Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport Guide (GIG)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Rio de Janeiro Galeão 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.

guards came round shaking people and saying ‘no sleeping’! We were allowed to sit all night, as long as we didn’t fall asleep…. – Alex

GIG 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 Galeão – Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.

What to Expect

The larger of two airports in the city, Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (code: GIG) has two connected terminals: Terminal 1 (partially operational for specific flights) and Terminal 2 (main hub for domestic and international flights). The terminals are connected by a covered walkway with a travelator. The original facilities are old, but ongoing renovations are modernizing the terminals. Amenities include a variety of shops and eateries, many of which may be open 24 hours during high season and otherwise close between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM. Unfortunately, WiFi is free for only one hour. Economy class passengers can pay to enter several airport lounges, most of which have showers for freshening up.

Sleeping in Rio de Janeiro Airport

Travellers report tolerant airport staff, though limited seating and cold temperatures make it a less-than-comfortable place to rest. Come prepared with a sleeping bag for the carpet-free floor, plus extra layers and even an eye mask. Head to rest areas in newer piers for reclining chairs. For uninterrupted sleep, you don’t have to go far. The airside Aerotel caters to international transit passengers, renting rooms hourly and offering a shower-only package. The landside Rio Aeroporto Hotel offers day rooms and overnight stays. Another hotel is adjacent to the main entrance, and additional hotels are nearby. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read some recent traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Galeão Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours, landside and airside, across both terminals. Security checkpoints generally operate according to flight schedules rather than shutting overnight.

What this means for airport sleepers:
You can remain in the terminal overnight if you have a valid reason to be there, such as an early flight or a late arrival. Non-ticketed visitors may be asked to leave during late-night hours (roughly midnight–4:00 AM), though enforcement can vary depending on staffing and conditions.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

Some areas of the newer pier reportedly have reclining-style chairs where travellers can rest while waiting for flights. Based on traveller photos rather than official descriptions, these chairs appear to be positioned along windows and in open areas. Lighting, noise, and foot traffic may be an issue, so eyeshades and a light blanket are recommended if you plan to rest here.

Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

Cots

Cots are not offered to stranded travellers at Galeão Airport. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Galeão airport sounds like a nightmare, there are sleep pods inside the airport and nearby hotels on airport grounds.

Galeão Transit Hotel

Located in the secure area of the International terminal, this hotel is suitable for travellers connecting internationally.

Aerotel – Temporarily Closed. Transit hotel. Located airside in the International Terminal and suitable for international connecting passengers.

Hotels inside the airport

Transit passengers would need to go through immigration to access these hotel options, as they are located in the public area of the airport.

Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods – Sleep pods. Located landside in Terminal 2 on the Ground Floor near Door D. Nine soundproof sleep pods come equipped with a bed, Wi-Fi, a flight status screen and electrical outlets. Rates: 9 € per hour.
Rio Aeroporto Hotel – Mid-range hotel. Located landside on Level 3 of Terminal 1. Day rooms are available.

Hotels near the airport

Linx Hotel International Airport Galeao (0.8 mi / 1.3 km) Mid-range hotel. Located adjacent to the airport. Day-use rooms and a free airport shuttle are available.

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Galeão Airport on Expedia.

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 by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, South Pier, 3rd Floor. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Admirals Club Membership.
GOL Premium Lounge (Domestic) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Domestic Departures, 2nd Floor, opposite Gates B36 and B37. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
GOL Premium Lounge (International) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, South Pier, Airside, 3rd Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic) – Location: Terminal 2, Domestic Departures, Airside, 1st Floor, Mezzanine Floor. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
Plaza Premium Lounge (International) – Location: Terminal 2, International Departures, Airside, 3rd Floor, South Pier. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals) – Temporarily Closed – Location: Terminal 2, Arrivals Area, Landside, Car Park Building, Level 1. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.

Food & Drinks

If hunger or caffeine hits late at night, be aware that overnight food options are limited. A reader has reported that a small number of landside eateries operate 24 hours, but we have not been able to confirm this through official airport sources. Opening hours can change without notice, so it’s best to eat beforehand or bring snacks if you’re staying overnight. [ read more ]

Drinking Water
Free water bottle refill stations are available airside. On the landside, water access appears limited to bottled water sold by shops and vending machines, typically around BRL 5 (approx. USD 0.90), though prices can vary.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Malex left luggage storage is located in Terminal 2, Ground Floor.
Hours: 24 hours
Rates: Not publicly posted (confirm on site before use).

