Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport Guide (SDU)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I settled in there, was asleep again, and within 20 minutes they were asking us to move into a narrow hall because they had to clean the big hall. – giggglius

SDU Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport.

What to Expect

Located along the waterfront, Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (code: SDU) handles domestic flights from its two terminals, Departures and Arrivals. A few shops and eateries are available both landside and airside, and free WiFi helps pass the time. Economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge.

Sleeping in Santos Dumont Airport

The airport closes nightly at 11:00 PM, but if you arrive before the doors are locked, you should be able to stay the night. Still, don’t expect comfort – seating is limited, and security or cleaning crews may move you to a designated spot, often with just floor space. Bring a travel mat or sleeping bag and dress in layers for varied temperatures. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby are hotels, including two within walking distance. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read the traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Santos Dumont Airport Guide.

Airport Hours

The airport closes at 11:00 PM and reopens around 4:30 AM. Travellers are not permitted to remain inside overnight, so plan to arrive before closing if you need to stay late.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Santos Dumont Airport:

ibis Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (0.2 mi / 0.3 km) Mid-range hotel.
Prodigy Santos Dumont (0.3 mi / 0.5 km) Upscale hotel.
Novotel RJ Santos Dumont (0.3 mi / 0.5 km) Mid-range hotel.
B&B HOTEL Santos Dumont (0.3 mi / 0.5 km) Budget hotel.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter through a lounge membership program.

Advantage VIP Lounge – Location: Landside, 1st Floor, Boarding Area. Hours: temporarily closed. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Ambaar Club Rio de Janeiro – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures Area, near Gate 6. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (BRL 160) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounge listed below. Walk-in or pay-at-the-door access is not available. For more information, check the airline’s website.

GOL Premium Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures, 1st Floor, near Gate B. Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (only for GOL passengers, starting at BRL 100 depending on fare class) • GOL Smiles Diamond/Gold and Premium economy passengers.

Food & Drinks

Food and beverage options are available both landside and airside. None operate 24 hours.

Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Malex luggage storage/lockers are available landside outside the terminal. Rates: unknown.

Mobile Charging

Mobile charging is available at some seating areas. (January 2023)

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “Infraero Wi-Fi Gratis” network.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available, operated by Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, HSBC, Itaú, and Santander. Fees may apply. Locations: Landside, Arrivals Hall, Ground Floor and 1st Floor.
Baby Care Facilities -Baby changing room available. Location: Landside, Arrivals Hall. Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Currency Exchange – Invest Câmbio offers currency exchange. Location: unknown. Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, along with a small selection of retail shops.
Information Desk – Airport information desk available. Location: Landside, Arrivals Hall. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Luggage Wrapping – Protec Bag provides luggage wrapping services. Rates: unknown. Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM.
Medical Services – Medical clinic available in the departures terminal. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM.
Pharmacy – Location: Departures Terminal, 1st Floor. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Postal Services – Post office available. Location: Departures Terminal, 1st Floor. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Shoeshine – Location: Departures Terminal, Ground Floor. Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon-Fri).

Airlines

Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport is served by the following airlines: Avianca • Azul • GOL • LATAM • Passaredo.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Airport Buses

Real Premium Bus lines 2018, 2145, and 2101 serve Santos Dumont Airport, with departures available every 30 minutes between 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM. These buses are air-conditioned and offer ample room for storing your luggage. To catch a bus from the city to the airport, wait for one in front of any major hotel. Tickets are sold onboard, but exact change is necessary.

Car Rentals

These car rental agencies offer service on the ground floor of the Arrivals Hall: Avis • Hertz • Localiza • Locaralpha • Movida • Unidas.

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area.

Train

The city introduced a light rail train system (VLT) during the 2016 Olympics. The train connects the airport to the main bus station with 12+ stops along the way. At the time of this update, the train operates from 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM, and a ticket costs R $ 3,80.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-03-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.

Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport Guide