$233 Cheap Flights to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
One-way
Departing from
United States
Going to
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Brazil • March, 2026
95% AI deal score
$1,430 $576
Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Brazil • January, 2026
94% AI deal score
$1,165 $233
Top Cheap Flight Deals from United States to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
Recent round-trip flight deals to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
Mon, May 4 - Wed, Jun 3
Cheapest
Washington, D.C. (IAD) - Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Avianca airlines • 1 stop • Bogotá (BOG)
Rio de Janeiro (GIG) - Washington, D.C. (IAD)
Avianca airlines • 1 stop • Bogotá (BOG)
$725
$487
-$238
33%
Fri, Mar 6 - Thu, Mar 12
Miami (MIA) - Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Sky Airline airlines • 1 stop • Santiago de Chile (SCL)
Rio de Janeiro (GIG) - Miami (MIA)
Copa Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Panama (PTY)
$620
$488
-$132
21%
Fri, Mar 6 - Sun, Mar 8
Miami (MIA) - Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Sky Airline airlines • 1 stop • Santiago de Chile (SCL)
Rio de Janeiro (GIG) - Miami (MIA)
Copa Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Panama (PTY)
$620
$490
-$130
21%
Tue, May 5 - Fri, May 8
Washington, D.C. (IAD) - Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Avianca airlines • 1 stop • Bogotá (BOG)
Rio de Janeiro (GIG) - Washington, D.C. (IAD)
Avianca airlines • 1 stop • Bogotá (BOG)
$725
$491
-$234
32%
Fri, Mar 6 - Mon, Mar 9
Miami (MIA) - Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Sky Airline airlines • 1 stop • Santiago de Chile (SCL)
Rio de Janeiro (GIG) - Miami (MIA)
Copa Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Panama (PTY)
$620
$491
-$129
21%
Mon, May 4 - Fri, May 8
Washington, D.C. (IAD) - Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Avianca airlines • 1 stop • Bogotá (BOG)
Rio de Janeiro (GIG) - Washington, D.C. (IAD)
Avianca airlines • 1 stop • Bogotá (BOG)
$725
$491
-$234
32%
The cheapest time to fly to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
Facts About Flights from United States to Rio de Janeiro
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick Rio de Janeiro flight facts and tips.
Rio de Janeiro airports
Rio de Janeiro is served by three public airports: Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG), Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), and Jacarepaguá Airport (RRJ). GIG is the primary international airport, handling the majority of international and long-distance domestic flights. It's located further from the city center and offers a wider range of services and connections. SDU, in contrast, is located closer to downtown Rio and mainly handles domestic flights, particularly those using air shuttles to Sao Paulo and other major Brazilian cities. RRJ is a smaller airport catering mainly to general aviation, private flights, and offshore helicopter operations, serving the oil industry.
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Santos Dumont (SDU)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Jacarepaguá Airport (RRJ)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Pro tip: search “Rio de Janeiro (Any)” to see fares to all Rio de Janeiro airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
Cheapest airport
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport, also known as Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG), is one of the two main airports serving Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While not downtown, GIG is well-connected and usually offers a wider array of flight deals, making it a savvy choice for budget travelers looking to samba in Rio!
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport connects you to over 20 cities, acting as a secondary, but important, airport in Brazil, with popular routes to São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Lisbon.
Number of airlines
GIG Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
GIG airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Sun, Fri
Based on the provided data, Thursday has the highest chance of finding the cheapest deals for Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport. Sunday also showed a high count, indicating it could be another good day to search for deals.
Avg. deal survival time
13.0 hours
Deals from Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport typically last around 13.0 hours. This means you should book quickly once you find a deal you like!
Rare deal frequency
10 deals
In the past month, we've identified 10 rare flight deals for Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport. These rare deals, which include mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts, earned an AI Deal Score of 90+.
