As Brazil’s second-busiest air travel hub, Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport is the gateway to the world’s sexiest city. It’s the heart and soul of Rio’s buzzing tourism scene, with passengers making a beeline for iconic city sites like Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and of course, the city’s infamous samba bars.

Servicing destinations across the globe, Rio de Janeiro-Galeao offers passengers all the frills that go hand in hand with international travel. The terminals feature a fantastic selection of shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as several convenient and comfortable airport hotels.

The airport is located 20 kilometres from the Rio city centre, with the drive taking just 30 minutes. There are a handful of on-site car rental agencies, which makes it easy to pick up a set of wheels and hit the road. It’s also possible to reach the airport by public bus, though the journey can be lengthy.

In true Brazilian style, Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport draws its name from a golden stretch of sand. Located in front of the original passenger terminal, Galleon Beach was once an untouched oceanfront strip. In 1923 a School of Naval Aviation was built near the site, which went on to grow into one of South America’s biggest airports.