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How to Get to Nova Iguacu

How to Get to Nova Iguacu

Nova Iguacu Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Travel Guide

Major Airports

Galeão International Airport GIG

Rio de Janeiro's main international airport. Approximately 40-50 kilometers (25-31 miles) from Nova Iguaçu.

Airlines & Routes

  • Numerous international airlines (LATAM, GOL, Azul, American Airlines, Delta, TAP, Air France, British Airways).
  • Major domestic routes.
  • Car rental, currency exchange, duty-free shops.

Santos Dumont Airport SDU

Mainly handles domestic flights. Also about 40-50 kilometers (25-31 miles) from Nova Iguaçu.

Airlines & Routes

  • Mainly domestic routes (LATAM, GOL, Azul).
  • Closer to central Rio.
  • Restaurants, shops, car rental, ATMs.

Taxi & Ride-sharing

Available from both airports. Costly. Confirm estimated fare.

Airport Buses Executivo

Connect GIG to central Rio. Connect to Nova Iguaçu via SuperVia or bus.

BRT + Metro + Local Transit

Cheaper, more complex from GIG. Requires multiple transfers.

Car Rental & Transfer Tips

Car Rental Availability

  • Services available at both airports.
  • Option for flexibility, but traffic and parking are challenges.
  • International Driving Permit needed.
  • Pre-book transfer if arriving late or desire hassle-free journey.

Transfer Tips

  • Pre-book airport transfer for late arrivals or convenience.
  • Traffic can be heavy; plan extra travel time.
  • Confirm estimated taxi/ride-share fare upfront.
  • Consider public transport for cost savings, but expect transfers.

Pre-Booking Transfers

Arriving Late

Pre-book your transfer if you arrive late at night.

Traffic Consideration

Traffic to the airports can be heavy and unpredictable, plan extra time.

Land Transportation

Train Connections SuperVia

Nova Iguaçu a major station on the Japeri branch of the SuperVia commuter rail system.

SuperVia Details

  • Connects directly to Central do Brasil in downtown Rio.
  • Regular services, increased frequency during peak hours.
  • Time it takes to get to Central do Brasil typically one hour.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Rodoviária de Nova Iguaçu serves inter-municipal and some inter-state routes.

Bus Terminal Info

  • Connects to other Baixada Fluminense municipalities.
  • Connections to Rodoviária Novo Rio (central Rio) for national services.
  • Various local and regional bus companies operate.

Self-Driving Considerations

Car rental for flexibility, but traffic and safety are concerns.

Driving Essentials

  • Valid national driver's license & IDP.
  • Main roads (Via Dutra) well-maintained; local roads vary.
  • Parking available; secure lots for a charge.

Road Conditions & Safety

Expect heavy and aggressive traffic, notably at busy times.

Safety on Roads

  • Traffic jams heavy during rush hour.
  • Brazilian drivers assertive; practice defensive driving.
  • Keep windows up, doors locked at traffic lights (crime risk).

Road Safety Warnings

  • Heavy traffic and aggressive driving are common.
  • Vigilance at traffic lights opportunistic crime.
  • Carjacking and theft pose risks, especially at night.
  • Avoid leaving valuables visible inside the car.
  • Avoid resistance if confronted during a robbery.
  • Plan fuel stops in well-lit, inhabited areas.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Transportation

Sea and river transportation are not main modes upon arrival for Nova Iguaçu, as it is an inland city.

Local Water Travel

  • No ferry services or cruise ports in Nova Iguaçu.
  • Rivers through municipality not for public transit.
  • Closest major port: Rio de Janeiro Port (for cruises/ferries).

Immigration & Connections

No immigration procedures at seaports directly serving Nova Iguaçu.

Port Logistics

  • No seaport immigration for Nova Iguaçu.
  • No direct land connections from non-existent seaports in city.
  • River transport not main mode for residents/visitors.

Inland City

Nova Iguaçu is not coastal; a way to get to the sea is via Rio de Janeiro.

No Cruise Port

No cruise ship or ferry services operate directly from Nova Iguaçu.

Not a Transit Hub

Rivers within municipality are not utilized for public transport.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Brazil imposes no specific exit fees or taxes beyond what tickets include.

Departure Checklist

  • Airport taxes included in flight fare.
  • Arrive 2-3 hrs before domestic, 3-4 hrs for international.
  • Plan extra travel time to airports (heavy traffic possible).

Airport & Station Facilities

GIG and SDU offer standard airport facilities (check-in, security, dining, shopping).

Departure Amenities

  • Check-in counters and security checkpoints.
  • Range of dining options.
  • Shopping opportunities.

Traffic & Timings

Traffic to Airports

Traffic to the airports, especially GIG, can be heavy and unpredictable.

Peak Hours

Plan extra travel time, notably during peak hours or on weekdays.

Buffer Time

Allow a buffer of at least an hour beyond what a navigation app suggests for the drive.

Pre-Departure Check

Reconfirm your flight details and look for any delays or changes before you leave your accommodation. Use airline apps or websites.

How to Get to Nova Iguacu. Flights, Transportation, Airlines