Average price drop
-69%
The average price drop for flights to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport is 68.9%, which means you could potentially save a significant amount on your airfare. Waiting for prices to drop could be a smart strategy if you're flexible with your travel dates and looking for the best deal to this destination.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Rio de Janeiro Flight Forecast
Based on current trends, flights to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International are expected to remain stable next month. There are no significant price drops or increases anticipated in the near future.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on January 2
Washington, D.C. - GIG
$1,425 → $255
82%
Found on January 7
Puebla - GIG
$5,850 → $1,040
82%
Found on January 6
Toronto - GIG
$1,320 → $255
81%
Found on January 6
Chicago - GIG
$1,165 → $234
80%
Found on January 5
Houston - GIG
$1,500 → $304
80%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near GIG sometimes drop rare deals too:
Tancredo Neves International (CNF)
~7 rare deals/month
São Paulo–Guarulhos International (GRU)
~13 rare deals/month
Viracopos International (VCP)
~4 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially CNF and GRU for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly from United States to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International:
Cheapest month
May
Cheapest month
May is your golden ticket to experiencing Rio de Janeiro without emptying your pockets! The weather is still delightful, offering a sweet spot between the summer heat and the cooler months. Plus, you'll dodge the peak tourist crowds, leaving you more space to samba through the city's vibrant streets.
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
If you're hunting for flight deals to Rio, Tuesdays might just be your best friend. Airlines often roll out their deals early in the week, making Tuesday a prime day to snag those discounted fares. Keep an eye on those mid-week steals and get ready to book your Brazilian adventure!
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
To save some serious reais on your flight to Rio, consider flying on a Wednesday. Mid-week flights often come with a lighter price tag compared to weekend getaways. Plus, arriving mid-week gives you a head start on exploring the city before the weekend crowds descend.
Advance booking sweet spot
2 Months
Advance booking sweet spot
For flights to Rio de Janeiro, booking about 2 months ahead of your trip can unlock some sweet deals! This timeframe often hits the sweet spot where airlines balance filling seats and offering reasonable prices. Start your search early, and you might just snag a fantastic fare for your Brazilian getaway!
Rio de Janeiro Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which Rio de Janeiro airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to Rio de Janeiro’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG)
Galeão Airport, also known as Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport, is the primary international airport serving Rio de Janeiro. It's a bustling hub with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and duty-free stores to keep you entertained while you wait for your flight. Getting to and from the city center is relatively straightforward, with options like taxis, buses, and even a modern BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system. The airport has undergone significant renovations in recent years, making it a more pleasant and efficient travel experience. Just keep an eye on the arrival/departure screens, as it can get quite busy!
Tip: Consider using the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system to save money on transportation to the city!
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Santos Dumont Airport is the smaller, more centrally located airport in Rio, primarily serving domestic flights. It's known for its stunning views of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain, making for a memorable arrival or departure. The airport offers a selection of cafes and shops, but it's smaller scale means fewer options compared to Galeão. Reaching downtown Rio from SDU is quick and easy via taxi, bus, or even a pleasant walk if you're up for it. Due to its location and shorter runway, only certain aircraft can operate here, so don't be surprised if you end up on a smaller plane.
What to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in Rio de Janeiro, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & landmarks
Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Don't miss the vibrant Selarón Steps and historic sites like the Copacabana Fort for a taste of Rio's rich history and stunning scenery.
Arts & culture
Immerse yourself in Rio's vibrant arts scene by visiting the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) and exploring the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, known for its cobblestone streets and art galleries. Experience the energy of samba at a local bloco or samba school, where you can witness the city's passionate expression of music and dance.
Food & nightlife
Indulge in Rio's culinary delights, from feijoada (black bean stew) to fresh seafood at beachside kiosks. As the sun sets, Copacabana and Ipanema come alive with bustling bars and live music venues, offering a taste of Rio's vibrant nightlife scene. For a more traditional experience, head to Lapa, known for its samba clubs and street parties.
Shopping & fashion
Discover Rio's fashion scene in Ipanema and Leblon, where you'll find high-end boutiques and local designer stores. For a more authentic shopping experience, visit the bustling markets of Saara, offering a variety of goods from clothing to souvenirs. Don't forget to check out the Havaianas stores for iconic Brazilian flip-flops.
Events in Rio de Janeiro This Month
réveillon the rock bar
Get ready to rock in the New Year at Réveillon The Rock Bar, taking place at ExC.Rio in Rio de Janeiro on December 31, 2025. Tickets are available now for this unforgettable celebration.
Rio de Janeiro Weather
Weather in Rio de Janeiro
Wed, Jan 7
10%
28° 24°
10%
Thu, Jan 8
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International flights:
Be Flexible with Your Dates: Flying mid-week or during the off-season can dramatically lower your ticket price. Think of it as playing travel roulette—except the prize is a cheaper flight to Rio!
Consider Alternative Airports: Sometimes, flying into a smaller airport near Rio can save you a bundle. It might be a bit further, but your wallet will thank you for the extra legwork!
