🚖 Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG)
When arriving at or departing from Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG), you have multiple transportation options. From official taxis to ride-hailing services like Uber, it’s essential to know where to catch each one, what prices to expect, and which precautions to take.
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❓ Frequently asked questions about taxis and apps at GIG
- Where are the taxis located? Outside Terminal 2: executive taxis (gate B), regular taxis (gate A).
- Where do I wait for Uber? International departures level (gate D) or the orange/green/purple zones in the arrivals area.
- Which option is cheaper? Generally, Uber and 99 are about 30% cheaper than official taxis.
- Can I pay by card? Yes, both taxis and apps accept cards, but confirm before getting in.
- Is it safe to use apps? Yes, as long as you wait in the designated zones. Do not get into cars outside the system.
🚕 Official Taxis at GIG
Taxis are regulated and available 24/7. There are two types:
✅ Executive Taxis (Gate B – Terminal 2)
- Cootramo
- Transcoopass
- Coopertramo
- Transcootur
- Coopatur
🚖 Regular Taxis (Gate A – Terminal 2)
- Aerotáxi
- Aerocoop
Estimated fare to downtown Rio: R$80.00 – 155.00
Pros: Fixed service, counter assistance, accept cash and cards.
Cons: Higher prices than ride-hailing apps.
📱 Uber and apps like 99 or Táxi.Rio
- Uber: Wait at gate D of international departures or in the orange/green/purple zones in the arrivals area.
- 99: Same pickup points as Uber.
- Táxi.Rio: Official city app, prices similar to 99, regulated service with institutional support.
Estimated fare to downtown Rio: R$35.00–65.00
Pros: Lower cost, digital payment options, GPS tracking, direct contact with the driver.
Cons: Cancellations during peak hours, difficulty locating vehicles in poorly marked areas, long waits late at night.
📊 Quick Comparison: Taxis vs Apps
| Official Taxis | Apps (Uber, 99, Táxi.Rio) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare to downtown | R$80 – R$155 | R$35 – R$65 |
| Pickup location | Gates A and B – T2 | Designated zones (see app) |
| Advance booking | At the counter or by phone | Through the app |
| Digital payments | In some cases | Always available |
| English/Spanish-speaking service | Limited | Depends on the driver |
⚠️ Tips Before You Choose Your Transfer
- 🚫 Do not accept offers inside or outside the airport. Some so-called “taxis” or “Ubers” are informal and charge inflated fares.
- 🛑 Do not get into vehicles that don’t match the app details. Check the driver’s name, photo, and license plate before boarding.
- 💳 Pay by card whenever possible, or ask for a receipt if paying cash.
- 👨👩👧👦 If you’re traveling with large luggage, children, or elderly passengers, an executive taxi is usually more comfortable and spacious.
- 🌧️ On rainy or congested days, apps may be delayed. Consider booking a private transfer if punctuality is important.
Want to see other options? Check our guides to buses, car rentals, or private transfers.