Sao Joao De Meriti Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Travel Guide
Two airports serve Rio de Janeiro: Galeão International Airport (GIG) handles most international flights, while Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) mainly serves domestic routes.
Major foreign carriers serve GIG, connecting Rio to various global hubs. SDU mostly caters to Brazilian domestic airlines. Direct flights to GIG are available from several major global hubs.
Galeão offers duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, and hotels. Wi-Fi is available.
Santos Dumont is smaller but provides essential services like check-in counters, food options, ATMs, and car rental desks.
For delayed or canceled flights, consider services like AirHelp to seek compensation.
Available from major providers like Claro, Vivo, TIM at kiosks or official stores. Requires a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) to register.
Foreigners can obtain a temporary CPF at federal police offices or post offices.
Consider Airalo for eSIM options, which can offer easier activation for international travelers without a CPF.
São João de Meriti is well-integrated into the SuperVia commuter train network, connecting it directly to Rio de Janeiro's city center.
Long-distance buses from other Brazilian states typically arrive at the Novo Rio Bus Terminal (Rodoviária Novo Rio) in the central business district Rio de Janeiro.
Renting a car is an option, typically from major airports in Rio. Consider if it is necessary; traffic congestion, aggressive driving, and parking challenges can make it stressful.
Driving in São João de Meriti and the broader Baixada Fluminense can be challenging. Expect heavy traffic, aggressive driving styles, and variable road conditions.
Rio's airports (GIG, SDU) offer comprehensive facilities for departing travelers, including check-in, security, retail, dining, and lounges.
