Jacarepaguá Airport

Jacarepaguá – Roberto Marinho Airport (RRJ) is not just a transport hub, but a true "boutique" air gateway to the elite district of Barra da Tijuca. Unlike the large international hubs of Rio, an atmosphere of exclusivity and business activity reigns here: instead of huge airliners, you will more often see private jets and streams of helicopters heading to oil platforms. For travellers who value their time, this airport has become a secret trump card, allowing access to the western part of the city or flights to São Paulo, bypassing the megacity's multi-hour traffic jams.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Unique Location. Jacarepaguá is located in the very heart of Rio's modern business life — the Barra da Tijuca district. It is the ideal arrival point for those heading to the Olympic Park, the RioCentro exhibition centre, or the famous beaches of the West Zone, allowing you to save up to an hour on transfer time compared to Galeão Airport.

Speed of Service. Thanks to its compact size and specialisation in business aviation, security and boarding procedures here are lightning-fast. Passengers on scheduled flights (such as Azul Conecta) can often arrive at the terminal just 15–20 minutes before departure.

Helicopter Hub. The airport is one of the busiest heliports in Latin America. It is a key base for offshore flights, so watching the constant take-offs and landings of rotary-wing aircraft has become a distinctive feature of the location.

Exclusive "Air Bridge". Direct flights on small but comfortable aircraft (such as the Cessna Grand Caravan) operate from here to the very centre of São Paulo (Congonhas Airport). This is a popular route for business people, allowing travel between Brazil's two economic capitals with maximum convenience and scenic coastal views during the flight.

• Official Airport Website: paxaeroportos.com.br (portal of the managing company PAX Aeroportos).
• Information Desk Phone: +55 (21) 2432-7070.
• Airport Address: Av. Ayrton Senna, 2541 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22775-003, Brasil (Brazil).
• Email: contato@paxaeroportos.com.br.
• Airport Social Media: Current news is published on the official PAX Aeroportos pages on Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Lost and Found: It is recommended to contact your airline staff directly or the airport administration via the general phone number.
• Customer Support Contacts: The "Fale Conosco" (Contact Us) feedback form is available on the managing company's official website.

Getting to Jacarepaguá Airport (RRJ) is significantly easier than it might seem, thanks to its location on one of the main avenues of the Barra da Tijuca district — Avenida Ayrton Senna. Since this air terminal mainly serves business aviation and regional flights, the transport infrastructure around it is oriented towards comfort and speed, although public transport is also well-developed here.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps

The most popular and convenient way to reach the airport is by using taxis or apps (Uber, 99). In Rio de Janeiro, these services operate reliably and safely.

• From the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema): The trip will take between 40 and 60 minutes with light traffic. The cost varies from 60 to 90 Brazilian Reais (BRL).
• From the Centre (Centro): Travel time is about 50–70 minutes, cost — 70–100 BRL.
• Recommendation: Please note that during peak hours (from 17:00 to 19:30), roads towards Barra da Tijuca are heavily congested, and travel time may increase by one and a half to two times.

Public Transport: Metro + BRT

For those who prefer budget-friendly options or want to avoid traffic jams in tunnels, a combination of the metro and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an excellent solution. This is a reliable route allowing for a fairly accurate arrival time calculation.

1. Metro: Take Line 4 (Linha 4 — Amarela) and travel to the final station, Jardim Oceânico. This line connects the tourist-heavy South Zone with the western part of the city.

2. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit): Upon exiting the metro, transfer to the BRT line (Transoeste). You need to get off at the Aeroporto de Jacarepaguá station. The station is located literally a few steps from the terminal entrance.

The cost of a single metro trip is about 7 BRL, and the BRT is about 4.30 BRL. Payment requires a RioCard transport card, which can be purchased and topped up at stations.

Car Rental and Parking

Counters of popular rental companies (e.g., Localiza) are present at the airport, which is very convenient for business travellers. If you are driving your own or a rented car, head towards Av. Ayrton Senna. The airport provides parking located directly in front of the terminal. It is paid, but the rates are generally more affordable than at major international hubs.

