Upon landing in Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG), the best, safest, and fastest transportation choice you have is to take a taxi to your hotel.
Taking a yellow taxi from GIG to a hotel in Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, Leme, Humaitá, Botafogo, Flamengo, Urca, Catete, Largo do Machado, Gloria, Lapa, Arpoador, Centro (Downtown), Santa Teresa, cruise ship port, or Santos Dummont Airport (SDU) costs in the range of R$ 50-60 (“reais“, Brazilian currency).
To Barra da Tijuca, São Conrado, Jacarepaguá, Guaratiba, and Recreio dos Bandeirantes the ride costs a bit more (or quite more depending on your accommodation location).
Taxis will be also convenient to get around in and out of Rio de Janeiro. For example, going to distant destinations such as Paraty, Ilha Grande, or Buzios — especially if you share the cost with fellow travelers taxis can be a great deal.
However, if you just want to be around Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches you may not even need any sort of transportation at day time as both neighborhoods are at reasonable walking distance from each other.
And both have not only great white-sand beaches and great vibe, but also most of what you need during your stay — hotels, restaurants, bistros, cafés, bars and pubs, attractions, services in general, and sport activities such a surfing, padding, bicycling, and more.
For an updated on Rio de Janeiro taxi costs in reais, american dollars, or in euros, do get (before your arrival) a copy of My Rio Travel Guide — the most practical and updated guidebook to Rio de Janeiro.
In this 112-page guide, you will find not only more in-depth info on Rio taxis (such as what taxi to take to be safe, and save money), but also essential tourist (and non-touristy) information to make your trip to Brazil a success.
Click on the image below to have a great time in Rio!
