Taking a yellow taxi from Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) to Ipanema is safe, affordable and fast (off-rush hours).
Regrettably, Rio de Janeiro has no subway line or train that connects the airport to the city, so your best, fastest and safest choice in the yellow taxi.
Taxi Fare from Airport to Ipanema
A ride on a yellow taxi from the international airport (GIG) to any hotel, hostel, guest house, Bed & Breakfast, or vacation furnished apartment in Ipanema costs approximately R$47-56; US$23-27; €20-24 per taxi. The price depends on time of the day, day of the week, and whether you choose a flat rate or a ride on the meter.
Note that taxis in Rio de Janeiro take up to 4 people. So if you are a party of two or more, is a rather inexpensive ride.
Travel Time from Airport to Ipanema
The travel time from Rio International Airport (GIG) to Ipanema can take anything between 25 minutes (if there is no traffic) to more than one hour (if there is heavy traffic).
The traffic is very heavy between 7 and 11 a.m. from Rio airport to Ipanema on weekdays (except holidays), and from 4 to 8 p.m. from Ipanema to Rio airport. It is unlikely that you will get stuck in a traffic jam on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
Note: Beware that taxi drivers in Rio de Janeiro tend to speed – do fasten your seat belt [if you find it, since some taxi chauffeurs hide the back seat belts underneath the seat as they think that the belts are unnecessary and/or that it may bother the passengers ‘butts’).
Distance from Airport to Ipanema
The distance from Rio de Janeiro Int’l Airport to Ipanema (let’s say, for example, Mar Ipanema Hotel, which is in the heart of Ipanema) is 24 kilometers (15 miles). Since Ipanema is a rather small neighborhood, the distance will be approximately the same wherever your accommodation is located.
Taxis Trunks Size for Plenty of Luggage
Some taxis at the Rio de Janeiro airport are minivans, with a rather spacious trunk, enough for 4 passengers travelling with a “normal” amount of luggage.
If you are 4 people and have a lot of luggage (maybe you will board on a cruise ship in Rio’s port), then maybe you will need two taxis.
Planning to travel to Rio de Janeiro and stay in Ipanema District? Read more details about airport taxis (what taxi companies to use and how to save money) as well as all the important travel information updated and packed in one single file: My Rio Travel Guide – The Essential How-To Visitor’s Guide to Rio de Janeiro.
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