Spending time at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG) can feel long, especially during overnight layovers or irregular travel hours. While this isn’t an airport packed with attractions, there are enough places to eat, shop, and rest to help pass the time if you know what to expect.
This guide focuses on realistic ways to stay occupied and comfortable during a layover at Galeão — whether you’re looking for a meal, a lounge, a place to rest, or just something to do while you wait. Expectations matter here, so think practical rather than exciting.
1. Grab a bite to eat
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) has a wide range of food and drink options in both domestic and international departures areas. You’ll find international fast-food (McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut), cafés (Starbucks, Deltaexpresso, Galeão Coffee Shop), and Brazilian favourites like Casa do Pão de Queijo (cheese bread), Divino Fogão (home-style meals), Giraffas, and Salch&Pão (local hot dogs). There are also snack and dessert places like Kopenhagen chocolates and ice cream stands.
Some cafés and kiosks (e.g., Galeão Coffee Shop, Deltaexpresso, Kafe) are open 24 hours, but not all locations run overnight—menus and hours vary by terminal and flight schedules, so check signage before committing.
2. Hang out in a lounge
Airport lounges are an excellent way to pass the time, especially if you want to relax or work in a quiet environment. Any traveller, no matter airline or flight class, can pay to enter several airport lounges here. You get food and drinks, WiFi, and TV and news in a comfortable lounge for a single fee. Most lounges here also have shower facilities for freshening up. Pre-book online or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. [ read more ]
3. Shop
Nearly 50 shops and duty-free stores are spread throughout the terminals, offering a mix of travel essentials and last-minute souvenirs. In addition to standard duty-free items, travellers will find Brazil-specific products such as Havaianas flip-flops, Brazilian chocolates (including brands like Kopenhagen and Cacau Show), locally produced coffee, cachaça (the sugarcane spirit used in caipirinhas), and Brazil football-themed merchandise.
Most souvenirs are convenience purchases rather than unique finds, and prices tend to reflect airport markups. Selection varies by terminal and time of day, but the shops are useful if you want something recognizably Brazilian before you leave.
4. Massage
GIG offers well-being services such as massage chairs or wellness spots near departure gates
5. Go sightseeing
Stay in the airport for hours or head into Rio for sun, surf, and fresh air? Easy decision! If your layover is 9+ hours, you can head into this vibrant city for some dining and shopping or relax on some of the best beaches in the world.
Public transit options from the airport rely on the BRT, the bus rapid transit, and they’ll have you in the heart of Rio in 60-75 minutes. Taxis are pricier but cut that transit time in half.
Walk or ride the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for iconic city and ocean views. For another type of icon, head to the Christ the Redeemer statue considered one of the World’s New Seven Wonders. Stroll the Botanical Gardens for a bit of nature. Football fans will love a visit to Maracana Stadium. Famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema are further south of downtown, but well worth it if you’ve got the time.
Keep one eye on the time while you explore – make sure to get back to the airport and clear Security before your next flight, or your layover will be even longer! These city visits aren’t quick airport activities—only worth it on long layovers where you can comfortably re-clear immigration, transit, and return with buffer time. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
6. WiFi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Connect and you can stream, work, or chat while waiting.
7. Sleep
Catching up on a sleep on a layover is totally acceptable, though you may not be too comfortable. Most seats have armrests, and carpeting on the floor is rare. Chilly temps make it challenging to rest, especially at night. Some travellers report luck at comfortable couch-like benches in Terminal 1’s food court. [ read more ]
The Aerotel is a transit hotel inside the secure area of the International Terminal, with rooms available in 3- and 6-hour blocks, plus a shower-only package. Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods are available in Terminal 2. The Rio Aeroporto Hotel is inside the airport, but pre-security in the main Terminal has day rooms available. See our Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport Guide for details. [ read more ]
Updated 12 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport layover. Visit our Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.