Layover in Rio de Janeiro (SDU)
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
Plan my Rio de Janeiro layover
About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil, on the South Atlantic coast. Rio is famous for its breathtaking landscape, its laid-back beach culture and its annual carnival. The "Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea" has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Stay at the airport | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 2h 49m in the city | Stay at the airport |
| 8 hours | About 4h 49m in the city | About 3h 14m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 8h 49m in the city | About 7h 14m in the city |
Getting into Rio de Janeiro
About 48m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 36 km (22 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Rio de Janeiro?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 5 hours or more to get into Rio de Janeiro and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 7 hours or more.
How do I get from SDU to central Rio de Janeiro?
Allow about 48m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 36 km (22 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to SDU?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.