Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is in the Centro, on the edge of the bay, much closer to Zona Sul than Galeão. To get to Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon you have two options: public transportation, combining the VLT light rail and the metro, or a ride-hailing car or taxi to your door. The choice depends mostly on your luggage.
At a glance
- VLT + metro: the VLT leaves from the Santos Dumont stop and connects with the metro at Cinelândia or Carioca. That's two fares: R$ 5.00 for the VLT and R$ 7.90 for the metro.
- Large suitcases: the VLT doesn't allow "large items." With big luggage, a car or taxi is a better choice.
- App or taxi: select SDU in the app and follow the pickup instructions it gives you after you request the ride.
- Hours: the VLT runs daily from 5:00 to 23:00; the metro from 5:00 to midnight Monday to Saturday and from 7:00 to 23:00 on Sundays and holidays.
By VLT and metro
According to VLT Carioca ↗, lines 1 (Santos Dumont–Terminal Gentileza) and 3 (Santos Dumont–Central) start at the Santos Dumont stop, which serves the airport. Both stop at Cinelândia and Carioca, the third and fourth stops on the route, where you can transfer to the metro.
- Take the VLT at the Santos Dumont stop, line 1 or 3.
- Get off at Cinelândia or Carioca and walk into the metro station.
- Take Metro Line 1 toward General Osório. For Copacabana, get off at Cardeal Arcoverde, Siqueira Campos or Cantagalo; for Ipanema, at General Osório.
- For the rest of Ipanema and Leblon there are Nossa Senhora da Paz, Jardim de Alah and Antero de Quental stations, listed on Line 4. Check the MetrôRio ↗ trip planner to see whether you need to transfer.
Lines, frequencies and how to validate are in how to ride the VLT.
How to pay
- VLT: R$ 5.00 per ride, with the Jaé card (bought and topped up at the stop machines or through the app) or with a QR code generated in the Jaé app, according to the VLT user guide ↗. The machines take bills but don't give change. The guide doesn't mention contactless bank card payment.
- Metro: R$ 7.90. According to MetrôRio's FAQ ↗, you can tap a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard or Elo), phone or watch on validators showing the contactless symbol.
We didn't find an integrated VLT–metro fare: budget for two fares.
The luggage problem
The VLT doesn't allow "large items" or bags that block circulation. If you're traveling with a large suitcase, this route won't work for you. With a backpack or a carry-on, on the other hand, it's the cheapest option.
Ride-hailing app or taxi
This is the simplest option with luggage or if you land at night. According to Uber ↗, the pickup point at SDU is set when you request the ride: it can be the Uber Lounge or the central island at the departures entrance, and it varies with the time and airport rules. Follow the app's step-by-step instructions.
If you prefer a taxi, take an identified one by following the airport signs and ask for the estimated fare before getting in. Don't accept ride offers inside the terminal.
What if you land at Galeão?
Galeão (GIG) is a different airport, far from Zona Sul, with other options. Check your flight code and, if it's GIG, see how to get from Galeão to Copacabana and Ipanema.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk from the airport to the metro?
The metro isn't at the airport. The practical option is the VLT, which leaves from the Santos Dumont stop and reaches Cinelândia in two stops.
Does the VLT run at night?
Until 23:00, every day. If your flight lands later, book a car or take a taxi.
Is the VLT worth it if I'm staying in Leblon?
It depends on your luggage. If you're traveling light, the VLT and metro will get you close; check the MetrôRio planner for the connection to your station. For the rest of your trips, see how to get around Rio.
Which area should I stay in?
Compare Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Botafogo in where to stay in Rio.
Sources: VLT Carioca: FAQ ↗, user guide ↗ and maps ↗, MetrôRio: FAQ ↗ and stations ↗, and Uber: SDU pickup ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.