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Getting there

Getting to Niterói

Short answer

The reference airport is Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), in Rio de Janeiro, about 15 km (9 mi) from Niterói. By car, it is 18 km (11 mi) from Rio de Janeiro, a 0h24 drive costing about R$ 17 in fuel and tolls.

Most reviewed activity in NiteróiNiterói Tour★ 10 · 1 review · from US$ 89 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →

Flying to Niterói

The reference airport is Santos Dumont (SDU), in Rio de Janeiro, about 15 km away; from downtown Rio you can cross the bay by ferry in about 20 minutes. The gateway from abroad is Galeão International Airport (GIG), also in Rio, about 25 km away. Routes and airlines change often; the safest approach is to check them when planning your trip.

By road, Niterói is 18 km from Rio de Janeiro (less than half an hour), 154 km from Búzios (about 2.5 hours) and 75 km from Petrópolis (about 1.3 hours). From Rio you cross over the Rio-Niterói Bridge.

Nearest airport
SDUSantos Dumont Airport
Rio de Janeiro · about 15 km (9 mi) from Niterói
Alternative
GIGGaleão International Airport
Rio de Janeiro · about 25 km (16 mi) from Niterói

From downtown Rio you can cross the bay by ferry, in about 20 minutes.

Driving to Niterói

These are the driving routes to Niterói from the main cities of origin, with distance, travel time and estimated fuel cost for a car that gets 11 km per liter. Amounts are in Brazilian reais (R$).

From Rio de Janeiro
18 km (11 mi) · 0h24
~R$ 17 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Búzios
154 km (96 mi) · 2h30
~R$ 98 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Petrópolis
75 km (47 mi) · 1h18
~R$ 70 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
Tours and tickets

Tours and activities in Niterói

booking on Civitatis
Niterói Tour
10· 1 review

Niterói Tour

Embark on a fascinating tour of Niterói, where you'll discover the town's most impressive attractions, steeped in history and captivating architecture.

5 h
from US$ 89
Book →
Niterói Paragliding Flight

Niterói Paragliding Flight

On this paragliding flight over Niterói, you’ll enjoy the best views of the Rio de Janeiro coastline while getting your adrenaline pumping. A unique experience!

1 h
from US$ 91
Book →
See all activities in Niterói
Where to stay

Hotels in Niterói

Compare hotels and places to stay in Niterói on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

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Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest airport to Niterói?
The nearest airport to Niterói is Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), in Rio de Janeiro, about 15 km (9 mi) away. Alternative: Galeão International Airport (GIG), in Rio de Janeiro, about 25 km (16 mi) away. From downtown Rio you can cross the bay by ferry, in about 20 minutes.
How do you get to Niterói by air?
Fly to Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), in Rio de Janeiro, about 15 km (9 mi) from Niterói, and cover the rest of the way overland. Flight routes and schedules change often: check them when you plan your trip.
Is it better to drive or fly to Niterói?
It depends on where you start. From Rio de Janeiro, the drive is 18 km (11 mi) and takes about 0h24, costing about R$ 17 in fuel and tolls. From distant origins, flying usually saves time; from nearby cities, driving gives you more freedom. Compare the cost of the drive with the price of a plane ticket before you decide.
Is Niterói easy to get to?
Yes: you can drive to Niterói from Rio de Janeiro, Búzios, and Petrópolis, and its reference airport is SDU. See the driving routes on this page.
Can I book transfers and activities in Niterói in English?
Yes. On this page you will find activities in Niterói that you can book in English on Civitatis, with the price updated when you book.
Complete guide to Niterói Best time to visit Driving routes