You will need to clear customs and immigration when arriving into Galeao International Airport, gateway to the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro. This is usually a quick and efficient process, prior to collecting your luggage.

You will move through a secure area upon collecting your luggage. In this area there are a few ‘executive taxi’ companies who offer fixed price transfers to all major destinations.It is possible to pre-book your airport transfer with these companies, and some will even allow you to pay online prior to arrival. Try contacting Rio Airport Transfer for more information on pre-booking your transfer.

After departing the secure area of the airport there are also yellow taxis located immediately outside the doors of the airport, and buses can be found by follow the signs, written in English.

Travelling by standard taxi from the airport will either be a pleasurable experience or one in which you’ll discover later you were ripped off on. Like taxi companies all over the world Rio de Janeiro has its fair share of good drivers, and those who will exploit the fact that you don’t speak the language, and don’t know how much you should pay. Keep in mind that the Brazilian economy is doing quite well and therefore taxi prices have increased significantly in the last few years.

If you are ripped off by a taxi driver in Rio don’t take it too badly, many Brazilian’s not native to Rio also find themselves paying more than a local would pay when travelling from the airport.

Buses are a very cheap way of travelling from the airport to the most popular suburbs. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage then bus travel within Rio may not be the best option for you. Firstly it is difficult to get luggage on and off a bus and there’s not always much space on the bus, and secondly there is a greater chance someone will try to steal from you. Having said this, intercity and interstate bus travel within Brazil is a very comfortable and secure way to travel.

Arriving in Rio ensures you a nice stay, but the noise and the attention you will receive from those wanting to offer you services can be overwhelming to some. If you prefer to have your transport to and from your accommodation arranged before arriving then contacting one of Rio’s executive transfer companies will be the best option for you.

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