🚖 Taxis and Ride-Share Apps at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG)
When arriving or departing from Tom Jobim – Galeão International Airport (GIG), you have multiple transfer options. However, the arrivals hall is known for the aggressiveness of informal touts. Knowing how to differentiate between a safe official taxi, a cooperative with dubious practices, and the exact Uber pickup point is the key to starting your trip without stress or extra costs.
FAQ about Taxis and Apps at GIG
Where exactly do I wait for Uber?
Although there are pickup points at arrivals, the expert recommendation is to go up to the Departures Level (Floor 2), Gate D. It is a less chaotic zone and easier for the driver to find you.
Are yellow cabs safe?
It depends on the cooperative. Cootramo has an excellent reputation. However, avoid Aerotaxi and Aerocoop, as they accumulate reports of scams involving dynamic pricing and fake discounts.
Which is cheaper?
Generally, Uber and 99 are between 30% and 40% cheaper than official taxis, although on rainy days or during high demand (surge pricing) the difference decreases.
Can I pay with a card?
Yes. In Apps, payment is automatic. In taxis, make sure the card machine is in plain sight and check the amount before tapping your card.
Critical Points: Avoid the “Tourist Trap”
The “Return Voucher” Scam (Aerotaxi / Aerocoop)
A common practice reported by users is that these cooperatives charge a high price to go to the hotel, promising a “voucher” or card to return to the airport for a negligible price (e.g., R$70).
User Experience: When trying to use the discount to return, the company claims “lack of availability,” says you should have booked 48 hours in advance, or invents luggage fees, forcing you to pay the full price or find other urgent transport.
Strategy: Never hire a service based on a future promise. If you take a taxi, pay only for the one-way trip. for the return, use Uber or book with a reputable company like Cootramo.
Harassment in the Hall
Upon leaving customs, you will be approached by people shouting “Taxi, Uber.”
Strategy: Ignore them completely. Uber drivers never enter the hall to look for passengers. If someone offers to take you to an Uber, it is pirate transport. Walk straight to the elevators and go up to Floor 2.
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Official Taxis at GIG
Taxis are regulated and available 24 hours a day. There are two types, and their reputation varies:
Executive (Gate B – Terminal 2)
These are higher-end vehicles (usually blue or black). The most recommended option is:
- Cootramo: Consistently praised for cleanliness, punctuality, and honesty. It is more expensive, but safe.
- Transcoopass
- Coopertramo
- Transcootur
- Coopatur
Regular (Gate A – Terminal 2)
These are the classic yellow cabs. This is where you must be cautious.
- Aerotáxi: (See scam alert above)
- Aerocoop: (See scam alert above)
Estimated price to Rio center: R$80.00 – 155.00
Pros: Fixed service, counter service, cash and card accepted.
Cons: Higher price than apps and risk of bad practices in regular cooperatives.
Uber and Apps like 99 or Táxi.Rio
For many, the best value for money.
- Uber / 99: The ideal waiting location is at Gate D of the Departures Level (Floor 2). Although there are zones in Arrivals (orange/green/purple), they tend to be more confusing and full of touts.
- Táxi.Rio: Official city app that allows you to order yellow cabs with a discount (10-40%). It is an interesting hybrid option: safety of a regulated taxi with app pricing.
Estimated price to Rio center: R$50.00 – R$90.00 (Updated 2026)
Pros: Economical, digital payment option, GPS tracking, direct contact with the driver.
Cons: Cancellations during peak hours, difficulty locating the vehicle if you don’t go to the correct point, long waits during night hours.
Quick Comparison: Taxis vs Apps
| Official Taxis | Apps (Uber, 99, Táxi.Rio) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price to center | R$80 – R$155 | R$50 – R$90 |
| Pickup Point | Gates A and B – T2 (Arrivals) | Floor 2 Gate D (Departures) – Recommended |
| Pre-booking | At counter or phone | Via the app |
| Digital Payments | In some cases | Always available |
| English Support | Limited | Depends on the driver |
Tips Before Choosing Your Transfer
- 🚫 Do not accept verbal offers: If someone approaches you offering transport, say “No, thanks” and keep walking. Legitimate services wait for you to go to the counter or order via App.
- 🛑 App Verification: Do not get into vehicles that do not match the app data. Verify the driver’s name, photo, and license plate before boarding.
- 💳 Payment Preference: Pay with a card through the App whenever possible. If you use a taxi and pay with a card machine, do not lose sight of it (risk of “card swap”).
- 👨👩👧👦 Groups: If traveling with large luggage, children, or the elderly, it is preferable to take an executive taxi or a private transfer for comfort and space.
- 🌧️ Weather: On rainy days, apps have high dynamic pricing (surge). Compare with the price of Táxi.Rio or an official taxi before ordering.
Want to see other options? Check our guide to buses, car rental, or private transfers.