VOLO
Overview
Rio de Janeiro is a city of dramatic beauty, where lush mountains plunge into golden beaches beneath the gaze of Christ the Redeemer. Copacabana and Ipanema remain icons of coastal glamour, while Tijuca's rainforest offers wilderness within city limits. The energy of samba, the sophistication of Leblon's dining scene, and sunsets over Sugarloaf create moments of pure magic.
Gallery
Getting There
Santos Dumont Airport in downtown Rio offers quick access for regional and domestic private flights with stunning harbor approaches. Galeão International Airport handles intercontinental heavy jets with full private aviation infrastructure.
SDU
Santos Dumont Airport
Primary
GIG
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport
Secondary
From Miami
8h
From New York
9.5h
From Buenos Aires
3h
From São Paulo
1h
Why Fly Private
Rio's stunning geography means Santos Dumont Airport is one of the most scenic urban airports on Earth, but it sees limited commercial traffic. Private aviation is the best way to use this centrally located airport and avoid the long taxi ride from Galeao International. During Carnival, New Year's Eve, and major events, commercial flights are overbooked and ground traffic is chaotic — private aviation with helicopter transfers is the only stress-free option.
Private Jet Experience
For a truly iconic arrival, land at Santos Dumont Airport in downtown Rio with its spectacular harbour approach, where Sugarloaf Mountain rises directly beside the runway. A premium ground handler expedites your arrival, and a chauffeured BMW 7 Series delivers you to Copacabana or Leblon in fifteen minutes. Intercontinental flights land at Galeao, where a helicopter transfer to the city provides breathtaking views of Christ the Redeemer.
Luxury Experiences
- Private helicopter tour over Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf
- Yacht charter along the Costa Verde
- Exclusive samba school rehearsal visits
- Guided hiking in Tijuca National Park
- Sunset cocktails at a private Vidigal terrace
Where to Stay
Belmond Copacabana Palace
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
Janeiro Hotel
Emiliano Rio
Practical Information
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Language
Portuguese
Timezone
BRT (UTC-3)
Visa
US citizens need a visa or eVisa. EU and Canadian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Visa requirements change frequently so check current regulations.
Tipping
10% service charge usually included. Additional 5% for exceptional service. Hotel porters receive BRL 10-20.
Emergency
190 (police), 192 (ambulance), 193 (fire)
Frequently Asked Questions
What airports serve private jets in Rio de Janeiro?
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) in downtown Rio handles regional and domestic private flights with an incredible harbour approach. Galeao International Airport (GIG) accommodates heavy intercontinental jets with full FBO and customs services. Helicopter transfers between the two airports take just 10 minutes.
How much does a private jet to Rio cost from New York?
A heavy jet from New York to Rio de Janeiro costs approximately $60,000-$90,000 one-way with a flight time of about 9.5 hours. Ultra-long-range aircraft like the Gulfstream G650ER or Bombardier Global 7500 are recommended for nonstop service. Prices increase significantly during Carnival season.
Can I take a helicopter tour of Rio?
Absolutely. A private helicopter tour over Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema is one of the most spectacular urban aerial experiences in the world. VOLO arranges custom helicopter charters departing from both Santos Dumont and the Lagoa helipad near Ipanema.
When is the best time to visit Rio by private jet?
May through October offers pleasant temperatures of 20-28C with less humidity. However, Carnival in February and New Year's Eve celebrations are Rio's most iconic events. For beach weather, December through March provides the warmest conditions. VOLO recommends avoiding the peak summer rains in January.
Best Time to Visit
May to October (cooler dry season)
Climate
Tropical savanna climate with hot, humid summers and warm, drier winters; temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C year-round.
Nearby Destinations
Insider Tip
Arrange a private boat to Ilha Grande for pristine beaches without the crowds — the journey from Angra dos Reis takes under an hour by speedboat.
Recommended Aircraft
For travel to Rio de Janeiro, we recommend the following Heavy Jet aircraft:
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