Information and Travel Guide for Rio de Janeiro - Galeao International Airport
Rio de Janeiro - Galeao International Airport (GIG)

The Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport, also referred to as the Galeao Airport, is the busiest airport located in Brazil. Located just 13 miles north of the Rio de Janeiro area, this airport takes on flights from all over the globe, including those arriving for famous cruise lines. Currently the airport services over 7 million passengers each year and with the new terminal is expected to see over 12 million. Like most airports in the area, the Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport is undergoing renovations to prepare for the 2014 World Cup.

History

The Galeao International Airport was named after the Galleon Beach, famous for the Padre Eterno ship of 1663. Originally constructed in 1923 as the School of Naval Aviation, the airport quickly evolved. By 1941 the airport was used by the Galeao Air Force and in 1942 an aerodrome was created specifically for allies in World War II. By 1952 a passenger terminal was constructed and opened and it was the primary terminal until it was replaced by a more modern, sophisticated model in 1977. In 1970 the airport was determined to be the main domestic and international hub for Brazil and since then it has grown into a two terminal facility. In 2011 the facility started to undergo further renovations and upgrades to start the second phase of construction for the airport and it is expected to be completed sometime in 2012.

Services and Amenities

  • Financial Services - Financial institutions, currency exchange and ATMs are located throughout the facility.
  • Luggage Services - A lost and found office is in Terminals 1 and 2, while wrapping services are located in all departure areas.
  • Business Services - The airport itself does not offer business services, but the next door hotel, Luxor, can accommodate business needs.
  • Internet Services - Free Wi-Fi is available in the American Airlines lounge at this time. Other areas require a paid service.
  • Retail Services - Shops include perfume, jewellery, fashion, stationary and sporting equipment vendors as well as souvenir shops. All duty-free shops are located in the international terminals and include jewellery, cosmetics, tobacco and alcohol sales.
  • Food Services - Food courts contain fast food, sit down and snack shops - all of which are located in the departure lounge areas.
  • Other Services - The airport also offers a pharmacy, lottery, police station, baby-changing area, beauty salon, shoe shine and locksmith service.

Parking

A multi-story parking lot is located across from the terminals for short and long-term parking.

Surrounding Area

Travellers can get into the Rio de Janeiro area by bus, train or taxi. Once in town, most travellers are encouraged to take the local subway that will drop them right next to or close enough to most tourist locations. Tourist can visit the famous Copacabana and Ipanema locations as well as the botanical gardens that host over 2,600 different plant species. Travellers should always exercise caution and use maps since most street signs are difficult to read. Parking is scarce; therefore, most travellers are not recommended to rent a car for their travel.

Contact Information:

IATA Airport Code: GIG
Location: 13 miles N of Rio de Janeiro
Telephone: (0) 21 3398 4526 and 2155
Time Zone: UTC/GMT -3:00