GIGUpdated October 12, 2026

Hotels and overnight stay at Rio de Janeiro Galeão airport

Rio de Janeiro · Brazil

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GIG · Long layover

Overnight stay at the airport

Can you spend the night at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG)? Opening hours, rest areas and services for long layovers. See also the airport guide for general information.

Galeão Airport is open 24 hours a day, allowing passengers to stay inside overnight. Because Terminal 1 does not process regular commercial flights, all 24-hour amenities, food options, and waiting areas are concentrated in Terminal 2.

Overnight Access and Operating Hours

The terminal does not close at night. Passengers can remain in the landside public areas before check-in or proceed through security once early-morning boarding passes and checkpoints are operational.

Rest Areas and Comfort

  • Departures Area (Airside): The quietest and most secure environment. The South Pier (Píer Sul) concourse features carpeted areas and reclined lounge-style chairs where passengers can comfortably stretch out during early morning hours.
  • Public Area (Landside): Metal seating throughout the arrivals and departures halls has fixed armrests between seats, making lying down across chairs difficult. Passengers resting on the floor are advised to bring a sleeping mat or travel blanket, as the stone flooring is cold.

Security and Temperature: Central air conditioning runs at cold temperatures throughout the night; warm layers or a blanket are strongly advised. Private security personnel and Federal Police patrols monitor the building 24 hours a day.

Left-Luggage Services

Malex operates 24-hour left-luggage and locker services on Level 0 of Terminal 2, allowing passengers to store bags securely while resting or exploring the airport.

24-Hour Services

  • Dining: Outlets such as Starbucks Coffee, Upper Crust, and Ritazza provide round-the-clock coffee and food services in Terminal 2.
  • Showers: Available inside 24-hour international lounges (Plaza Premium, Star Alliance Lounge, and Flybondi Lounge) or via hourly day-use rooms at Rio Aeroporto Hotel (T1) and Linx Galeão.
  • Connectivity: Complimentary RIO GALEAO WiFi access and mobile charging points operate without interruption.

Services and opening hours can change. If you plan to sleep in the public area, have a plan B: some airports only let passengers with a flight stay overnight.

Hotels at and near GIG

Travelers requiring an overnight stay or resting quarters during a layover can choose from on-site airport properties or nearby accommodations on Governador Island offering convenient connections.

Accommodations Inside the Airport

  • Rio Aeroporto Hotel: Located on the third floor of Terminal 1. Features traditional overnight guest rooms and day-use hourly packages for quick rests without leaving the airport, connected via walkway or transfer to Terminal 2.
  • Aerotel Rio de Janeiro (Plaza Premium Group): Transit hotel located inside the international airside concourse (South Pier, Terminal 2, Level 3), allowing international connecting passengers to rest without clearing Brazilian customs.
  • Linx Galeão by Wish: Located just 500 meters from Terminal 2 on the airport grounds. Offers full hotel amenities including a gym, outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and a complimentary 24-hour shuttle van departing every 20 minutes to and from Terminal 2.

More information about hotels at Galeão Airport

Nearby Accommodations

Residential neighborhoods across Governador Island, located within a 5- to 12-minute drive, provide additional lodging options:

  • Ház Portuguesa: Charming guesthouse with breakfast included, 10 minutes from the terminal.
  • Ház Jardim Guanabara: Modern suites in a secure residential neighborhood.
  • Hospedaria Vina Rio: Family-run inn offering reliable value close to the airport.
  • Hangar Rio Hostel: Budget accommodation with a pool and bar catering to backpackers and layover travelers.
  • Hotel Palmeiras: Functional lodging option situated on the island's primary connecting avenue.

You can search and book hotels in Rio de Janeiro near the airport here with live availability.

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Tips for a long layover

  1. Check whether you can leave the airport: it depends on your nationality, the visa rules of Brazil and whether your bags are checked through.
  2. If you sleep airside, you will usually need a boarding pass for a flight that day. Ask your airline before you go through security.
  3. A lounge with day access can be cheaper than a hotel for a few hours: see VIP lounges at GIG.
  4. Keep your valuables with you, set an alarm and carry a light layer: terminals are often cold at night.
  5. Going to a hotel in town? See transportation from GIG (20 km to Rio de Janeiro), and check which services run at night.
German Giudici

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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.