The main scam at GIG
Never take a taxi from someone approaching you inside the terminal. Only use the yellow taxi rank or app-based rides.
Do
- Use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals
- Use Uber / Grab / Bolt / Careem / DiDi if available (app-based, fixed price)
- Insist on the meter or agreed fixed rate BEFORE entering the vehicle
- Verify the driver's license plate matches your receipt
- Pre-book a transfer for zero scam risk (see below)
Don't
- Never accept rides from drivers approaching you inside arrivals
- Never enter a taxi without confirming meter/price first
- Avoid taxi ranks OUTSIDE the official signposted zone
- Do not pay in cash without seeing the meter reading
- Never hand over your passport or luggage to hold as "security"
Official safe options at GIG
Yellow taxi (metered)
taxi
Cost: BRL 80-120 ($16-24)
Time: 30-50 min
Insist meter is running. Do not use pre-negotiated rates.
Uber / 99
ride share
Cost: BRL 60-100 ($12-20)
Time: 30-50 min
Uber + 99 (local) are both safe + widely used.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer — zero scam risk
The safest option for first-time visitors to Rio de Janeiro: driver meets you inside arrivals with your name, price locked before you fly, no queues, no negotiation.
Getting out of Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
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Full Rio de Janeiro airport transport guide
All transport options compared: metro, bus, taxi, ride-share, shuttle.
See full transport guide →Frequently asked
How do I avoid taxi scams at Galeão International Airport?
Never take a taxi from someone approaching you inside the terminal. Only use the yellow taxi rank or app-based rides.
What is the official taxi rank at Galeão International Airport?
The official Rio de Janeiro airport taxi options are: Yellow taxi (metered) (BRL 80-120 ($16-24), 30-50 min); Uber / 99 (BRL 60-100 ($12-20), 30-50 min).
Is Uber safer than a taxi at Galeão International Airport?
App-based ride-share (Uber, Grab, Careem, Bolt or similar depending on region) is generally the safest option for tourists at Galeão International Airport — pricing is locked before pickup, no negotiation, driver + vehicle details are recorded. If ride-share is unavailable, use the OFFICIAL prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals (not lobby touts).
Should I pre-book a transfer from Galeão International Airport?
Pre-booking a fixed-price airport transfer eliminates all scam risk: no queues, no negotiation, driver meets you inside arrivals with your name. Price is locked before you fly. This is the most tourist-friendly option, especially for first-time visitors to Rio de Janeiro.