Flying from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro: what you need to know
Seattle has two main airports where you can set off on your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro departing from Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Seattle Lake Union SPB Airport (LKE).
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) is where you'll be landing in Rio de Janeiro.
The timezone in Rio de Janeiro is UTC-3, which is five hours ahead of Seattle.
Leave enough time to get on your Seattle to Rio de Janeiro flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak time like July? School holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Seattle to Rio de Janeiro flights if you book ahead. Airlines often have some excellent early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro throughout the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Find an affordable Seattle to Rio de Janeiro flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Seattle
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Seattle to Rio de Janeiro flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Seattle / Tacoma International Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
The journey from central Seattle to SEA takes about 35 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your break? Stay near Seattle / Tacoma International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport scores high marks for its on-time performance. 80% of flights that take off from SEA arrive at their destination without delay.
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 approximately 13 kilometres. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It usually takes 1 hour to get there on public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near GIG:
Travel at your own pace with a Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Foco, Localiza or Movida and discover more of Rio de Janeiro and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport about four weeks ahead of your Seattle to Rio de Janeiro flight.
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Central Rio de Janeiro is around 2 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU). As soon as your flight from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 10 minutes.
If you hop on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 20 minutes or so.
After your flight from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro, kick back at a hotel close to SDU. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Foco, Localiza and Movida make collecting a Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Score the best price by securing your ride from SDU three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Rio de Janeiro
December is the busiest month for flights from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro. To skip the crowds, go to Rio de Janeiro in March.
Before locking in your Seattle to Rio de Janeiro tickets, consider the kind of weather you prefer. February is the warmest month in Rio de Janeiro, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 36ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro in July if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 14ºC and 29ºC on average.
More about Rio de Janeiro
Once you've booked your flight from Seattle to Rio de Janeiro, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Rio de Janeiro:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro Carnival and Ipanema Beach are must-do's during your Rio de Janeiro adventure.
Explore more of Brazil
You've done Rio de Janeiro, now it's time to explore other corners of Brazil. Journey about 354 kilometres west to Sao Paulo to check off its leading sights. From Ibirapuera Park to Av. Paulista and Pinacoteca Do Estado De Sao Paulo, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 338 kilometres north of Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte is another essential stop in Brazil. Start your sightseeing at Pampulha Modern Ensemble, Casa do Baile and Igreja São Francisco de Assis.