Located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Galeão Airport is the second largest in the country when it comes to international flight movements. Meanwhile, it ranks seventh when we talk about domestic flights. In other words, it is one of the main airports in Brazil. Therefore, a guide to Galeão Airport can help many travelers understand how it works.

In this sense, we have prepared special content with the main tips and characteristics of this airport so that you can better position yourself if you need to pass through it on your trips. So, check out our guide to Galeão Airport below for a little about its history, the flights it receives and even some of the services you can find.

First of all, this airport emerged in the 1920s and is located on Ilha do Governador, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. In fact, it is the main airport in the state, being just 16km from the center of Rio and 24km from Copacabana. In other words, it is a great location for travelers who need to stop by.

In addition, it connects flight routes from North, Central and South America, as well as Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In total, there are 26 different airlines that operate at Galeão Airport, which has the largest airport site in Brazil. Furthermore, the movement of national and international flights is large, which is why it is one of the largest airports in the country.

While passengers going to and arriving at Galeão can opt for apps like Uber or 99 to get around, it is worth noting that there are also bus and BRT lines that make the journey to different terminals. After being granted to the private sector in 2014, the airport underwent several works and improvements in both its infrastructure and administration.

Therefore, currently all Galeão flights depart from Terminal 2, as Terminal 1 is deactivated for this purpose. However, both offer a food court, renowned brand stores and different Rio products for local users. So, check out a more detailed guide to Galeão Airport below about the services it offers.

Well, Galeão has the largest landing and take-off runway in Brazil, serving to connect national and international routes. In this sense, passengers can choose direct flights from this airport to 18 other countries. In addition, there are countless other flight connections around the world.

Meanwhile, there are more than 20 domestic destinations that Galeão Airport serves. This, of course, without also counting the connections. In other words, through it passengers can reach basically anywhere in Brazil without any major problems. Furthermore, the airport is a strong investor in low cost companies in Brazil.

As we already mentioned in our guide to Galeão Airport, it was in 2014 that the airport was granted to the private sector. Thus, since then, its entire structure and administration have undergone renovations, making everything more organized and improving service to the public. In addition, many boarding bridges were also opened.

In fact, most of them took place around the time of the 2016 Olympics. However, the objective has always been to modernize and increase the quality of the services provided. Currently, there are 58 boarding bridges available. In other words, it is important to keep an eye on our Galeão Airport guide to find your way around the more than 100,000 square meters of structure!

In 2016, with the end of the renovation, Galeão had one of the most modern pier in terms of infrastructure and services, the South Pier. More than 1km long, the area has elevators, treadmills, comfortable seats and a lot of modernity. In addition to the new Pier, other services such as shops, restaurants, pharmacies and other establishments were opened.

In this sense, the airport has dozens of stores such as chocolate shops, souvenir shops, emporiums, Havaianas stores, jewelry and semi-jewelry stores. In addition, it also has renowned brands such as L'Occitane, Hugo Boss and Michael Kors. Although they are stores with higher prices, Galeão seeks to be part of the “Same price in the city” movement.

Thus, dozens of stores charge prices according to what consumers find in the center of Rio. In other words, they do not adhere to the famous high prices that are common at airports. Meanwhile, the same applies to the local restaurants and cafes, which have the “O Bargao do Galeão” seal.

This way, consumers can find food options for all budgets! At the airport you can find snack bars such as Casa do Pão de Queijo and TGI Friday's, to Divino Fogão and Piola. In fact, after the renovation, consumers can also find typical Rio foods, attracting even more public attention.

Because with so much modernity and establishment options that you saw in the Galeão Airport guide, it is difficult to think that the structure could improve even further. However, Galeão was the pioneer in the state of Rio that brought an Aerotel, a hotel inside the airport.

In fact, the Galeão Aerotel is located within the boarding area, the only one with access to the gates! The objective was to offer better comfort and accommodation for those who fly early in the morning or even have longer connections. After all, remember that the airport connects flights all over the world.

This way, the traveler can rent a room and take the opportunity to take a shower and take advantage of the accommodation to rest. In this sense, the facilities are very modern and comfortable, offering TV, air conditioning and amenities. Service is available 24 hours a day, making life easier for those who need to use it.

Furthermore, Galão also has several VIP lounges such as GOL Premium Lounge, Admirals Club, Star Alliance Lounge, among others. Depending on what they offer, passengers who have access can take the opportunity to relax, enjoy food and drinks and, of course, also take a shower.

If you are going to travel by plane, it is common to be unsure when carrying out procedures at the airport. After all, such a large structure can seem confusing and scary, even if you've traveled by plane before. Therefore, we have included 3 tips in our guide to Galeão Airport to make your trip easier and more comfortable if you need to go there.

Firstly, it is important that you know the steps you will need to take to board your flight. In this sense, confirm your airline ticket information in advance, such as departure terminal, flight time and routes to the airport. In addition, try to leave important documents in a separate bag that is easily accessible.

In fact, if you need to check in your luggage, it's a good idea to arrive at the airport a few minutes early. It is worth remembering that, after privatization and reform, Galeão's service delivery is much more agile. This way, passengers can arrive at their gates on time without any major inconvenience.

If you are looking to make your life even easier when boarding, then online check-in is essential to save your time. There are companies that offer the check-in procedure via the internet or app up to 30 hours before your flight departure time!

Furthermore, you will be able to avoid queues and even speed up when checking in luggage. In fact, checking in online also reduces the risk of missing your flight, as you are confirming your presence when carrying out the procedure. So don't be afraid to use technology!

Finally, another more time-consuming process that could cost you your flight is the security control that everyone must go through with their hand luggage. So, pay attention to the rules of what you can and cannot take in your bag before going to the airport. Remember that your luggage will go through security X-ray.

Also, wear comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off, as you will need to take off your shoes to go through the search. Furthermore, metallic and electronic accessories must be removed from hand luggage to undergo X-ray outside. In other words, avoid this type of material in your hand luggage to save time!

So, did you like our guide to Galeão Airport? How about checking out more airport tips to avoid headaches and start your trip in a peaceful and pleasant way? So just access our content below to see everything you need to organize before a plane trip. Check out!