Connections to Other Airports

Passengers often use Jacarepaguá to transfer to private flights or helicopters after arriving at the city's main air gateways. Distances to major hubs:

• 25–30 km to Galeão – Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. A taxi ride will take about 40–50 minutes without traffic (via the "Yellow Line" / Linha Amarela).
• 30–35 km to the city airport Santos Dumont Airport, located in central Rio. Travel time is about one hour.

If your journey involves flights to other regional destinations in the state, it is worth knowing about alternative airfields such as Maricá Municipal Airport (about 60 km) or Angra dos Reis (about 100 km), however, there are no direct transfers between them and Jacarepaguá; a taxi or car rental will be required.

The structure of Jacarepaguá Airport (RRJ) differs radically from the familiar international hubs. There are no confusing mazes, long travelators, or trains between terminals here. The entire terminal complex is designed on the principle of maximum compactness and efficiency, creating the feeling of being in a private flying club rather than a standard city airport.

Number of Terminals and Layout

The airport has one small passenger terminal (TPS — Terminal de Passageiros), which serves all scheduled flights (for example, by Azul Conecta). The building is single-storey, and navigation within it is intuitive: the entrance, check-in counters, security zone, and boarding gate are located literally within direct line of sight of each other.

Besides the main building, the airfield grounds host numerous hangars belonging to private companies, air taxi operators, and offshore aviation. However, a regular tourist or business traveller flying on a scheduled flight only needs to focus on the central entrance to the main terminal.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The space inside the terminal is organised concisely:

• Departure Zone: Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself at the check-in counters. Due to the low passenger flow, queues are rare here. After checking in luggage and receiving a boarding pass, passengers pass through a security checkpoint into a small waiting hall (Sala de Embarque).
• Arrival Zone: Arrival is organised as simply as possible. After landing, passengers proceed to the baggage claim area. Given the size of the aircraft served here (usually Cessna Grand Caravan), luggage is often handed out manually or on a small belt, and the entire process takes mere minutes.

Navigation and Boarding Features

There are no jet bridges ("sleeves") at Jacarepaguá. Boarding and disembarking are carried out on foot across the apron. This adds a special charm to the journey: you walk to the plane across the airfield, feeling the sea breeze and watching the active movement of helicopters. Airport staff escort passengers from the terminal door directly to the aircraft stairs.

Processing Time

The main advantage of RRJ is saving time. There is no need to arrive 2–3 hours before departure here.

• Check-in and Security: Usually take from 5 to 15 minutes.
• Recommended Arrival Time: Airlines advise arriving at the airport 30–40 minutes before departure time. This is quite sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing and have a cup of coffee.

Recommendations for Passengers

The terminal is equipped with basic amenities: there is a small cafe, restrooms, and a seating area. However, it is worth remembering that this is not a shopping and entertainment complex. There are no Duty Free shops or extensive food courts here. Jacarepaguá Airport is a place for those who value speed: arrive, check in, and fly.

The history of Jacarepaguá Airport (RRJ) is inextricably linked with the rapid development of the Barra da Tijuca district, which transformed from a deserted coastline into the "Brazilian Miami". This air terminal, which began its journey as a modest field for enthusiasts, has over time transformed into one of the most intensive aviation hubs in the country, playing a key role in the world's largest sporting events.

Birth and Early Years

Construction of the airport began in 1969, when the Barra da Tijuca district was just starting to be built up. The official opening took place on 19 January 1971. Initially, it was under the jurisdiction of the Brazilian Ministry of Aviation and was conceived as an airfield for general aviation and flight schools. In those years, the romance of private flying reigned here: small planes and gliders were the main guests of the runway.

The "Black Gold" Era and Helicopter Boom

A turning point in the airport's history came in the 1980s with the active development of oil fields in the Campos Basin (Bacia de Campos). Thanks to its strategic location, Jacarepaguá became the main rear base for the company Petrobras. The airport began to rapidly accumulate helicopter hangars, turning into a key hub for transporting personnel and cargo to offshore platforms. It was this period that cemented its status as a leader in the number of rotary-wing aircraft.

