You’ll be met at Rio Galeao airport by a friendly local driver who’ll help with luggage and get you settled into an air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi. Enjoy a smooth private transfer to Buzios with flexible stops along the way and tips from your driver about where locals go. It’s an easy start to your trip you’ll remember long after arrival.
The first thing I remember is the driver, Paulo, waving at us right outside the arrivals hall at Rio Galeao. He had this easy smile and a little sign with my name — not fancy, but somehow reassuring after a long flight. My Portuguese is basically nonexistent (I tried “bom dia” and he grinned), but he switched to English without missing a beat. The van was cool inside, which felt like a small miracle after that muggy Rio air — honestly, I’d forgotten how sticky it gets here in summer.
We piled our bags in the back (there were five of us plus my cousin’s stroller) and settled in for the drive to Buzios. Paulo handed out the Wi-Fi password right away — my niece immediately started streaming cartoons, so peace reigned for a while. Out the window, Rio faded into green hills and flashes of ocean. There was this moment when we stopped for gas; I caught a whiff of pão de queijo from the station bakery and almost jumped out to grab some. Paulo laughed when I asked if we’d have time for coffee — apparently everyone does that on these transfers.
I didn’t expect the road to twist so much or for the light to change so quickly — one minute it was bright blue sky, then suddenly clouds rolling in over the hills. The van stayed quiet except for my aunt humming along to some Brazilian pop on the radio (Paulo turned it up just enough). It’s about three hours from Rio airport to Buzios by private transfer, but honestly it felt shorter than that. Maybe because someone else was handling all the details — directions, tolls, even making sure my cousin’s car seat was set up right.
We pulled into Buzios just as dusk hit — you know that soft gold light? I still think about that view down towards Rua das Pedras. Paulo helped unload our bags and gave us a few tips about where locals eat (he said skip the tourist places if you want real moqueca). Not everything went perfectly — we hit traffic near Niterói — but having someone local made all the difference. I guess that’s what stuck with me most.
The drive usually takes around three hours depending on traffic.
Yes, there is Wi-Fi onboard for passengers during the ride.
Yes, infants can ride on an adult’s lap or use specialized infant seats provided.
Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout.
The private minivan can accommodate up to six passengers.
Yes, service animals are permitted onboard during your journey.
Yes, pickup at GIG Rio Galeao airport is included in your booking.
Your ride includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi onboard; pickup directly at Rio Galeao airport; space for up to six passengers; options for strollers or infant seats; and help from your local driver throughout your journey to Buzios.
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