Airport transportation to Rio de Janeiro
Aug 9, 2011, 11:55 pm
#46
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Ireland
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That's weird as I find Rio cabbies to be very good. In 10+ years I've only had two incidents of a meter running fast. In fact I had more trouble with cabbies in Bs As in one weekend on the last Cow Do than in the last 5 years in Rio.
Aug 12, 2011, 7:30 am
#47
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Nice
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Posts: 4,694
BTW, when using taxi is Rio do not leave a large tip, just round up to the next real. If you have lots of luggage there is an extra charge too.
Aug 14, 2011, 11:09 pm
#48
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). I avoid the touts and see no point in paying over the odds for the "peace of mind" option. Taxis from my other regular airport destination, Lisbon, can be a pain in the arse with broken meters, attitude and creative cheating.
Aug 15, 2011, 12:06 am
#49
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Ireland
Programs: AA PLT 2MM, IHG Plat
Posts: 3,566
One other tip, it's generally better to hail (moving) cabs in the street rather than cabs waiting at a taxi stop. IME the latter are more likely to want to go sem taxímetro i.e for a given price rather than using the meter.
Aug 15, 2011, 7:27 am
#50
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,762
That's OK, I have broad shoulders 
And to be honest when I say that I have been burnt so often I am only speaking of a sample size of 2. But I take taxis so rarely anywhere that experiences like my last one in Rio 2 years ago where the meter rose faster than the Dow Jones was falling last week and for a middle of the day trip in a taxi comun on a weekday in August finished at R68 from SDU to Sao Conrado - and that was 2 years ago (or did I already say that)
And to be honest when I say that I have been burnt so often I am only speaking of a sample size of 2. But I take taxis so rarely anywhere that experiences like my last one in Rio 2 years ago where the meter rose faster than the Dow Jones was falling last week and for a middle of the day trip in a taxi comun on a weekday in August finished at R68 from SDU to Sao Conrado - and that was 2 years ago (or did I already say that)
Dec 22, 2011, 12:10 am
#51
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 2
did transfer cost go up a lot in the last few months ?
I was trying to book a transfer from GIG to Copacabana and what was R$90 few months ago seems to be R$150 now. I'm looking at a private car from Rio Airport Transfers. 2 people in the car. should I just forget it and try to get a Radio Taxi when we get there ? arriving in the middle of the night at 1:30am.
Dec 22, 2011, 6:22 am
#52
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,188
The "nighttime tariff" (Zona 2; appears on the meter) may also apply during certain holiday periods on all days (it does in Fortaleza). The only trouble I have ever had with taxi meters in Rio is a driver refusing to use the meter, wanting to charge me a flat rate. I'd be interested to know what someone who refuses to use taxis does. Just Metro (it is a good system but doesn't go everywhere)? Private car service? Hardly practical if you quickly need to get from point a to point b and don't have time to arrange that service in advance. I've been in Brazil for years. Few problems with taxis. Always a good idea to know your route in general so you know you're not being taken on an extra long route, but that applies in the U.S., as well.
If someone is wary of meters, they can use the flat rate "radio" taxis at least from the airports and some other points. The total rate will be higher but you know in advance exactly what the fare will be.
Tipping: I don't know why the warning NOT to tip. It's not necessary, not expected, but if you do it'll be appreciated. And I've have drivers round a fare down when they didn't have change. The drivers make far less than any of us do. If you feel like tipping, go for it.
If someone is wary of meters, they can use the flat rate "radio" taxis at least from the airports and some other points. The total rate will be higher but you know in advance exactly what the fare will be.
Tipping: I don't know why the warning NOT to tip. It's not necessary, not expected, but if you do it'll be appreciated. And I've have drivers round a fare down when they didn't have change. The drivers make far less than any of us do. If you feel like tipping, go for it.
Dec 22, 2011, 9:58 am
#53
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Join Date: Sep 2006
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I'd did Shuttle Rio a few weeks ago and it frustrating to try to change times on the return. It was pouring rain the day we left so we wanted to head the airport earlier. We had to go back and forth with emails and after about two hours told there was nothing available. However, you don't pay upfront as you do with other van services.
Also on the way to Ipanema the first drop off was at the Sheraton in Barra. Rather than drive down the coastal highway to Barra the driver took very congested streets through Leblon. It took forever, I'd thought I go nuts.
Also on the way to Ipanema the first drop off was at the Sheraton in Barra. Rather than drive down the coastal highway to Barra the driver took very congested streets through Leblon. It took forever, I'd thought I go nuts.
Dec 22, 2011, 10:26 am
#54
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,762
I'd did Shuttle Rio a few weeks ago and it frustrating to try to change times on the return. It was pouring rain the day we left so we wanted to head the airport earlier. We had to go back and forth with emails and after about two hours told there was nothing available. However, you don't pay upfront as you do with other van services.
Also on the way to Ipanema the first drop off was at the Sheraton in Barra. Rather than drive down the coastal highway to Barra the driver took very congested streets through Leblon. It took forever, I'd thought I go nuts.
