Travelling from New York to Rio de Janeiro: what you need to know
Planning your flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro begins with finding the most convenient airport to kick off your trip. New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), New York Newark Airport (EWR) and New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are the main departure points in New York.
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) is where you'll be landing in Rio de Janeiro.
Around 9 hours 40 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct New York to Rio de Janeiro flight.
Rio de Janeiro's timezone is UTC-3, which makes Rio de Janeiro two hours ahead of New York.
With five weekly flights between the two airports, New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro with Delta Air Lines at 20:00. If you prefer to make the most of your day before flying, the last departure from JFK to GIG is with American Airlines at 23:45.
To ensure you board your New York to Rio de Janeiro flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from New York to Rio de Janeiro
To snag cheap New York to Rio de Janeiro flights, reserve your journey five months ahead of your departure.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from New York to Rio de Janeiro is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
There's no need to search every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from New York to Rio de Janeiro.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your New York to Rio de Janeiro flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from New York
New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
You can book a direct flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro jetting off from New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). Start your journey at JFK and end it at Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG).
Look out for promotions with American Airlines. This carrier offers direct New York to Rio de Janeiro plane tickets from JFK.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper New York to Rio de Janeiro flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from New York John F. Kennedy Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these popular airports:
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Bogota Airport (BOG)
Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE)
The journey from central New York to JFK takes around 50 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 21 kilometres in 45 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near New York John F. Kennedy Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Of all flights departing from New York John F. Kennedy Airport, 73% touch down on time at their destination.
JFK is located at JFK Airport.
New York Newark Airport (EWR)
Split up your New York to Rio de Janeiro flight with a stop so you can freshen up or tick a new place off your list. Some great stopovers between New York Newark Airport and Rio de Janeiro include:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
You can get to EWR from the centre of New York in about 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride on public transport will take roughly 1 hour to travel the 14 kilometres or so.
Kick off your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro, stay in one of these hotels near New York Newark Airport:
71% of flights taking off from New York Newark Airport make it to their destination as expected.
EWR is located at Building 1, Conrad Road.
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Book a ticket from New York to Rio de Janeiro out of New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with a stop or two. Popular stopovers between LGA and Rio de Janeiro include:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
The trip to LGA from central New York is around 55 minutes by public transport. If you prefer to travel by car, it'll take you about 30 minutes to cover the 13 kilometres or so.
Take the 'what ifs' out of departure day — stay near New York LaGuardia Airport and know you'll make it to the terminal with time to spare. Check in to one of these hotels the day before if you're catching an early New York to Rio de Janeiro flight:
The on-time performance rating of LGA is 69%. To put it simply, that's how frequently flights that depart this airport arrive at their final stop as planned.
New York LaGuardia Airport is located at Hangar 7 Centre.
Arriving in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG)
The distance from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) to central Rio de Janeiro is roughly 13 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro. Book one of these accommodation options near GIG instead:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Foco, Localiza or Movida to explore Rio de Janeiro and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your vehicle from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport around four weeks before your trip.
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is roughly 2 kilometres from the centre of Rio de Janeiro. After your flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro, it'll take you approximately 10 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 20 minutes or so.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to SDU. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro:
Forget about public transport schedules or slow-moving taxi lines. Pick up a Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the availability and rates from Foco, Localiza and Movida.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from SDU three weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Rio de Janeiro
It's time to pick your dates for your flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro. December is the most popular month for a trip to Rio de Janeiro. If you prefer a quieter vibe, go in March.
The warmest month in Rio de Janeiro is February, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 36ºC. Lock in your New York to Rio de Janeiro ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
July sees average temperatures of between 14ºC and 29ºC. Look for cheap flights from New York to Rio de Janeiro around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Rio de Janeiro
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Rio de Janeiro right here. Explore these hotels after locking in your flight from New York to Rio de Janeiro:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro Carnival and Ipanema Beach are essential stops on your Rio de Janeiro itinerary.
Explore more of Brazil
You've done Rio de Janeiro, now it's time to explore more of Brazil. Journey about 354 kilometres west to Sao Paulo to tick off its must-visit sights. From Ibirapuera Park to Av. Paulista and Pinacoteca Do Estado De Sao Paulo, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Belo Horizonte is another favourite destination in Brazil and is around 338 kilometres north of Rio de Janeiro. No journey is complete without seeing Pampulha Modern Ensemble, Casa do Baile and Igreja São Francisco de Assis.