This is the city’s main international airport. It handles most of the flights arriving from other countries, as well as many domestic flights. It’s the larger of the two and is located on an island in Guanabara Bay, further from the city center. Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG) is the primary gateway for international travelers to the Marvelous City! It’s officially named Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, a beautiful tribute to the legendary Brazilian musician and composer, known as Tom Jobim. The airport is located on Governador Island in Guanabara Bay, about 20 km north of downtown Rio.
Unlike Santos Dumont, which is the compact and scenic domestic hub, GIG is a large-scale international airport. It’s built to handle the big-time traffic from around the world, with two main terminals and a cargo complex. While it has a quieter history than Santos Dumont, it has hosted a massive influx of visitors for major events like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. Because of its size, GIG offers a wide range of services and facilities, including a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges. It’s the point of arrival for most visitors coming from Europe, the Americas, and beyond, making it a truly global hub and the first taste of Brazil for millions of tourists each year!
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