Sporting Glory and Modernisation

A new cycle of development occurred in the 21st century when Rio de Janeiro became the capital of major international competitions. In preparation for the 2007 Pan American Games, the airport underwent major reconstruction: the runway was renovated, and infrastructure for receiving business jets was improved. Even more significant changes occurred before the 2016 Olympic Games, as the main Olympic venues were located literally next door. During this period, the airport operated at maximum capacity, serving delegations and VIP guests.

A Name on the Map

In 2008, the airport was officially named Roberto Marinho — in honour of the famous Brazilian journalist and media mogul, founder of the largest media group, Globo. This decision highlighted the facility's significance for the city's business and cultural life.

Recent History

For a long time, the airport was managed by the state company Infraero. However, in recent years, Brazil has set a course for attracting private investment. As a result of an auction, management passed to the private consortium PAX Aeroportos, which plans further modernisation of the terminal, development of commercial zones, and improvement of passenger comfort levels, while preserving the airport's unique boutique spirit.

Interesting Facts:

• Neighbourhood with Formula 1: For a long time, the airport was situated side-by-side with the legendary Jacarepaguá Autodrome (Autódromo de Jacarepaguá), where stages of the Brazilian Grand Prix were held. Formula 1 drivers often landed right here, literally a stone's throw from the track. The autodrome was later dismantled to build the Olympic Park.
• Traffic Record Holder: Despite its modest size, in certain periods Jacarepaguá held leading positions in Latin America for the number of helicopter take-offs and landings, surpassing many large international airports.
• Film Set: Picturesque views of the mountains and lagoon, as well as the multitude of private planes, made the airport a popular location for filming scenes in Brazilian telenovelas and films when it was necessary to show the luxurious life of characters.

The infrastructure of Jacarepaguá Airport (RRJ) differs radically from what passengers are accustomed to in large international hubs. Here you will not find multi-storey shopping galleries or food courts with dozens of restaurants. The concept of this airport is "fly in and drive off", so the range of services in the public terminal is minimal but sufficient for a comfortable short wait. At the same time, the private aviation sector offers premium-class service in separate hangars.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

In the main passenger terminal, the choice of establishments is limited, due to the specific nature of short regional flights and business trips.

• Dining: Usually, a small cafeteria (lanchonete) or snack bar is in operation. Here you can drink famous Brazilian coffee, order "pão de queijo" (cheese buns), sandwiches, soft drinks, or light snacks before departure. There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals in the public zone.
• Shops: Duty Free is absent. Retail points are presented in the format of small kiosks with press, souvenirs, or necessities. If you need to buy something substantial, it is better to do so in the shopping centres of the Barra da Tijuca district before arriving at the airport.

Lounges and VIP Service

Service at Jacarepaguá is clearly divided into two categories:

• General Waiting Hall: For passengers on scheduled flights (e.g., Azul Conecta), there is a clean and air-conditioned hall with seating. It is located immediately after the security checkpoint.
• VIP Service: The main luxury is concentrated in the private hangars of FBO (Fixed Base Operator) companies, such as Líder Aviação or Omni. These zones serve private jet owners and charter helicopter passengers. Lounge areas with soft furnishings, catering, meeting rooms, and personal concierge services are available there. Access is possible only for clients of the respective aviation companies.

Connectivity and Finance

• Wi-Fi and Charging: Free Wi-Fi is generally available in the terminal, with speeds sufficient for checking email and messaging apps. Sockets for charging gadgets can be found in the waiting area, but their number is limited, so it is recommended to have a charged power bank.
• Banks and Currency Exchange: There are no full bank branches or currency exchange points in the airport. Usually, an ATM (Banco24Horas) is installed where you can withdraw cash Reais using international cards, but one should not count on complex banking operations here.

Medical Services and Safety

A medical team is on duty at the airport to provide first aid in emergency situations. The first aid post is equipped with basic equipment. In case of serious health problems, the patient is promptly transported to one of the major hospitals in the Barra da Tijuca district (e.g., Hospital Lourenço Jorge), located 5–10 minutes away by car.

