How to Get to Downtown Rio de Janeiro
Downtown Rio has the advantage of being close to both of the city's airports. Here are the real distances and how to get there.
Distances from Downtown (Cinelândia)
From Santos Dumont Airport
It's the airport closest to Downtown — 1.7 km, about 5-10 minutes by car depending on traffic. Used mainly for the Rio-São Paulo air shuttle and other short domestic flights. You can get there by taxi, app (Uber/99), or even on foot if you're traveling light, since the distance is short.
From Galeão International Airport
18 km from Downtown, about 30-45 minutes by car outside rush hour (it can take over an hour in heavy traffic). Most international flights arrive here. Options include a taxi from the airport's official queue, an app, an executive bus, or a private transfer booked in advance.
Private Transfer with a Fixed Price
For anyone arriving with luggage or at night, booking a transfer in advance avoids the taxi queue and price surprises. Booking's transfer, for example, includes:
- Flight tracking (the driver waits up to 45 min if your flight is delayed)
- A fixed price, with taxes, tolls and tip included
- A driver waiting at the exit with a name sign
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip
Reduced price, 1.7 km from Santos Dumont
Hotel Atlântico Business — Easy to Reach
In the heart of Downtown, 200 m from Teatro Municipal and just minutes from both of Rio's airports.
Book Hotel Atlântico Business