Find the cheapest flights from London to Rio de Janeiro in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 14-18 h
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €650 | high |
| February | €620 | high |
| March | €380 | low |
| April | €420 | medium |
| May | €450 | medium |
| June | €480 | medium |
| July | €550 | high |
| August | €580 | high |
| September | €440 | medium |
| October | €400 | low |
| November | €430 | medium |
| December | €750 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- LATAM Airlines (direct): from €520 — Direct flights operate 2-3x weekly, mostly during Brazilian summer (Nov-Mar). Book 2+ months ahead for direct service as seats are limited.
- TAP Air Portugal (connecting): from €380 — Lisbon connection typically shortest European route. TAP often has sales in January/February. Early morning Lisbon departures arrive Rio afternoon.
- Air France (connecting): from €420 — Paris CDG hub has frequent connections. Morning departures via CDG arrive same evening in Rio. Watch for Air France sales in April and November.
- British Airways (connecting): from €450 — BA typically routes via Madrid (Iberia partnership) or Frankfurt. BA avios can be used but availability tight. Check both BA.com and Iberia.com for same flights.
- Virgin Atlantic (connecting): from €440 — Virgin often has competitive prices vs BA. Uses Delta partnership for US connections. Check VS website directly – they occasionally match competitor prices.
Booking Strategy
For London to Rio de Janeiro, target March or October for lowest prices (€350-450 return). December through March sees prices spike to €650-800 due to Brazilian summer holidays and Carnival season (February). Book direct LATAM flights 8-10 weeks ahead for best availability. For connecting flights via Europe, TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon typically offers the shortest total journey time at 14-15 hours. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally cheapest days to fly, with Thursday-Sunday carrying premium prices. Use Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ search to compare all carriers, then book directly with the airline to retain full booking flexibility. Brazilian visa (eVisa) costs ~€80 and takes processing time – factor this into total trip cost. If flying indirect, avoid overnight connections in Europe as they add hours with no sleep benefit.
Route Tips
- Heathrow Terminal 3 handles LATAM and Virgin Atlantic departures; check which terminal your airline uses before heading to the airport
- Brazilian eVisa is required for UK passport holders – apply online at least 5 business days before departure at ~€80
- Galeão Airport (GIG) is better connected than Santos Dumont (SDU) for international arrivals – check your arrival airport carefully
- TAP Air Portugal often has the best connecting times – Lisbon to Rio is an 8.5-hour overnight flight with minimal jet lag upon arrival
- Uber is widely available and cheap at GIG – expect €15-20 to Copacabana/Ipanema versus €30-40 for official taxis
- March and November offer warm weather (25-30°C) with fewer crowds and significantly lower airfares than peak summer months
- Register with the Brazilian federal police upon arrival if staying超过 90 days – always carry passport as police ID checks are common in Rio
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Rio de Janeiro?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG) take approximately 11 hours 45 minutes. LATAM Airlines operates seasonal direct flights (typically 2-3 weekly during Brazilian summer). Connecting flights via European hubs take 14-18 hours depending on routing and layover duration. TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon typically offers the fastest indirect route at 14-15 hours total. Routes via Paris, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt usually take 15-17 hours. Morning European departures arrive in Rio the same evening local time.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Rio de Janeiro?
Return flights range from €300-450 in low season (March, April, October) to €650-800 in peak season (December-March). Direct flights on LATAM start around €520 but can reach €700 during Brazilian summer. Connecting flights via TAP, Air France, or other European carriers typically cost €380-480 in off-peak periods. Carnival season (February) and Christmas/New Year see the highest prices. One-way tickets typically cost 60-70% of return prices.
Are there direct flights from London to Rio de Janeiro?
Yes, LATAM Airlines operates direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG). However, direct service is seasonal and limited to approximately 2-3 flights weekly during the Brazilian summer season (November through March). Outside this period, passengers must connect via European hubs such as Lisbon (TAP), Paris (Air France), Amsterdam (KLM), or Frankfurt (Lufthansa). British Airways codeshares with Iberia for Madrid connections. No US pre-clearance routing is available from London.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Rio de Janeiro?
March offers the cheapest average prices at €380 return, followed by October (€400) and April (€420). These months fall outside Brazilian school holidays and Carnival, resulting in lower demand. The most expensive period is December (€750 average) when European Christmas travel coincides with Brazilian summer vacations. February, during Carnival, also sees very high prices (€620+). For best value, avoid Brazilian school holidays (December-February) and book 8-10 weeks in advance.
Which airlines fly from London to Rio de Janeiro?
LATAM Airlines offers seasonal direct flights from Heathrow. TAP Air Portugal flies via Lisbon (typically 14-15 hours total). Air France routes via Paris Charles de Gaulle. KLM operates via Amsterdam Schiphol. British Airways uses Madrid (Iberia codeshare) or connects via Frankfurt. Virgin Atlantic offers routes through their Delta partnership. Economy prices range from €350-550 depending on season and advance booking. Budget carriers do not serve this route – all fares include some level of service and baggage.
What airport do I fly into in Rio de Janeiro?
You will arrive at Rio de Janeiro–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG), also known as Galeão, located on Governador Island about 20km north of central Rio. The airport has two terminals – Terminal 1 (domestic and some international) and Terminal 2 (main international arrivals). Transport options: taxi (Uber recommended, ~€15-20 to Copacabana, 30-40 minutes), public bus (€3-4, runs every 15-20 minutes, 60-90 minutes to central areas), or shuttle buses connecting to metro stations. The new Metro Line 4 provides direct access to Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca from Terminal 2.
How far in advance should I book London to Rio de Janeiro flights?
Book 8-12 weeks ahead for optimal prices. For March/April travel, start searching 10-14 weeks prior. Direct LATAM flights require earlier booking (8-10 weeks) due to limited seats. Peak season (December-February) bookings should be made 10-14 weeks ahead as prices rise sharply closer to travel dates. Last-minute deals are rare on this route – prices typically increase rather than decrease within 4 weeks of departure. Setting fare alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights for 10 weeks ahead is advisable.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Rio de Janeiro on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend flights. Thursday through Sunday carries premium pricing, especially Saturday departures which are most expensive. Mid-week return flights (Tuesday-Wednesday) are also cheaper. The difference is most pronounced in shoulder season; during peak periods, weekday savings are smaller relative to overall high prices. Red-eye flights (overnight) can offer savings but add hotel costs. For best value, depart Tuesday/Wednesday and return Tuesday/Wednesday.
Data updated: 2026-03
