Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport Taxi Scams: How to Avoid Them
Rio de Janeiro · GIG · Real fare R$82–86 to Centro, R$116–120 to Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon (official fixed table, Tariff 1)
Where is the official taxi rank?
Regular taxis: ground floor (level 0), door A, next to domestic arrivals. Executive taxis: door B.
Common scams to watch out for
Paying more than the official table
RIOgaleão publishes a fixed table of regular-taxi fares by neighbourhood, regulated by the city. For example Tariff 1: Centro R$82–86, Lapa R$87, Botafogo R$96, Copacabana R$116–118, Ipanema R$118, Leblon R$120.
How to avoid: Look up your neighbourhood in the airport's fare table before you get in, and book at the official counters.
Wrong tariff for the time
Tariff 2, with higher fares, applies Monday to Saturday from 9pm to 6am and all day on Sundays and holidays. At other times Tariff 1 applies.
How to avoid: Check which tariff applies when you land.
Legitimate transport options
| Method | Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Regular taxi (official table) | R$82–120 to central and South Zone neighbourhoods (Tariff 1) | Level 0, door A, next to domestic arrivals |
| Executive taxi | Separate executive table | Level 0, door B |
Emergency + complaint contacts
Police: 190
Sources
- RIOgaleão — taxis and applications · checked 2 Oct 2026
- RIOgaleão — regular taxi fare table (PDF) · checked 2 Oct 2026
Skip the taxi risk entirely
The safest way to avoid every scam above is a pre-booked hotel with airport shuttle or transfer service. Book a Rio de Janeiro hotel with an included airport pickup — no negotiating, no meter drama, no touts.
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