🚖 Taxis and Ride Apps at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG)
Whether you’re arriving at or departing from Galeão International Airport (GIG), you’ll find several transport options. From official taxis to app-based services like Uber, it’s essential to know where to meet your ride, how much it may cost, and what safety tips to follow.
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❓ FAQs about taxis and ride apps at GIG
- Where are the taxi stands? Outside Terminal 2: executive taxis (Gate B), regular taxis (Gate A).
- Where do I meet my Uber? At the international departures level (Gate D) or colored zones (orange/green/red) near arrivals.
- Which is cheaper? Ride apps like Uber and 99 are usually 30% cheaper than official taxis.
- Can I pay by card? Yes, in both taxis and apps — but always confirm before getting in.
- Is it safe to use apps? Generally yes, but only board vehicles inside designated pickup zones.
🚕 Official Taxis at GIG
Regulated taxi services operate 24/7. There are two main types:
✅ Executive Taxis (Gate B – Terminal 2)
- Transcoopass: +55 21 2209 1555
- Coopertramo: +55 21 2209 9292
- Transcootur: +55 21 2590 2220
- Coopatur: +55 21 3885 1000
🚖 Regular Taxis (Gate A – Terminal 2)
- Aerotáxi: +55 21 2467 1500
- Aerocoop: +55 21 3078 5050
Estimated fare to downtown Rio: R$90–120
Pros: Fixed pricing, staffed counters, accept cash and most cards.
Cons: More expensive than ride apps.
📱 Ride Apps: Uber, 99 & Táxi.Rio
- Uber: Wait at Gate D (departures) or in the orange/green/red zones at arrivals.
- 99: Same pickup areas as Uber.
- Táxi.Rio: The city’s official app with regulated fares, similar to 99.
Estimated fare to downtown Rio: R$43–60
Pros: Affordable, digital payment, GPS tracking, app support.
Cons: Possible delays or cancellations during peak times; it can be difficult to find your car at night or in poorly marked areas.
📊 Quick Comparison: Taxis vs Apps
| Official Taxis | Ride Apps (Uber, 99, Táxi.Rio) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price to downtown | R$90 – R$120 | R$43 – R$60 |
| Pickup location | Gates A and B – T2 | App-designated zones |
| Advance booking | At counter or by phone | Via the app |
| Card payment | Sometimes | Always available |
| English/Spanish spoken | Limited | Depends on the driver |
⚠️ Tips Before You Choose Your Ride
- 🚫 Do not accept random ride offers inside or outside the terminal. Unofficial drivers may overcharge or act aggressively.
- 🛑 Verify driver name, photo, and license plate before boarding any app-based vehicle.
- 💳 Use card payment when possible. If paying cash, ask for a receipt.
- 👨👩👧👦 Traveling with lots of luggage, kids, or elderly passengers? An executive taxi might offer more space and comfort.
- 🌧️ During rain or high traffic, apps may experience long delays. In those cases, a private transfer may be a better option.
Want to explore other transportation options? Check out our guides on buses, car rental, or private transfers.