London to Rio De Janeiro (LHR–GIG) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders need an eVisa to enter Brazil. The eVisa costs $80.90, is processed in 5 to 10 working days, and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per visit over a 2-year validity period. Apply at vfrbrasilsolicitacao.com.br. The 90 days can be extended once for another 90 days at a Federal Police office in Brazil (R$204, about $40).

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. The eVisa application requires a passport photo page scan, a digital photograph, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), and proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card). Processing can take the full 10 days during peak season (December through Carnival), so apply early.

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Sao Paulo (GRU) run about 11 hours 40 minutes. LATAM and British Airways both operate the route. The Brazilian real (BRL) trades at roughly 5.80 BRL per $1. Get a yellow fever vaccination if traveling to the Amazon, Pantanal, or other interior regions. It is not required for entry from the UK. Brazil charges no departure tax beyond what is included in the airfare.

Heathrow Express runs from London Paddington to T5 and T2/T3 in 15–21 minutes (£37 single, cheaper booked online or via the Heathrow app). Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is a lower-cost alternative; Paddington to T5 in 34 minutes from £13.50 with an Oyster/contactless cap of £14.90. The Elizabeth line also serves central London stations including Bond Street, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street.London Underground Piccadilly line serves all terminals (T2/T3/T4/T5) from central London in 40–60 minutes (£6 with Oyster). Taxis (black cabs) from central London cost £55–90 depending on traffic. Coach services from Victoria Coach Station (National Express) cost from £10 booked in advance.

Uber and 99 serve the airport at R$50–80 to Ipanema or Copacabana (40–60 min off-peak). Official táxi amarelo (yellow taxi) at the curb: R$80–120. Pre-pay at the taxi counter inside arrivals for a fixed rate option.The Real Auto Ônibus airport bus (R$16) runs to Rodoviária Novo Rio, Cinelândia metro station, and Santos Dumont Airport. BRT Transcarioca (R$4.05) serves Barra da Tijuca. Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall. GIG is 40km from the South Zone; always check traffic before planning ground travel time.

Tropical climate on Guanabara Bay. Summer (December–March) is hot and very wet at 28–37°C with intense afternoon downpours that regularly flood approach roads and occasionally cause airport disruptions. January and February see the highest rainfall and are the most disruption-prone months operationally.

Winter (June–September) is warm and drier at 22–28°C. This is the most operationally stable period. The airport sits on Ilha do Governador. Approach paths are over water, but the surrounding terrain causes occasional windshear on the south runway. Rio's Carnival period (February–March) creates extreme traffic on ground access routes.