Which airport should I fly into for Rio Grande?

For long-haul and international flights, Cerro Largo International Airport (MLZ) is the main gateway near Rio Grande. The closest airport, Rio Grande Airport (RIG), is the most convenient for transfers — weigh proximity against the breadth of flight connections.

How far is the airport from Rio Grande?

The nearest is about 5 mi (8 km) away. The table above shows the distance and an estimated transfer time for each airport within about 300 km.

How do I get from the airport into Rio Grande?

Most airports offer taxis and ride-hailing, and many add a rail, metro or bus link into the city. Tap any airport above for a full guide with ground-transport options, lounges and transit details.

Airports Near Rio Grande

The closest airports to Rio Grande, Brazil: IATA codes, names and distances, each with a full airport guide covering terminals, lounges and transit.

The nearest airport to Rio Grande, Brazil is Rio Grande Airport (RIG), about 5 mi (8 km) away — roughly 17 min by road. For long-haul flights, the main international gateway is Cerro Largo International Airport (MLZ).

Code	Airport	Distance	Transfer	Type
RIG	Rio Grande AirportRio Grande, Brazil	5 mi / 8 km	17 min	Regional
PET	Pelotas AirportPelotas, Brazil	25 mi / 41 km	49 min	Regional
SQY	Sao Lourenco do Sul AirportSao Lourenco Do Sul, Brazil	45 mi / 73 km	1 hr 21 min	Regional
CTQ	Santa Vitoria do Palmar AirportSanta Vitoria Do Palmar, Brazil	124 mi / 200 km	2 hr 53 min	Regional
MLZ	Cerro Largo International AirportMelo, Uruguay	126 mi / 202 km	2 hr 55 min	International
BGX	Comandante Gustavo Kraemer AirportBage, Brazil	127 mi / 204 km	2 hr 57 min	Regional
QDB	Cachoeira do Sul AirportCachoeira Do Sul, Brazil	149 mi / 240 km	3 hr 28 min	Regional
VCH	Vichadero AirportVichadero, Uruguay	149 mi / 240 km	3 hr 28 min	Regional

Distances are straight-line; transfer times are road estimates. "Type" flags major/international gateways.

Which airport is best?

For the shortest transfer, Rio Grande Airport (RIG) is the most convenient at about 5 mi out. If you're flying internationally or want the widest choice of routes, Cerro Largo International Airport (MLZ) (126 mi) is the bigger gateway — worth the extra distance for long-haul or cheaper fares.

Getting to and from the airport

Taxis and ride-hailing serve every airport here, and the larger ones usually add a rail, metro or bus link into Rio Grande. Allow extra time in peak traffic. For exact routes, times and fares, open the airport guide — start with RIG.

Hotels near the airport

For early departures or late arrivals, a hotel near RIG saves a stressful morning transfer.

Search hotels near RIG All hotels near Rio Grande

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Other cities these airports serve

Travel tips

Compare the total door-to-door time, not just the airfare — a cheaper flight into a distant airport can cost more once you add the transfer. Check whether your airport has a direct train or metro before defaulting to a taxi, and for international arrivals, confirm any visa or transit rules in advance.

Frequently asked questions

The nearest airport to Rio Grande is Rio Grande Airport (RIG), about 5 mi (8 km) away — roughly 17 min by road.