Flying from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Rio de Janeiro: what you need to know
The timezone in Rio de Janeiro is UTC-3. The city is four hours behind Zurich, where Zurich Airport is located.
To avoid rushing for your ZRH to Rio de Janeiro flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight when you travel during peak periods in general.
The journey from central Zurich to ZRH takes around 10 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 10 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Have an early flight from Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to ZRH:
76% of flights departing from Zurich Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Rio de Janeiro
$698 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro flight. A return plane ticket right now is $1,163. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares can change.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from ZRH to Rio de Janeiro if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird rates.
Landing cheap tickets from Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro is easier if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to get the best prices throughout the month and score an epic deal.
Locking in a cheap flight from ZRH to Rio de Janeiro couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport (GIG) is around 19 kilometres from the centre of Rio de Janeiro. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes about 30 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour.
Look into staying at a hotel close to GIG if you're coming in on a late flight from Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro. Select one of these options and make your arrival easier:
For the best deal, reserve your ride from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from ZRH to Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
After your flight from Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro has touched down, you can get to the city centre in about 10 minutes by car. Central Rio de Janeiro is roughly 5 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 20 minutes or so.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near SDU. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your ZRH to Rio de Janeiro flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your ride from SDU three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Jacarepagua - Roberto Marinho Airport (RRJ)
Jacarepagua - Roberto Marinho Airport (RRJ) is about 27 kilometres from central Rio de Janeiro. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the city centre in a ride-share or taxi once you've hopped off your flight from Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro.
If you use public transport, the journey time is around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Check in to a hotel near RRJ and go from the runway to resting in a snap. Whether you're arriving on a late ZRH to Rio de Janeiro flight or just want an easier arrival, these accommodation options are all about convenience:
Rental companies sometimes offer promotions on early bookings, so book your vehicle from RRJ well ahead of your flight from Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro. A bit of planning goes a long way in savings.
Best time to go to Rio de Janeiro
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro. January is the most popular month to visit Rio de Janeiro. If you want a quieter vibe, go in December.
Before booking a Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro plane ticket, think about what kind of weather you prefer. February is the warmest month in Rio de Janeiro, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 36ºC (97ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from ZRH to Rio de Janeiro in July when temperatures average between 14ºC (57ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF).
More about Rio de Janeiro
Start your Rio de Janeiro trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Zurich Airport to Rio de Janeiro, explore our selection of hotels including:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Christ the Redeemer, Track Corcovado, Christ Redeemer and Rio de Janeiro Carnival are essential stops on your Rio de Janeiro itinerary.
Explore more of Brazil
Sao Paulo is just one of the many places in Brazil waiting to be discovered after you've seen Rio de Janeiro. Around 354 kilometres away to the west, popular attractions include Ibirapuera Park, Avenida Paulista and Pinacoteca Do Estado De Sao Paulo.
Around 338 kilometres north of Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte is another essential stop in Brazil. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Conjunto Moderno da Pampulha, Casa do Baile and Igreja São Francisco de Assis.