A coastal cityscape with a prominent airport, dense urban buildings, and a body of water in the background.

$421 Cheap Flights from Houston (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

Popular airlines from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG)

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Cheap Flights from Houston to Rio de Janeiro (IAH-GIG)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $421 for one-way flights and $862 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Azul
Azul
Azul
Azul
Azul
Azul
Air Canada
United
Copa
American Airlines

Alternative airports near Rio de Janeiro

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Houston (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

November is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $791 - $1,119 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from George Bush Intercontinental to Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.

Houston (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) at a glance

Travel with a range of airlines offering flights from Houston (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) on this long-haul international route. Compare various options, from full-service to budget carriers, to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans while you explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro. Get essential information for flights departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 10h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 5,000 miles (8,050 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $450–$1415, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)

According to the latest traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Houston to Rio de Janeiro are favored for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover options include Miami International Airport (MIA) with about a 1-hour and 15-minute layover, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Tocumen International Airport (PTY) offering a longer layover of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. These choices provide the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best travel experience.

  • United: This major airline provides comprehensive service options, including non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop flights. Their one-way fares generally fall between $460 and $2450, making up around 61% of all departures on this route, with an average non-stop flight duration of 10 hours and 15 minutes.
  • American Airlines: A full-service airline offering one-stop flights, American Airlines has one-way ticket prices that usually range from $450 to $955. They contribute to about 18% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 11 hours and a total travel time of approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Avianca: This full-service carrier specializes in multi-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $545 and $865. They account for roughly 7% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 12 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of around 19 hours and 30 minutes when layovers are considered.
  • Aeromexico: Another full-service option, Aeromexico offers multi-stop flights with one-way fares usually ranging from $450 to $585. They represent about 4% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 12 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel duration of approximately 19 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • GOL Linhas Aereas S.A.: As a low-cost airline, GOL provides multi-stop services with one-way fares typically between $450 and $820. They hold about 3% of departures on this route, featuring a flight time of 12 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey duration of roughly 19 hours and 30 minutes when layovers are accounted for.

Travelers flying from Houston to Rio de Janeiro can opt to upgrade to United's business class service for a more comfortable experience on this route.

Best time to fly from Houston (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Houston to Rio de Janeiro are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Rio de Janeiro reach up to 80.2°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 74.3°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $727). Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March and September have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $727, roughly 25% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: September and July typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $729 to $785.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Houston to Rio de Janeiro, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January80.1°F (26.7°C)Average8$1218
February80.2°F (26.8°C)High9$926
March78.6°F (25.9°C)High7$939
April75.4°F (24.1°C)High8$808
May72.0°F (22.2°C)Average9$1284
June70.3°F (21.3°C)Average8$818
July70.0°F (21.1°C)Average8$785
August70.5°F (21.4°C)Low8$1637
September72.9°F (22.7°C)Low7$729
October74.3°F (23.5°C)Low10$727
November75.2°F (24.0°C)Average8$847
December78.1°F (25.6°C)Average8$990

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Houston (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

  • Houston to Rio de Janeiro (IAH-SDU): Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is located approximately 9 miles from Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG).
  • Houston to Rio de Janeiro (HOU-GIG): William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) lies around 23 miles away from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
  • Houston to Cabo Frio (IAH-CFB): Cabo Frio International Airport (CFB) is situated about 75 miles from Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG).

How to find the best prices for flights from Houston (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Houston to Rio de Janeiro is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Departures in the morning (5 AM to 12 PM) often have lower prices, while evening (6 PM to 12 AM) flights are more popular. Additionally, flying on Monday typically offers cheaper rates, but Friday remains the most favored travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport from George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Rio de Janeiro welcomes travelers from Houston with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Rio de Janeiro efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Rio de Janeiro, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, several transport options are conveniently located nearby. Olaria Station, a train station, is about 4.7 miles from the airport by car, while Maria da Graca Station, a metro station, is approximately 7 miles away by car. For those considering bus travel, Terminal Rodoviário Novo Rio, a bus station, is situated around 9 miles from the airport, all easily reachable by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $421 and cheap return flights from $862 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $696 and $3307, and return flights often range between $1162 and $4598. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from IAH to GIG is March when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
You can fly direct from IAH to GIG on United, with around 7 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Houston, TX (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), with tickets starting from around $1,005. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Houston, TX (IAH) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from IAH to GIG, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl. (GIG). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Houston (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) typically departs at 12:15 AM, operated by United and Avianca. This seasonal service is available in March and October, allowing you to start your adventure in Brazil early. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) are in the late morning, from 9am to 12pm. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows for a comfortable start to your travel day.
How long does it take to fly from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from IAH to GIG typically takes around 10 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 5,026 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 13 hours to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from IAH to GIG. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Avianca
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • Air Canada

How do I earn miles on a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Rio de Janeiro from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)?
From George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), you can fly into Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl. (GIG) and Santos Dumont (SDU) in Rio de Janeiro. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Pearson Intl. (YYZ), Miami Intl. (MIA), Orlando Intl. (MCO) before reaching Rio de Janeiro. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) Rio De Janeiro Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.)?
If you booked your Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG-Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
George Bush Intercontinental
Destination airport
Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl.
Airlines serving
Aeromexico, Air Canada, American Airlines, Azul, Copa, Delta, GOL Linhas Aereas S.A., LATAM Airlines Group, United, avianca
Roundtrip price
$862
Distance
5025 mi
Average flight time
9 hours 15 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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