Are there 24/7 buses?

Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.

Is it safe to take taxis overnight?

Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.

GIGBrazilTPL: night-owl-plan

Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Drop-off

Centro (Downtown Rio de Janeiro)

Pin before customs

Fastest

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

bus · 10-20m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: BRT TransCarioca – Galeão (Tom Jobim) to Penha / connections toward Centro
Headway: 10-20
Backup: BRT + TransBrasil to Terminal Intermodal Gentileza · 10-20m

Note

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.

Late arrivals

Rio de Janeiro: Night-Owl Operations

After-midnight contingencies for delayed flights and red-eyes. Targets queries likerio de janeiro airport busandgig to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Lines that keep running

Brief

This is the overnight lifeline when the metro or flagship express shuts down.

Service: Official Airport Taxi / Regular City Taxi
Mode: taxi
Freq: on-demandm
Note: 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.

Backup when rail sleeps

Brief

If even this pauses, default to the licensed taxi rank or approved ride-hailing pickup outside arrivals.

Service: BRT + TransBrasil to Terminal Intermodal Gentileza
Mode: bus
Freq: 10-20m
Note: 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.

Ticketing tips

Brief

Load balance onto the local transit card before midnight because some kiosks shut or stop accepting bills after hours.

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FAQs

01Are there 24/7 buses?: Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.
02Is it safe to take taxis overnight?: Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.