Rio de Janeiro Galeão airport (GIG)

Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG), popularly known as Galeão Airport, is the main international airport in the state of Rio de Janeiro and one of the most important connecting hubs in South America. Opened on January 20, 1977, it serves as a strategic hub linking the region with the rest of Brazil while offering year-round nonstop service to major international hubs such as Madrid, Lisbon, Paris, London, Rome, Miami, New York, Houston, Dubai, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, Bogotá, and Panama City.

Official Website: riogaleao.com

Phone: +55 21 3004 6050 | +55 21 967 615 041

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Terminals

The airport has two passenger terminals that are open 24 hours a day and are physically connected by walkways equipped with moving sidewalks to facilitate passenger transfers:

• Terminal 1: Primarily used for administrative functions, general aviation services, and charter flights.
• Terminal 2: The main terminal, where all domestic and international commercial flights are handled, housing all check-in, security screening, and boarding facilities.

Annual passenger traffic (2025): 17.9 million passengers.

Information desks

Customer service counters and Welcome Centers operate around the clock in Terminal 2 and are strategically located in the public departures and arrivals areas. In addition, airport staff wearing "Posso Ajudar?" ("Can I Help?") uniforms patrol the boarding areas and main corridors to assist travelers with any questions.

 Location

The airport is located on Governador Island, 20 km (13 miles) north of downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Parking services at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG)

The airport features a comprehensive parking system managed by the airport concessionaire, offering options for everything from short-term passenger pick-ups to long-term stays for travelers. All parking areas are monitored 24 hours a day through automated security systems and are integrated with Terminal 2, the airport's main operating terminal.

Parking Garage (Terminal 2)

This is the most convenient and most frequently used parking option, located directly in front of the Terminal 2 check-in and arrivals areas.

• Infrastructure: A fully covered six-level parking garage that protects vehicles from the weather.
• Connectivity: Direct pedestrian walkways connect the garage to the terminal, allowing passengers to reach the airline check-in counters in less than two minutes on foot.
• Best for: Short- and medium-term parking where convenience and quick terminal access are priorities.

Premium Level

Located on the second floor of the Parking Garage, this area is designed for passengers seeking a higher level of convenience.

• Advantages: Offers wider parking spaces and privileged access to the airport lounges and the international departures area.
• Strategic location: It is the closest parking area to the security checkpoints and Terminal 2 check-in counters.

Economy Parking (Long-Term)

Travelers leaving their vehicles for several days or weeks can take advantage of lower-cost parking options:

• Economy 2: Located outdoors between the two terminals. Terminal 2 can be reached on foot in approximately 5 to 8 minutes. This area is also designated for motorcycle parking.
• Economy 1: Located next to Terminal 1. Although it is the farthest from the airport's current commercial operations (approximately a 12- to 15-minute walk to Terminal 2), it typically offers the lowest daily rates, especially when booked in advance.

Payment and Benefits

The parking payment system has been modernized to provide faster entry and exit:

• Grace period: A complimentary grace period (generally the first 15 minutes) is available for quick passenger pick-up and drop-off within the parking facilities.
• Payment methods: Self-service payment kiosks throughout the terminals accept cash (Brazilian reais) and credit/debit cards. Automatic toll tag systems such as Sem Parar, Veloe, ConectCar, and Taggy are also accepted.
• Online reservations: Through the Zul+ app or the airport's official website, travelers can receive discounts of up to 50% on long-term parking compared with the standard on-site rates.

More information and rates

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Galeão International Airport features a fully accessible infrastructure designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities, older adults, pregnant women, and travelers with reduced mobility, in accordance with accessibility guidelines and ANAC (Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency) Resolution No. 280.

"Sunflower Lanyard" Program

Galeão is recognized as a pioneer airport in supporting passengers with non-visible disabilities, such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, or dementia. Through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, passengers may request a sunflower-patterned lanyard at the airport's information desks or Welcome Centers. This discreet identifier lets airport staff know that the traveler may require additional assistance, extra time during security screening, or a more patient approach throughout their journey.

The airport also offers two free, 24-hour sensory spaces located in the restricted domestic departures area:

• Multisensory Room: Designed to simulate the flight experience through visual, tactile, and sound stimuli, helping passengers prepare for air travel.
• Sensory Accommodation Room: Intended for passengers experiencing sensory overload or needing a quiet retreat from the terminal environment, featuring soft lighting and individual lounge chairs.

Access is subject to room capacity, and terminal staff are available to provide information and assistance.

Requesting Assistance

To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers should observe the following notification deadlines:

• Advance notice: Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to request a wheelchair, escort service, or boarding assistance.
• Medical assistance: If you require oxygen equipment or an ambulift (wheelchair lift vehicle), notification is generally required at least 72 hours in advance and may include submission of a Medical Information Form (MEDIF).

Accessibility Features and Services

The airport provides the following accessibility facilities and services:

• Mobility: Access ramps, elevators with Braille signage, adapted telephones, and accessible restrooms on every level of Terminal 2.
• Wheelchairs: Available for use within the airport upon request at airline check-in counters or information desks.
• Hearing protection: Noise-reducing earmuffs are available for passengers with auditory hypersensitivity or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can be obtained from the Terminal 2 information desk.
• Parking: The Terminal 2 Parking Garage includes designated accessible parking spaces located near the main entrances. In Brazil, vehicles using these spaces must display the official disability or senior parking permit on the windshield.
• Guide dogs: Certified guide dogs with up-to-date health documentation are permitted throughout both the public areas and the boarding gates.