Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport to Rio de Janeiro

BRT TransCarioca – Galeão (Tom Jobim) to Penha / connections toward Centro

BRT buses depart from the Galeão – Tom Jobim station at Terminal 2 and run 24 hours a day via the TransCarioca corridor, with frequent services such as Penha–Galeão and Madureira–Fundão stopping at key interchanges like Penha and Olaria, where you can connect to trains or onward buses toward Centro and Terminal Gentileza. Use a Jaé/RioCard-style smart card bought at the BRT station; services are frequent but can be crowded at peak times.

BRT + TransBrasil to Terminal Intermodal Gentileza

From Galeão’s BRT station, ride TransCarioca services toward Terminal Gentileza/Olaria/Penha and transfer to TransBrasil BRT or municipal buses into Terminal Intermodal Gentileza, the main hub at the edge of Centro opened in 2024. From Gentileza you can walk or take VLT Carioca Line 1 toward Praça XV, stopping at central points like Praça Tiradentes and Carioca, right in downtown Rio.

VLT Carioca Line 1 (from Terminal Gentileza to Centro)

After reaching Terminal Gentileza by BRT or bus from Galeão, take VLT Carioca Line 1 toward Praça XV; trams stop at several central stations such as Tiradentes and Carioca, convenient for Centro hotels and metro connections. VLT operates with frequent short trams throughout the day and accepts the same smart cards as BRT.

Official Airport Taxi / Regular City Taxi

Metered yellow city taxis and licensed radio taxis are available outside arrivals and offer a direct ride from GIG to Centro in about 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Fares are metered or pre-paid at official desks; this is the simplest door-to-door public transport–style option for travelers with luggage or arriving late at night.

Uber (and similar app-based rides)

App-based rides such as Uber pick up from signed zones near the terminals and provide direct service to Centro, typically taking 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. This is a widely used option and can be cheaper than radio taxis, but follow airport signage to the correct pickup point and verify the vehicle plate in the app.