Also on the way to Ipanema the first drop off was at the Sheraton in Barra. Rather than drive down the coastal highway to Barra the driver took very congested streets through Leblon. It took forever, I'd thought I go nuts.
I am perplexed by your trip to Ipanema - are you saying that the driver drove through the Zona Sul through Leblon (right next to Ipanema) and down through Sao Conrado to Barra before returning to drop you off at Ipanema? Normally there is one shuttle service to Copa/Ipanema/Leblon/Sheraton Rio/Sao Conrado and a different service to the hotels in Barra.
Dec 22, 2011, 10:55 am
#55
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 2
I was trying to book a transfer from GIG to Copacabana and what was R$90 few months ago seems to be R$150 now. I'm looking at a private car from Rio Airport Transfers. 2 people in the car. should I just forget it and try to get a Radio Taxi when we get there ? arriving in the middle of the night at 1:30am.
Dec 22, 2011, 11:15 am
#56
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Having been a strong advocate of ShuttleRio on FT I have to say I had a poor experience on my last trip a month ago. I had booked a seat on the 7pm service to GIG and at 5pm they rang the concierge at the Sheraton Rio to say that because of traffic congestion they were cancelling the service - no alternatives offered and of course since at that late hour I had already checked out of the hotel the Concierge had no way of contacting me. I actually had plenty of time and just hopped on the Real Onibus service outside the hotel but that routinely takes 2 hours. I was not pleased.
I am perplexed by your trip to Ipanema - are you saying that the driver drove through the Zona Sul through Leblon (right next to Ipanema) and down through Sao Conrado to Barra before returning to drop you off at Ipanema? Normally there is one shuttle service to Copa/Ipanema/Leblon/Sheraton Rio/Sao Conrado and a different service to the hotels in Barra.
I am perplexed by your trip to Ipanema - are you saying that the driver drove through the Zona Sul through Leblon (right next to Ipanema) and down through Sao Conrado to Barra before returning to drop you off at Ipanema? Normally there is one shuttle service to Copa/Ipanema/Leblon/Sheraton Rio/Sao Conrado and a different service to the hotels in Barra.
Jan 31, 2012, 11:44 am
#57
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,762
Email from ShuttleRio - Proof Reader fluent in English needed
Dear clients and partners,
We thank to all for the comprehension in the difficulties which we passed through in the last few days as function of our office being located in the region neighboring the buildings that collapsed in the center of Rio de Janeiro and, therefore, to have our building interdicted by the Civil Defense, causing us several troubles.
Your support and cooperation were essential to follow our routine and we have to do a special thanks to the hotels registered in the system Shuttle, by participating form and solidary that treated our business, always available to help us.
To all our friends, partners and users, that have prestigious us and indicated to and friends, we inform you that as of today we return to operate normally.
If all situations, even the bad ones, we can see a good side, that this moment has shown us how we won the friendship and collegiality, making clear we have formed a great team.
Thank you!
SHUTTLE RIO
We thank to all for the comprehension in the difficulties which we passed through in the last few days as function of our office being located in the region neighboring the buildings that collapsed in the center of Rio de Janeiro and, therefore, to have our building interdicted by the Civil Defense, causing us several troubles.
Your support and cooperation were essential to follow our routine and we have to do a special thanks to the hotels registered in the system Shuttle, by participating form and solidary that treated our business, always available to help us.
To all our friends, partners and users, that have prestigious us and indicated to and friends, we inform you that as of today we return to operate normally.
If all situations, even the bad ones, we can see a good side, that this moment has shown us how we won the friendship and collegiality, making clear we have formed a great team.
Thank you!
SHUTTLE RIO
Mar 29, 2012, 12:42 pm
#58
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Join Date: May 2002
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Is there a place to store baggage safely at GIG? I will be flying in one morning and want to head to Leblon or Copacabana for lunch and then return to GIG for an evening flight. Is there a cheap bus or shuttle that is currently operating that someone can recommend?
Mar 30, 2012, 2:04 pm
#59
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,604
There are no lockers. Last time I used the baggage storage office was about 2 or 3 years ago, you hand over the baggage and get a ticket. I can't say it's safe, but my stuff was not stolen. If I were you I'd buy travel insurance and take pictures as a precaution.
As far as transportation to Ipanema or Leblon (forget Copacabana), I'd recommend http://shuttlerio.com.br/home/en/ . There is also a regular bus but it makes a million stops and takes forever.
As far as transportation to Ipanema or Leblon (forget Copacabana), I'd recommend http://shuttlerio.com.br/home/en/ . There is also a regular bus but it makes a million stops and takes forever.
Mar 30, 2012, 4:21 pm
#60
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Internet
Posts: 865
As far as transportation to Ipanema or Leblon (forget Copacabana), I'd recommend http://shuttlerio.com.br/home/en/ . There is also a regular bus but it makes a million stops and takes forever.