London to Rio de Janeiro flights

London to Rio de Janeiro flights follow a long-haul route from hubs such as London Heathrow or London Gatwick.

The cheapest tickets start from £471. Treat it as a guide, as the final fare depends on your dates.

London is served by six commercial airports: Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, London Stansted, London Luton, London City, and London Southend. Long-haul routes to Brazil primarily operate from Heathrow and Gatwick, the two largest hubs.

Heathrow to Rio services are split across different terminals. British Airways usually departs from Terminal 5, while other international carriers use Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. You can transfer between these terminals for free via the airport's underground train network.

Passengers flying from Gatwick will depart from either the North or South Terminal. A complimentary 24-hour monorail shuttle connects the two, with a travel time of approximately two minutes.

Flights from London land at Galeao International Airport, roughly 12 miles from the city centre. For transfers, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system runs directly from the terminals to the Vicente de Carvalho metro station. Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are also available at designated ranks. The drive into central districts takes between 25 and 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Domestic connections often use Santos Dumont Airport, located less than two miles from the main business area. Taxis reach the centre in about 13 minutes, while local buses depart every 30 minutes from the terminal front.

Entry requirements for Rio de Janeiro

UK passport holders do not require a visa for tourist visits to Brazil. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and immigration officers may request to see a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is between December and March. This period offers the warmest weather for the beaches and coincides with major celebrations like Réveillon and the world-famous carnival.

To see the sights, take the Bondinho cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for coastal views, or visit the Christ the Redeemer statue. Beyond Copacabana beach, the hillside district of Santa Teresa features colonial architecture and bohemian charm, while Lapa is the hub for traditional nightlife and samba music.