Mobile Charging

A traveller reports that mobile charging towers are available in multiple areas throughout the terminals. Availability, outlet types, and reliability may vary, so having a power bank is still a good idea.

Showers

Showers are available inside select pay-to-use airport lounges and at the Aerotel Transit Hotel. Access typically requires lounge entry or a paid room or shower package. See the Airport Hotels and Airport Lounges sections above for details.

WiFi/Internet

Free unlimited WiFi is available at Galeao Airport. Connect to the ”RIO GALEAO Wi-Fi” network. While the service is advertised as unlimited, connection speed and reliability may vary depending on location and time of day.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Terminal 1, 3rd floor, in the Food Court • Terminal 2, Landside and Airside, on the 2nd floor.

Baby Care Facilities – Available in both terminals.

Banking Services – Santander Bank, Caixa Econômica Federal and Itaú Bank are available onsite Location: Terminal 2, 2nd floor.

Beauty Salon – Spanorâmico, Terminal 1, First Floor. Hours: unknown.

Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas. Locations: Terminal 1, Landside, 1st Floor • Terminal 2, Airside, Domestic, 2nd Floor • Terminal 2, Airside, International, 2nd Floor.

Currency Exchange – There are currency exchange counters available in both Terminals. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Duty-Free & Shopping – Dufry offers several Duty-Free stores, and you will also find a variety of shops to pass the time, including three Hudson News locations for any last-minute drink and snack needs. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM – note many of the shops are open 24 hours a day during high season. [ read more ]

Family Services – Comfortable armchairs, diaper-changing tables, bathtubs and other facilities for infant and child care are available at one of four airport nurseries. Locations: T1, Domestic Departures, 2nd floor • T2, Arrivals, 1st floor • T2, Domestic Departures, 3rd floor • T2, International Departures, 3rd floor. Hours: Open 24 hours. For children aged two years old and younger, parents can obtain a stroller for use in the airport free of charge. You must complete a form and present a valid photo ID at one of the Information Desks.

Information Desk – Locations: T1 (1st and 2nd floors) and T2 (1st and 3rd floors), Departures and Arrivals Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Luggage Wrapping – Protec Bag provides wrapping services at 2 locations in Terminal 2, Landside, 2nd Floor. Safe Bag also offers services in Terminal 2.

Medical Services – If you require medical attention, there is a Medical Center. Location: unknown.

Pharmacy – Air Farma Drugstore has three locations: Terminal 2, 2nd Floor, Airside, International. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM • Terminal 2, 1st Floor, Landside. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM • Terminal 2, 1st Floor, Airside, Domestic. Hours: 2:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Post Office – Location: T1, Arrivals lounge, 1st floor. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Prayer Room – Location: Terminal 1, 3rd Floor. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM every day. Catholic and Evangelistic Services are offered throughout the week.

Spa – Buddha Spa offers a variety of services. Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Domestic Departures. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Airlines

Rio de Janeiro Galeão airport is served by the following airlines: Aerolíneas Argentinas • Air France • American Airlines • Avianca • Azul • British Airways • Copa Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Edelweiss Air • Emirates • GOL • Iberia • KLM • LATAM • Lufthansa • Norwegian Air • Royal Air Maroc • SKY Airline • TAAG • TAP Portugal • United Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

BRT

The Rapid Transport by bus (BRT) is a fast travel alternative for users. It makes quick travel an option by utilizing exclusive travel lanes through traffic. At the time of this update, fares start at R$ 4.05. For hours, schedules, routes and fares, visit the Rio Galeão website.

Bus

The Real Auto Bus offers five lines that travel directly to and from the Airport. For a complete rundown on schedules, costs and companies operating the routes, visit the Rio Galeão website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental companies are available at Galeão Airport: Avis • Localiza Hertz • Movida • Unidas.

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Metro

The Oak Vicente subway is tied in with the BRT (The Rapid Bus Transport) and provides direct access to RIOgaleão. When you leave the airport, you must take an express bus to connect to the subway station.

For hours of operation, schedules, fares and locations, visit the Rio Galeão website.

Taxi

Expressways provide easy and quick access for Taxi services to Rio Galeão Airport. They can be picked up at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals.

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: 2026-01-16

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 Galeão Airport Guide