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How to Get to Niteroi

How to Get to Niteroi

Niteroi Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Niterói

Niterói does not have its own commercial airport. Travelers arrive via airports in the neighboring city of Rio de Janeiro.

Rio's Airports

  • Galeão International Airport (GIG): Main international airport, 30-45kilometers from Niterói.
  • Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): Mainly domestic flights, closer at 20-30km, scenic approach.
  • Airlines: GIG serves major international and Brazilian carriers. SDU serves domestic carriers.

Flight Availability & Price

Seasonal variations impact flight availability and prices. Booking in advance is always recommended.

Seasonal Pricing

  • High Season (Dec-Mar, especially Carnival): Higher prices, limited availability. Book well in advance.
  • Low Season (Aug-Sep): Generally lower prices and more flight availability.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Prices are usually moderate, offering a good balance.

Direct Flights to GIG

Galeão International Airport (GIG) direct flights from various cities in North America, Europe, and South America.

Airport Facilities

Both GIG and SDU airports have shops, food, car rentals, ATMs, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options

Taxis, ride-sharing (Uber, 99), buses, and private transfers from both airports to Niterói.

Transfers from Rio Airports to Niterói

From GIG Galeão

  • Taxis: Official airport (radio taxis) with fixed rates or common yellow taxis.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and 99 operate from GIG; follow app instructions for pick-up.
  • Bus: Executive buses to Rio's bus terminal, then transfer to Niterói (bus, taxi, or ferry).
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked services for convenience, especially having luggage or late arrivals.

From SDU Santos Dumont

  • Taxis: Easily available outside the terminal.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and 99 operate from SDU.
  • Bus: Local buses connect SDU to parts of Rio near Praça XV ferry terminal.
  • Transferring to Niterói from Rio: Use a taxi/ride-share over the Rio-Niterói Bridge or take the ferry from Praça XV to Niterói.

Airport Facilities & Services

Shopping

Duty-free shops (at GIG), various shops available at each of the two airports.

Food and Drink

A lot of restaurants, cafes, and snack bars for dining options.

Essential Services

Car rental desks, ATMs, money exchange offices, and free Wi-Fi.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance buses are a well-liked and efficient way to travel between Brazilian cities. Niterói has a central bus terminal.

Bus Terminal & Companies

  • Niterói's Main Terminal: Terminal Rodoviário de Niterói (João Goulart), located downtown.
  • Companies: 1001, Águia Branca, and others connect Niterói to cities like São Paulo and Belo Horizonte.
  • Booking: Purchase tickets at the terminal or online. Book in advance for popular routes.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Renting a car offers flexibility but comes with challenges. Be aware of local road conditions.

Driving Information

  • Requirements: Valid national driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Driving Conditions: Challenging traffic, aggressive drivers, sometimes confusing signage.
  • Road Conditions: Major roads are generally well-maintained, but side streets can have potholes.

Rio-Niterói Bridge & Parking

The bridge is a major toll road. Tolls are collected when entering Niterói from Rio. Parking can be difficult in urban areas.

Parking Details

  • Finding parking in urban areas of Niterói can be hard.
  • Parking often requires payment (e.g., Zona Azul system) or using private parking garages.
  • Traffic congestion is common, especially during peak hours.

Driving Safety

Prioritize safety when you are driving in Niterói. Stay alert and avoid certain areas at night.

Safety Measures

  • Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar or less affluent areas.
  • Carjacking can occur in certain regions; stay alert.
  • Everyone must wear a seatbelt. Brazil has stringent laws against drinking and being behind the wheel.

Border Crossing & Train Services

  • Border Crossing: Not applicable; Niterói is within Brazil's national borders.
  • Train Services: Niterói has no direct train services for intercity travel.
  • Local Metro: Rio de Janeiro's underground railway does not apply to Niterói.
  • Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Less common for tourists, require valid license, high-risk.
  • Specialty Vehicles: Tuk-tuks, jeepneys, or similar are not common in Niterói.
  • River Transportation: Not applicable; Niterói is on Guanabara Bay, not a river system.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services to Rio

For Niterói, sea travel mainly involves the ferry service connecting it to Rio de Janeiro, a scenic and important mode of transport.

Ferry Details

  • Operator: CCR Barcas, connecting Niterói (Estação Araribóia) to Rio (Praça XV terminal).
  • Frequency: High during peak commuter hours (Mon-Fri mornings & late afternoons).
  • Duration: Approximately 20 minutes, offering gorgeous scenery of both city skylines.

Cruise & River Transport

Niterói does not have a primary cruise port. Cruise ships typically dock at Pier Mauá in Rio de Janeiro. River transportation is not applicable.

Sea/River Travel Information

  • Boat Trips: Some local fishermen or private companies may offer trips to nearby islands or specific beaches.
  • Immigration: Not applicable as Niterói is not considered an international port of entry for passengers.
  • Land Connections: Estação Araribóia ferry terminal connects directly to the main bus terminal and the routes of local buses.

Scenic Ferry Ride

The ferry offers stunning views of Rio's skyline, Sugarloaf, and Christ the Redeemer during the crossing.

Local Boat Excursions

Inquire locally for private boat trips to nearby islands or secluded beaches for unique experiences.

Efficient Terminal Hub

The ferry terminal is a central point for seamless connections to Niterói's local bus network.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

Prepare for your departure from Niterói and Brazil with these recommendations. No specific exit fees apply for departing Brazil by air, as these costs are typically included in your airfare.

Departure Advice

  • International Flights (from GIG): Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights (from SDU/GIG): Be at the AIRPORT a minimum of 2 hours before departure.
  • Online Check-in: Check in online if possible to save time at the airport.

Airport/Station Facilities

Both GIG and SDU offer various facilities for departing travelers, from lounges to shopping. Niterói's bus and ferry terminals also have basic amenities.

Terminal Services

  • GIG & SDU: Lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, and ATMs.
  • Niterói Bus Terminal: Basic amenities, snack bars, and ticket counters.
  • Niterói Ferry Terminal: Small shops and cafes for your convenience.

Departure Traffic Considerations

Traffic on Bridge

Always allow extra time for travel to the airport, especially during peak hours or if weather conditions are poor, as traffic on the Rio-Niterói Bridge can be heavy.

Ferry Alternative

When departing, account for potential traffic on the Rio-Niterói bridge. Using the ferry to Rio and then taking a taxi to Santos Dumont may at times be faster for domestic flights.

Check Flight Status

Before heading to the airport, check your flight's status online for any delays or changes to departure gates.

How to Get to Niteroi. Flights, Transportation, Airlines