Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Rio de Janeiro, BR 🇧🇷 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
SBRJ
IATA
SDU
Elevation
11 ft
Region
BR-RJ
Local Time
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GPS Code: SBRJ
Local Code: RJ0002
Location: -22.9105° N, -43.163101° E
Continent: South America
Type: Medium Airport
Keywords: RIO
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) generally receives positive traveler sentiment, often praised for its unparalleled scenic approach into Rio de Janeiro and its convenient central location. Travelers appreciate its modern appearance and efficient operations, although some specific issues, particularly concerning overnight stays and services, are noted.
What Travelers Love
- Scenic Approach: The landing and takeoff views over Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer are consistently highlighted as breathtaking and among the best in the world.
- Central Location: SDU is exceptionally well-located, just 2 km from downtown Rio, making it very convenient for accessing main hotels and tourist areas.
- Efficiency and Modernity: The airport is described as fast, efficient, visually clean, and recently remodeled, offering a modern and aesthetically pleasing experience.
- Terminal Access and Facilities: Check-in and security processes are generally efficient. The terminal provides various services, including banks, free WiFi, ATMs, and currency exchange.
- Dining Options: Its direct connection to the Bossa Nova Mall significantly expands dining choices, including coffee shops, restaurants, and fast food.
- Transportation Connections: Excellent public transport links, including the VLT (light rail) stop right outside the terminal, provide easy and affordable access to the city and metro system.
Common Complaints
- Overnight Closure and Comfort: The airport officially closes at 11:00 PM and reopens around 4:30 AM, posing challenges for travelers with late arrivals or early departures who wish to stay overnight, as seating is limited and staff may move people.
- Limited Night Services: During closure hours, food and drink options are unavailable, with only vending machines present in some areas.
- Temperature Variations: As it's an "open" terminal, temperatures can vary, and it can get cold at certain times of the year.
- Flight Rerouting due to Weather: Due to its waterfront location and surrounding hills, flights may be rerouted to Galeão (GIG) in bad weather conditions like fog or heavy rain.
- Taxi Driver Reliability: Some travelers report that taxi drivers in Rio, particularly from SDU, can be "tricky" compared to other parts of Brazil, recommending alternatives like Uber or VLT.
- Small Structure: Despite modernizations, some feel the overall structure is small, and there are limitations on the number of operations per hour due to short runway lengths.
Overall, Santos Dumont Airport is highly regarded for its stunning location and efficient domestic travel experience, making it a preferred choice for many flying within Brazil. However, travelers should be aware of its operational hours and plan accordingly, especially for overnight stays or during periods of inclement weather.
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Airport Routes
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) offers 8 flight routes operated by 3 airlines. Major carriers include LATAM Brasil, Azul Brazilian Airlines and GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes. Popular destinations from Rio de Janeiro include São Paulo-Congonhas, Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek Int'l, Tancredo Neves Int'l, São Paulo-Guarulhos Int'l and Viracopos Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Santos Dumont AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LATAM Brasil
TAM
/ JJ
|
2 | 13 | 2 | Oct 18, 2025 |
Azul Brazilian Airlines
AZU
/ AD
|
4 | 12 | 4 | Oct 18, 2025 |
GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes
GLO
/ G3
|
2 | 8 | 2 | Jul 29, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
02L/20R |
4134 ft | 98 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
02R/20L |
4341 ft | 138 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | RIO CON | 119.35 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 132.65 MHz |
| CLD | TFC | 121.05 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.7 MHz |
| TWR | RIO TWR | 118.7 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official taxi stands are located just outside the arrivals hall. You can choose between common yellow taxis (metered) and special radio taxis (fixed, pre-paid rates). Ride-sharing services like Uber and 99 are also widely available with designated pickup points at the airport.
Rental Cars
Major car rental agencies such as Localiza, Movida, and Unidas have service desks inside the arrivals terminal. It is recommended to book your vehicle in advance, particularly during peak seasons, to ensure availability and better rates.
Public Transportation
The VLT (Veículo Leve sobre Trilhos) light rail system has a station directly at the airport, providing a modern and efficient connection to Rio's city center (Centro), the main bus station (Rodoviária Novo Rio), and the metro system via the Cinelândia station. Additionally, several municipal bus lines stop near the airport, offering routes to the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema) and other areas.
Nearby Airports
Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport
Rio De Janeiro, BR
Large International Airport Scheduled Service
Francisco de Assis Airport
Juiz de Fora, BR
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport
Rio De Janeiro, BR
Large International Airport Scheduled Service
Francisco de Assis Airport
Juiz de Fora, BR
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
External Links & Resources
Official Resources
Public Transportation