---
iata: GIG
name: Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (Tom Jobim)
city: Rio de Janeiro
country: Brazil
lastUpdated: '2026-09-04'
officialWebsite: 'https://www.riogaleao.com/en/passengers/'
sources:
  - 'https://www.riogaleao.com/en/passengers/'
  - 'https://www.riogaleao.com/en/passengers/explore-riogaleao/vip-experience/'
  - >-
    https://en.prefeitura.rio/cidade/terminal-intermodal-gentileza-completa-um-ano-de-operacao-e-alcanca-14-milhoes-de-viagens/
  - >-
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro/Gale%C3%A3o_International_Airport
  - >-
    https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/rio-de-janeiro-galeao-airport-guide.htm
quickFacts:
  - 2 terminals (T2 handles all check-in/arrivals; T1 gates via 400m walkway)
  - 'Main airlines: LATAM, GOL, United, Delta, TAP, Air France'
  - All commercial flights use T2; T1 mostly inactive for pax ops since 2016
  - Visa Infinite Fast Pass for security priority
  - Free WiFi throughout; paid VIP lounges via GaleON app
  - 30-45 min to Copacabana by Uber/taxi
bentoTips:
  - label: Timing
    title: Arrive 3h intl / 2h domestic
    detail: Visa Fast Pass or premium boarding cuts waits significantly.
    summary: Security + immigration can add 30-60 min at peak.
    category: timing
  - label: Terminal
    title: Check-in always in T2
    detail: Free shuttle or 10-min walk between terminals.
    summary: >-
      Use T2 for all departures regardless of gate; T1 gates reached by covered
      walkway.
    category: terminal
  - label: Food
    title: Eat landside before security
    detail: GaleON app for delivery or pre-order.
    summary: >-
      Better variety and prices before screening; airside options limited
      post-10pm.
    category: food
  - label: Status
    title: Download GaleON app
    detail: Real-time flight info and VIP reservations integrated.
    summary: 'Book lounges, lockers, hospitality with 15-20% discounts via app.'
    category: status
lounges:
  - name: Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)
    hours: 24 hours daily
    access:
      - Priority Pass / LoungeKey
      - Day pass via GaleON / Plaza Premium
    bestFor:
      - Long international layovers
      - Showers
    summary: >-
      Main Priority Pass option airside in T2 South Pier after duty-free; open
      24h with hot food and showers — confirm capacity in the PP app.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal 2
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Hot food
      - WiFi
  - name: Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures)
    hours: 24 hours daily
    access:
      - Priority Pass / LoungeKey
      - Day pass
    bestFor:
      - Domestic connections
    summary: >-
      Airside domestic T2 near gates B27–B28; 24h with a 2-hour Priority Pass
      stay cap — useful when connecting on GOL/LATAM/Azul.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal 2
    amenities:
      - Food
      - WiFi
      - Showers
  - name: GOL Smiles Lounge (International)
    hours: '05:00-23:00'
    access:
      - Smiles Gold/Diamond on eligible GOL flights
      - Priority Pass (airline eligibility varies)
      - Day pass
    bestFor:
      - GOL / Smiles elites
    summary: >-
      Solid GOL/Smiles international option that can crowd evenings; day passes
      via GaleON when elite access is unavailable.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: Terminal 2
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Food
      - WiFi
waterOptions:
  - kind: purchase
    name: Airport shops
    zone: landside
    price: BRL 5 for 500ml
    summary: Cheapest reliable bottled option before security.
    location: Landside near check-in counters
    terminal: Terminal 2
    isBestValue: true
  - kind: refill
    name: Free water fountains
    zone: airside
    price: Free
    summary: >-
      Multiple refill stations airside for reusable bottles; confirmed
      available.
    location: Airside near gates and restrooms
    terminal: Terminal 2
    isBestQuality: true
  - kind: free
    name: Restroom fountains
    zone: airside
    price: Free
    summary: Standard free tap water option post-security.
    location: Opposite food court airside
    terminal: Terminal 2
airportistScore: 7.2
slug: gig
region: South America
---
> Markdown for [/airports/gig](/airports/gig). Append `.md` to any page URL (or send `Accept: text/markdown`) for an agent-readable copy.

- [HTML page](/airports/gig)
- [Lounge directory](/airports/gig/lounges.md)
- [Sitemap](/sitemap.md)

# Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (Tom Jobim) (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · South America
Solid regional hub with improving facilities but moderate congestion and limited premium options compared to top global airports.
## Airportist Score

**7.2 / 10**
- Comfort: 7.0
- Navigation: 7.5
- Food: 6.8
- Transport: 7.8
- Disruption resilience: 6.9

## At a glance

- Passengers: ~15M
- Terminals: 2 (T2 primary)
- Typical security: 15 min
- On-time: 78%
- Disruption: normal

## Best for

- Easy Uber access
- Short security with Fast Pass
- Decent lounge value via app

## Watch out for

- T2 crowds at peak times
- Limited airside dining late night
- T1/T2 confusion for first-timers

## More intel

- [Lounge directory](/airports/gig/lounges.md) (free)
- [Getting there](/airports/gig/getting-there.md) (free)
- [Amenities](/airports/gig/amenities.md)
- [Traveler tips](/airports/gig/tips.md)
- [Water](/airports/gig/water.md)
- [Full guide](/airports/gig/guide.md)
- [Disruptions](/airports/gig/disruptions.md)
- [Reviews](/airports/gig/reviews.md)