Rio’s Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is cool blue, and a convenient alternative to the much farther from the city center main international airport, Galeão (GIG). It only handles Brazil domestic flights so does not work as a point of first entry, but for those already in Brazil or connecting, it is a convenient option for accessing the city.
Check both airports for schedules and potential savings, keeping in mind they are on opposite sides of the city and 19 km apart.
I love the fast experience at Santos Dumont, a quick trip from the beaches, fast check-in, and Tam even moved me to an earlier flight for free.
How can I get to SDU from New York? Or is it mainly a domestic airport?
@Kay – it is an exclusively domestic airport, unfortunately, the Wikipedia page for SDU has the full list of destinations.
You should probably clarify in your post that this applies to intra-Brazil only
Sounds like a similar situation between Ezeiza and Aeroparque in Buenos Aires. Aeroparque is incredibly convenient to the city center (and has great pizza), but is not a major international gateway (though it does handle some regional international flights).
@James K. – you are right, I have made the clarification.
@Matt – yes, I like Aeroparque, and will sample the pizza next go-round, thanks!