Duque De Caxias Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Travel Guide
Duque de Caxias does not have its own commercial airport. It relies on major airports serving the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area. Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) is the main international and domestic hub, about 15-20 km from central Duque de Caxias. Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) mainly serves domestic flights, about 30-35 km from the center of Duque de Caxias.
GIG: Extensive duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, on-site hotels. SDU: All required services, dining, shops, car rental. Flight prices to Rio generally rise during Brazilian summer holidays (December-February), Carnaval, and July school holidays. Look for lower prices during shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) for Dollar Flight Club.
Official airport taxis from GIG (Coopertaxi, Cootramo) use fixed or metered fares. Approx. R$ 80-150 to Duque de Caxias. From SDU, approx. R$ 100-200. Always confirm fare or meter.
Uber and 99 are widely available. Often more affordable than taxis. Fares from GIG approx. R$ 60-120. From SDU approx. R$ 100-200. Look for marked pick-up points.
Public bus lines connect GIG to parts of Rio. Often requires transfers and complex navigation. From SDU, use bus/VLT to metro, then metro to The core do Brasil, then SuperVia train to Caxias.
Extensive duty-free shopping, diverse restaurants and cafes.
Smaller airport with dining options and shops.
Both airports offer comfortable lounges and on-site hotel options. Information desks for traveler assistance.
Duque de Caxias connects to Rio de Janeiro City's Central do Brasil station via the SuperVia urban rail system. The city sits on the Saracuruna line, giving a direct link to the capital.
Duque de Caxias has its own bus terminal, Terminal Rodoviário de Duque de Caxias (TERCAM). This terminal offers intercity and interstate bus connections to various locations inside Rio de Janeiro state and other Brazilian states.
To drive in Brazil, you need a valid national driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry both. Road Conditions: Major highways like BR-040 are generally good. Local roads vary. Traffic: Heavy traffic is common, especially during peak hours on routes to/from Rio. Parking: Finding parking is challenging in busy areas. Paid parking lots are available. Consider DiscoverCars.com for rentals.
Driving in the Rio metropolitan area, including Duque de Caxias, needs careful attention. Drivers are aggressive. High-speed limits are common. Potential for crime like carjacking, especially at night or in less familiar areas. Avoid driving in unknown neighborhoods after dark. Road signs are in Portuguese.
Brazil does not have explicit exit fees paid separately by air travelers. These fees are usually part of your airline ticket fare. International Flights from GIG: Arrive at Galeão International Airport at least 3-4 hours before scheduled international departure. Domestic Flights from GIG/SDU: Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure. Always allow extra time for travel to the airport from Duque de Caxias; traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, adds substantial time.
GIG: Numerous facilities, including lounges, diverse restaurants, extensive duty-free shopping, ATMs, currency exchange. SDU: Essential services, including basic dining places and retail outlets. Rodoviária (Bus Terminal) / SuperVia Station: Basic waiting areas, kiosks or small shops for snacks and drinks.
Arrive 3-4 hours before departure at GIG for check-in, security, and immigration.
Arrive 2 hours before departure at GIG or SDU for domestic travel within Brazil.
Always allow extra time for travel due to potential traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour.
Duque de Caxias is inland from the coast. Rio de Janeiro City is a main cruise port, but passengers arriving by cruise then need land transportation to reach Caxias.
River transportation is not a significant mode of passenger transport to or from Duque de Caxias. While the city sits on the Iguaçu River, this waterway is not used for extensive passenger services connecting to other large areas.
Border crossing information is not valid for travel within Brazil to Duque de Caxias.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for direct arrival to Duque de Caxias.
Connections to land transportation are not applicable for direct sea/river arrival to Duque de Caxias.
Factor in potential traffic delays when heading to the airport. Aim for earlier arrival than strictly necessary to reduce stress. Enjoy your journey home.