Passengers with Children

Specialised playrooms or mother-and-child rooms are not provided in the public terminal due to its small size. However, the check-in and boarding process here is so fast that children rarely get bored waiting. Restrooms are equipped with changing tables.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The single-storey architecture of the terminal makes it very convenient for passengers with limited mobility. There are no stairs, escalators, or long walkways.

• The terminal entrance is equipped with ramps.
• Restrooms are adapted for wheelchair users.
• Airport staff provide full assistance when boarding the aircraft. Since there are no jet bridges and small aircraft are used, special equipment or staff assistance (ambulift is provided upon prior request to the airline) may be used for boarding.

Hotels Nearby

There is no hotel in the airport building itself, but thanks to its location on Avenida Ayrton Senna, the choice of accommodation within a 5–10 minute drive radius is huge:

• ibis Rio de Janeiro Parque Olímpico — an affordable and convenient option located very close to the airport.
• Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro — a high-standard hotel with a pool and excellent service, ideally suited for business travellers.
• Quality Rio de Janeiro - Barra da Tijuca — another popular hotel nearby, offering comfortable rooms and breakfast.
• Venit Barra Hotel — a modern hotel opposite the Olympic Park.

Conference Rooms and Business Centres

There is no business centre in the public terminal. Business meetings can be held either in the VIP lounges of private hangars (if you are flying privately) or in the conference rooms of neighbouring hotels (Hilton, Lagune Barra), which specialise in MICE services and are a few minutes' transfer from the terminal.

The gastronomic map of Jacarepaguá Airport (RRJ) directly reflects its concept of an "express air harbour". Since passengers spend a minimum amount of time here before departure, there is no need for extensive food courts or haute cuisine restaurants in the terminal. Nevertheless, it is difficult to go hungry here: the compact infrastructure offers a classic Brazilian set for a snack.

Cafes and Coffee Shops in the Terminal

Inside the single passenger terminal, in the public zone (Landside) before passing security control, a cafeteria (lanchonete) operates. This is a universal food point, typical for small Brazilian airports.

• Assortment: The focus here is on fresh pastries and drinks. You can order espresso, cappuccino, fresh juices, and fizzy drinks.
• Location: The cafe is located in the main hall, next to the check-in counters. Thanks to the open layout, it is impossible to miss.
• Departure Zone (Airside): After passing security, the waiting area is very compact. Vending machines with water and snacks may be installed there, but there are no full food outlets in the "clean" zone. It is recommended to have a snack before passing control.

Local Specialities: What to Try

Even in such a small cafe, you can get acquainted with the gastronomic symbols of Brazil. This is an ideal option for trying local fast food:

• Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread): Famous Brazilian cheese buns made from cassava flour. At the airport, they are usually served warm; they pair perfectly with strong black coffee.
• Salgados: Various savoury pastries with fillings. Try "coxinha" — a teardrop-shaped croquette with chicken, or patties with shrimp.
• Brigadeiro: This traditional chocolate truffle with condensed milk is often offered for dessert.

Dietary Food (Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal)

Due to the limited assortment, the choice for passengers with strict dietary preferences is small here.

• Vegetarians: Will be able to find cheese buns (they are meat-free but contain eggs and milk) or cheese sandwiches.
• Vegans: Options are extremely limited. Usually, only fruit salads (if available), packet nuts, or crisps are available. It is recommended to bring food with you.
• Gluten-Free Food: Pão de queijo is traditionally made from tapioca flour and does not contain gluten, however, due to possible cross-contamination in the cafe kitchen, people with coeliac disease should be cautious.
• Halal and Kosher: The local cafe does not hold specialised certificates for Halal or Kosher food.

Prices and Opening Hours

• Opening Hours: The cafe adapts to the flight schedule. It usually opens early in the morning (around 06:00) and works until the departure of the last evening flight.
• Price Range: Prices are higher than the city average but lower than in major international airports (GIG or SDU).
  • Coffee + cheese bun: ~15–20 BRL.
  • Sandwich + drink: ~30–40 BRL.

Recommendations: Where to Eat Substantially

If you have time before your flight or have just arrived and want a full lunch, it is best to use the infrastructure of the Barra da Tijuca district, located in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

1. Quick Snack at the Airport: Optimal for morning flights — coffee and pão de queijo will energise you and won't take up time.

