Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont airport (SDU)

Official Website: infraero.gov.br/santos-dumont

Information Phone: +55 21 3814 7070.

Social Media (Infraero):

Terminal

The airport complex consists of a main passenger terminal, noted for its historic modernist architecture (the original building was a pioneer of its style in Brazil) integrated with modern boarding areas (the glass "fingers").

Operating Hours: The terminal opens to the public from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Important note: The airport has strict operational restrictions due to noise; there are no takeoffs or landings between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am.

Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 6.1 million passengers in 2024.
Context: This figure reflects the "operational cap" policy implemented by the federal government in January 2024, which limited traffic to 6.5 million annually to decongest the terminal and reactivate Galeão International Airport.

Information Points

There are Infraero (the state operator) information counters located in the arrivals hall and the departure lounge. Staff usually wear green or blue uniforms with the company logo.

 Location

The airport is located 4 km (2.8 miles) east of downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Accommodation near Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont airport (SDU)

Thanks to its central location, Santos Dumont Airport boasts an excellent hotel selection. There is a hotel integrated directly into the airport complex and multiple international chain options just a few meters away, in the financial district.

Hotel at the Airport

Prodigy Santos Dumont
This is the most convenient option, directly connected to the passenger terminal via the Bossa Nova Mall. It stands out for its rooftop infinity pool with views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the runway.
Official Website

Nearby Hotels

Novotel RJ Santos Dumont
Located 0.6 km (0.4 miles) away. A modern business-focused hotel, situated within walking distance (or a short VLT ride).
Official Website

Ibis Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont
Located 0.6 km (0.4 miles) away. Situated next to the Novotel, it offers a more economical alternative with the Accor chain standard.
Official Website

B&B Hotel Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont
Located 0.5 km (0.3 miles) away. A practical and modern option, very close to the US Consulate and the airport.
Official Website

Itajubá Hotel
Located 1 km (0.6 miles) away. Situated in the Cinelândia area, near the Municipal Theater. A historic and economical option.
Official Website

Search for more options

To check prices, availability, and book accommodation in Rio de Janeiro, you can use the following search tool:

Search hotels near Santos Dumont Airport

Car rental agencies

Car Rental

Car rental agency counters are located in the terminal arrivals hall, facilitating car pick-up immediately after disembarking.

Localiza
The largest rental network in Latin America.
Hours: 6:00 am to 12:00 am (Midnight).
Official Website

Movida
Offers a modern fleet and technological services.
Hours: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Official Website

Reservations

To compare prices across all companies (on and off-airport) and ensure availability, you can use the following search tool:

Parking services at Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont airport (SDU)

Parking

The official parking lot at Santos Dumont Airport is located in front of the terminal building, offering immediate access to the check-in and arrivals areas. The service is operated by the company Estapar.

Operation:
The parking lot operates 24 hours a day. It mainly features open-air spaces and surveillance.

Reservations and App:
It is recommended to use the Zul+ app or the Estapar website to book your stay in advance. This allows access to promotional rates and guarantees a spot, especially on high-demand days.

Bossa Nova Mall Option:
Adjacent to the airport is the Bossa Nova Mall, which also has parking (with covered sectors) and Valet Parking service, directly connected to the passenger terminal via an internal access.

Rates and reservations (Estapar)

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), managed by Infraero, has infrastructure adapted to ensure universal accessibility, complying with ANAC Resolution 280. The facilities are designed to facilitate the transit of people with reduced mobility, sensory disabilities, and neurodivergence.

Reduced Mobility

The terminal features ramps, elevators, adapted restrooms, and tactile flooring (podotactile paving) that guides from the curb to the service counters.

Boarding and Disembarking:
Although the terminal has glass boarding bridges (jet bridges), many operations at Santos Dumont are carried out at remote stands. For these cases, the airport has Ambulifts (lift vehicles) that allow boarding and disembarking the aircraft safely and with dignity, without using stairs.

Requesting Assistance: It is mandatory to inform the airline about special needs at the time of ticket purchase or at least 48 hours in advance of the flight.

Neurodiversity (Autism/ASD)

Sunflower Lanyard: Infraero staff is trained to recognize the "Sunflower Lanyard". This badge alerts to non-visible disabilities, ensuring patient and priority treatment.

Sensory Room: Santos Dumont has a Sensory Accommodation Room located in the departure lounge. It is a space with dim lighting, soft furniture, and soundproofing, designed so that neurodivergent passengers can wait for their flight away from the noise and intense stimuli of the terminal.

Priority Groups

According to Brazilian legislation, the following have legal priority in all lines (check-in, X-ray, boarding):

• People over 60 years old.
• Pregnant women and nursing mothers.
• People accompanied by children under 2 years old.
• People with reduced mobility or obesity.

Families and Minors

Hygiene: Baby changing stations and nursing rooms are available in the main restrooms.

Unaccompanied Minors: This service is exclusive to airlines and carries an additional cost. The guardian must remain at the airport until the aircraft has taken off.