Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

Because Santos Dumont operates primarily domestic flights, passengers arriving here generally clear federal immigration and customs at their initial Brazilian airport of entry before connecting to SDU.

• Disembark via jet bridge or passenger bus directly into the main arrivals concourse.
• Follow signs towards the ground-floor baggage reclaim area.
• Collect checked luggage from the designated carousel in the main arrival hall.
• Pass through the public exit gates into the main concourse area.
• Access ground transport options, including the VLT light rail and designated ride-hailing pick-up zones, outside the terminal exit.

• Train

  Light Rail (VLT Carioca)

  Direct tram connection linking the terminal to downtown Rio, the central bus station, and the metro network.

  Time:

  Typically 10-20 minutes to central transport hubs

  Typical cost:

  Low (under R$ 10)

• Ride-hailing

  App-based Ride-hailing

  Services such as Uber operate dedicated pick-up locations outside the terminal building.

  Time:

  Typically 20-45 minutes depending on destination and traffic

  Typical cost:

  Moderate (typically R$ 30-80)

• Taxi

  Prepaid / Conventional Taxi

  Licensed taxi counters operate inside the arrivals area offering fixed or metered fares.

  Time:

  Typically 20-45 minutes depending on destination and traffic

  Typical cost:

  Moderate to High

Santos Dumont handles domestic connections. Passengers transferring to international flights must transfer to Galeão International Airport (GIG).

• Check baggage status upon arrival to determine if luggage requires re-checking for connecting domestic flights.
• Transfers between Santos Dumont (SDU) and Galeão (GIG) require road transport across the city.
• Allow at least 3 to 4 hours when connecting between SDU and GIG to account for traffic conditions.

Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout the passenger terminal area.

• Select the public airport network on your mobile device.
• A registration landing page will open automatically in your web browser.
• Basic access is free, though connection speeds may vary during peak hours.

Banking services, automatic teller machines (ATMs), and currency exchange offices are available in the public passenger areas.

• ATMs accepting major international debit and credit cards are located in the main concourse.
• Currency exchange counters operate in the public arrival and commercial areas.
• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Rio de Janeiro, though carrying small amounts of cash in Brazilian Real (BRL) is recommended.

A range of dining establishments, coffee shops, and snack bars is located in both landside and airside sections.

• The connected shopping area offers sit-down restaurants and quick-service food options.
• Cafes serving local coffee and traditional snacks operate in the public arrivals zone.
• Airside departure areas feature additional grab-and-go options.

Select airline and independent VIP lounges operate within the airport complex for eligible passengers.

• Lounges are located in the departures area past security screening.
• Access is granted based on airline elite status, premium class tickets, or lounge membership programmes.
• Day-pass access may be available depending on capacity.

Accommodation options ranging from budget to business hotels are situated within close proximity to the airport terminal.

• A hotel is integrated directly into the adjacent corporate/commercial complex connected to the airport.
• Numerous hotels are located within a short taxi or light-rail ride in the Centro district.
• Hotels in the South Zone (Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana) are accessible within 20 to 40 minutes by road.

Standard baggage services, including luggage storage and wrapping, are available inside the main terminal building.

• Baggage claim carousels are located on the ground level of the arrivals area.
• Left-luggage (luggage storage) facilities operate in the public area for short-term storage.
• Information desks near the baggage area assist with misplaced luggage inquiries.

Facilities for travellers with infants and young children are available throughout the terminal.

• Baby care rooms equipped with changing tables and nursing space are located in public restroom zones.
• The flat terrain of the terminal complex provides accessible stroller routes throughout.
• Family-friendly dining options are available in the main food court area.

• ATMs and currency exchange
• Luggage storage
• VLT Light Rail station
• Prepaid taxi desks
• Cafes and food court
• Airline lounge access
• Information desk
• Baby care facilities

Local emergency number: 190 (Police), 192 (Ambulance), 193 (Firefighters).

• In the event of a medical emergency in the terminal, contact airport security staff or visit the airport medical post.
• Report lost passports or severe safety issues to the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) post inside the airport or the nearest tourist police station (DEAT).
• Keep digital copies of essential identity documents accessible offline.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Santos Dumont Airport (official)Official airport source
• Polícia Federal - Imigração e PassaportesGovernment source
• Receita Federal - AlfândegaGovernment source
• VLT Carioca Light RailOfficial transit source
• Ministério da Saúde - Serviços de EmergênciaGovernment source