommended) Organized with the partner Travel Agency Follow Up Tours and Events
Prices are valid for the conference and correspond to one way transfer Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport.
Fixed Rates for the INTERMAG 2024 Conference:
To book your transfer and contact the travel agent, follow the link below:
Option 3: Uber (only Comfort or Black are recommended)
Option 4 (For Adventurers only): Public Transportation Transfer Galeão Airport to/from Convention Center (estimated total cost: USD 8.74 - 28.24 )
Estimated total cost: USD 9.12 - 41.12
Estimated total transfer time: 54min - 1h34min+
Best option is via Santos Dumont Airport but it has to be done in two steps.
Step A - Regular/Public Transportation (GIG-SDU)
Step B - Public Transportation (SDU - Convention Center)
Best option: VLT + Subway (Metro Rio) + (walk, taxi or uber)
2. VLT (SDU to Cinelândia Metro Station): 5 min - BRL 4.30 (~ USD 0.86)
3. Metro Rio 30 min - BRL 6.30 (~ USD 1.26) (Cinelândia Station - Jardim Oceânico Station - ocean side exit)
4. Jardim Oceânico Station - Convention Center: By Walk: 20 min (not recommended); Taxi: 4min BRL 14 (~ USD 3.00); Uber: 4min BRL 18 (~USD 3.60 ).
Note: The conference organizers recommend to use public transportation only if you have time and is not carrying your luggage.
