🚌 Buses at Rio Galeão Airport
Tom Jobim – Galeão International Airport (GIG) has several bus lines connecting both with key neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro and other cities in the state. It is an economical option, although not always the most direct or comfortable, especially if you have a lot of luggage or arrive late at night. Below, we show you all the alternatives with schedules, fares, and tips based on real user experiences.
FAQ about Buses at GIG Airport
Where do I catch the buses?
In the outdoor area of the terminals (Arrivals Floor). BRT at Gate H (T1) and Gate D (T2). Intercity buses (1001) usually depart from the platform next to the regular taxi stand.
Can I pay with a card?
It depends. For the BRT you need to buy the Riocard Mais card at the station machines (they accept cash and debit). For the “Frescão” and 1001, cash or prior online purchase is recommended.
Do they run late at night?
Most do not. Only some municipal lines and the BRT have extended operation, but frequency drops drastically after 11:00 PM. If you arrive very late, it is safer to opt for Uber or a Transfer.
Is it safe to use the bus?
During the day yes, especially the Frescão and BRT Express. At night, outdoor stops may have poor lighting and security. Watch your belongings.
Critical Points: Security Alerts
The Counter Trap (Auto Viação 1001)
We have detected serious reports regarding customer service at this company’s airport counter.
User Experience: A traveler reported that the salesperson at the official counter, instead of selling him the bus ticket, offered a “transfer” from another agency that turned out to be a scam (failure to meet schedule and price). Additionally, it is reported that buses are often old and without functional USB ports.
Strategy: If you are traveling by intercity bus (to Búzios or Niterói), buy your ticket online or strictly demand the official bus ticket at the counter. Do not accept “suggestions” for alternative transport from the staff.
BRT: Bad reputation or good option?
Historically criticized, the BRT has recently improved.
User Experience: “The BRT units are new, comfortable, and very clean. I was surprised.” It is the winning option for tight budgets (Low Cost) connecting with the Metro or the Bus Station (Rodoviária).
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Expresso Recreio Buses “Frescão”
These are air-conditioned buses, large and with luggage storage. They operate routes between Galeão and the tourist areas of the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon). It is the most comfortable option among urban buses.
Featured Routes
- 2918: Galeão ⇄ Alvorada (Barra, passing through the South Zone) – R$24.85 | 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- LECD71: Galeão ⇄ Leblon – R$24.85 | 6:45 AM to 8:15 PM
Tip: Ideal if arriving by day, traveling alone, and don’t want to spend on a taxi. Not recommended if carrying many suitcases or arriving at dawn.
BRT Buses “Ligeirão”
The BRT system connects the airport with different zones of Rio via exclusive lanes. There are two types of service: express (fewer stops) and common.
TransCarioca Express Line (semi-direct)
- Connection between Galeão and Alvorada Terminal (Barra da Tijuca)
- Key stops: Fundão, Madureira, Vicente de Carvalho (Metro Line 2 connection)
- Schedule: 4:00 AM to 10:10 PM | Fare: R$4.30 (plus card cost)
- Stops at the airport: Terminal 1 (Gate H), Terminal 2 (Gate D)
TransCarioca Common Line (with stops)
- Covers 47 stations and 5 terminals
- Slower but more accessible from different neighborhoods
Tip: Very useful if transferring to the metro, but not recommended if you have a lot of luggage or seek speed.
Auto Viação 1001 (Intercity)
Connects the airport with tourist cities like Búzios, Charitas (Niterói), or Macaé. Ideal for those arriving in Rio but heading to another city.
Routes and Schedules
- 760D: Charitas ⇄ Galeão – R$12.65 | Mon-Fri 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM / Weekends 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- 1760D: Galeão ⇄ Charitas – R$12.65 | Mon-Fri 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM / Weekends 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM
- Búzios: From R$107.27 | 9:20 AM, 11:20 AM, and 3:20 PM
- Macaé: R$96.82 | 8:50 AM
Tip: Buy the ticket online in advance. If your flight is delayed, you could lose the trip without a refund. And remember: refuse any “transfer” offer made at the counter if it isn’t the official bus ticket.
Regular Lines (Urban)
These are conventional buses operating local routes from Governor’s Island (where the airport is) to other points in the city. They lack luggage space and are usually slow.
- Paranapuan 328: Galeão ⇄ Bananal, Candelária – R$4.30
- Paranapuan 915: Galeão ⇄ Bonsucesso – R$4.30
- Paranapuan 922: Galeão ⇄ Fundão, Tubiacanga – R$4.30
- Ideal 925: Galeão ⇄ Bancários – R$4.30
Tip: Only recommended if you already know the city or have prior experience using public transport in Brazil.
Quick Comparison of Bus Services from GIG
| Service | Destination | Schedule | Fare | Opinions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expresso Recreio (Frescão) | South Zone, Alvorada | 6:45 AM to 9:00 PM | R$24.85 | ✅ Comfortable, air-conditioned |
| BRT Express | Alvorada via Fundão, Madureira | 4:00 AM to 10:10 PM | R$4.30 | ⚠️ Fast, new units, but requires transfer |
| Auto Viação 1001 | Búzios, Macaé, Charitas | 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM (varies) | R$12.65 – R$107.27 | ⚠️ Watch out for scams at the counter |
| Local Lines (328, 915…) | North and Center Zones | Variable | R$4.30 | ❌ Slow, no luggage space |
Which Bus to Take from Galeão?
✔️ For tourists → Frescão (Expresso Recreio) or BRT + Metro (if light on luggage).
✔️ For trips to the interior → Auto Viação 1001 (Búzios, Macaé…).
❌ Not recommended → Regular urban lines if it’s your first time in Rio or traveling with luggage.
In summary: Buses from Galeão are an economical option, but require planning. For more comfort, consider private transfers or apps like Uber, especially if arriving at infrequent times or traveling in a group.