2. Full Lunch Nearby (5 minutes drive): Literally next door to the airport (on the same street, Av. Ayrton Senna), there are large shopping centres such as Aerotown Power Center or Via Parque Shopping. They house huge food courts and restaurants with all types of cuisine — from Brazilian steakhouses (churrascaria) to sushi and Italian pasta. This is the best choice for those who want to eat deliciously and variedly before a flight.

Flying from Jacarepaguá Airport is an experience that differs radically from the usual stress of large air harbours. To ensure your journey goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions of the panoramic views of Rio, use these practical tips.

Optimal Arrival Time

RRJ's main trump card is the absence of queues. The standard "arrive 2–3 hours early" rules do not apply here. For domestic scheduled flights (e.g., Azul Conecta), arriving at the terminal 40–50 minutes before departure is considered ideal. This time is more than enough for check-in and security. However, be careful: the road to the airport through Barra da Tijuca traffic may take longer than the flight itself, so allow extra time specifically for the transfer, not for waiting in the terminal.

Check-in and Baggage Nuances

Since flights are operated on small aircraft (most often the Cessna Grand Caravan with a capacity of up to 9 passengers), the procedure has its own peculiarities:

• Weight Control: Be prepared for staff to weigh not only your luggage but also your hand luggage, and sometimes the passengers themselves. This is a standard safety procedure for weight distribution on small aircraft.
• Hand Luggage: Rigid "cabin-size" suitcases that easily fit in the overhead bins of an Airbus or Boeing may not pass here. In aircraft like the Cessna, shelves are very small or non-existent. It is recommended to use soft bags or backpacks. Large hand luggage will likely be taken from you free of charge at the stairs for the luggage compartment and returned immediately after landing (Valet Bag service).
• Prohibited Items: Aviation security rules here are just as strict as everywhere else. Sharp objects, aerosols, and flammable substances cannot be taken into the cabin.

Seat Selection and In-Flight Comfort

A flight from Jacarepaguá is essentially an excursion. Planes fly at a low altitude (about 3000–5000 feet), revealing stunning views.

• Where to Sit: In small planes, the cabin configuration is often 1+1 or 1+2. There are no "bad" seats here — every passenger has access to a window. If flying to São Paulo, sit on the right to see the ocean coast.
• On-board Amenities: It is important to know that on such types of aircraft, a toilet is either absent or very cramped and basic. It is strongly recommended to visit the restroom in the terminal before boarding.
• Noise: Turboprop planes are noisier than jets. If you are sensitive to sounds, bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.

Tips for Transit Passengers

If you have a transfer to an international flight at another Rio airport, remember the city's complex logistics.

• Changing Airports: There is no direct air shuttle between Jacarepaguá and Galeão International Airport. You will have to take a taxi. Allow at least 4 hours for the connection. Even if the navigator shows a 40-minute drive, unpredictable traffic jams can triple this time.
• Customs: The airport serves mainly domestic flights. If you are flying further abroad, you will go through customs and passport control at the international flight departure airport, not here.

Saving Time and Money

The cafe in the terminal has a limited range and higher-than-average prices. If you want to save money:

• Bring an empty water bottle (there are often water coolers after security) or snacks bought in advance in the city.
• Use taxi apps (Uber, 99) for travel to/from the airport — this is 30–40% cheaper than taking a car at the counter in the arrival zone.
• If travelling light, use the Jardim Oceânico metro station + BRT; this is the cheapest way to get to the centre of Rio (about 1.5–2 US dollars).

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Small aviation is more sensitive to weather conditions than large airliners. Strong winds or heavy rain can shift the schedule. In the tiny RRJ terminal, a long wait can be tiring.

Tip: If the flight is delayed for 2 hours or more, do not sit in the waiting room. Just a 5-minute taxi ride (or 15 minutes on foot if there is no heavy luggage and heat) away is the large shopping and entertainment centre Aerotown. There you can have a comfortable lunch, walk around the shops, or even go to the cinema, tracking the flight status via a mobile app.