Getting There

By Plane

Most major airlines fly to Rio de Janeiro, sometimes with a stop or connection in São Paulo. Carriers departing from the U.S. include United Airlines (tel. 0800/162-323 or 021/3213-5001); American Airlines (tel. 0300/789-7778 or 11/4502-4000); Delta Airlines (tel. 0800/221-121) and Continental Airlines (tel. 0800/702-7500). From Canada, Air Canada (tel. 021/2220-5343) and its partner Varig (tel. 021/4003-7000) provide daily flights. European carriers include Air France (tel. 021/3212-1818); Lufthansa (tel. 021/4503-5000); and British Airways/Qantas (tel. 0300/789-6140). Brazilian airline TAM (tel. 021/3212-9300 or 0300/123-1000) also offers regular service from within South America, North America, and Europe.

Rio de Janeiro's Antônio Carlos Jobim Airport (tel. 021/3398-4527), more commonly known as Galeão Airport, is 20km (12 miles) from downtown. The second terminal, Terminal 2, is used by Varig and its Star Alliance partners. All other airlines use Terminal 1, which is connected to Terminal 2 by a walkway.

On the third floor of Terminal 1 is a Banco do Brasil office (open daily 8am-10pm), as well as ATMs of HSBC and Banco 24 Horas, both of which use the Visa/PLUS system. The American Express office (open daily 6:30am-10pm) is located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2.

Taxis at Galeão are a challenge. Drivers will start to hassle you the minute you step through the sliding doors. The safe bet is to buy a prepaid fare at the Transcoopass desk in the arrivals hall (tel. 021/2560-4888; all major credit cards accepted). Rates range from R$58 (US$24) to Flamengo, and R$60 to R$67 (US$25-US$28) to the beach hotels of Copacabana and Ipanema. Pre-paid taxis are about 30% more expensive, but give you peace of mind; it doesn't matter if you get stuck in traffic or the driver takes the long route. On the other hand, if you know what you're doing (or can bluff), you can cut those prices significantly just by hailing a regular taxi out front of the terminal. Meters start at R$3.60 (US$1.50), and a ride to Copacabana should cost about R$40 (US$19) in average traffic conditions, less in light traffic. Note that if you don't know what you're doing, your friendly Rio taxi man may well take you on a detour long enough to double that price, or even claim the meter reads in dollars.

Realtur/Reitur Turismo (tel. 0800/240-850) runs an airport bus service to the tourist areas along the beaches of Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Barra da Tijuca. From 5:30am to 11pm a bus departs every 30 minutes and takes approximately 1 hour to make the full trip from the airport to Barra. R$6 (US$2.50) per person. Note that it only stops on the beach avenue. Check with your hotel to see if it's within walking distance of the bus stop.

Do Your Duty-Free Shopping Upon Arrival -- The international airport in Rio de Janeiro has a duty-free shop upon arrival before Customs, where you can buy up to $500 of goods.

Santos Dumont Airport -- Rio's second airport, Santos Dumont, Praça Senador Salgado Filho (tel. 021/3814-7070), is located downtown. Surrounded by the Baia de Guanabara and a hop and a skip from the Sugarloaf, this scenic airport is used by TAM, Gol, and Varig for the Rio-São Paulo shuttles. The Realtur bus stops at Santos Dumont on its way to and from the international airport. The bus trip from Santos Dumont to Copacabana takes about 20 minutes. Taxis are available in front of the airport; a ride to Ipanema costs about R$30 (US$13). Prepaid vouchers can also be purchased at the taxi counter in the arrivals hall. A variety of bank machines, including a Banco do Brasil and HSBC ATM, are located at the center entrance of the airport.

By Bus

All long-distance buses arrive at the Novo Rio Rodoviaria, Av. Francisco Bicalho 1, Santo Cristo (tel. 021/3213-1800; www.novorio.com.br), located close to downtown in the old port section of the city. Going to or from the bus station it's best to use a taxi. It's not a great area to walk around with all of your belongings. Prepaid taxi vouchers are available at the booth next to the taxi stand. A ride from the bus station to Ipanema will cost about R$35 (US$15) prepaid.

By Cruise Ship

Cruise ships dock in the terminal almost opposite Praça Mauá. Downtown is an easy walk, and public transit is close by. If returning to the ship after dark, it's best to take a taxi. Praça Mauá becomes a red-light district in the evening.