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JetRanger, Airbus Esquilo, Agusta Power, Bell 429… these are some of the helicopters available for air taxi on the itinerary between Rio de Janeiro and Armação dos Búzios – or just Búzios, as this municipality is popularly known, one of the most visited in the world in Rio de Janeiro’s region of Lagos, where Arraial do Cabo, Cabo Frio, Saquarema, and others are also located.
Via private aviation, the transfer between the state capital and Búzios takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the chosen aircraft (see options below). This makes the trip a great option for those with tighter schedules, or for those who want to turn their flight time into leisure. After all, the view on board our aircraft is beautiful.
From Rio de Janeiro, the flight departs from the main local airports, such as: Santos Dumont Airport (SDU; SBRJ), Galeão International Airport (GIG; SBGL) and Jacarepaguá Airport (RRJ; SBJR) .
Landing takes place at Umberto Mediano Airport (BZC; SSBZ). One more reason to opt for an air taxi to access Búzios from the capital of Rio de Janeiro is the non-availability of direct commercial flights to the city. After a period of being closed due to infrastructure problems, the airfield was reopened in 2016, only to receive executive and chartered aircraft.
Arrival can also take place directly at your accommodation. The Hotel Insólito (SIHH), one of the most complete boutique properties in the region, has its own heliport. For the possibility of landing in other hotels and private helipads, the Flapper team should be consulted.
Buzios: what to do
Until the 1960s, Búzios was just one of many small fishing villages on the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The scenario began to change when the mythical French actress Brigitte Bardot decided to spend her holidays there in 1964. Her days in the city of Rio de Janeiro were talked about in the press around the world and she liked it so much that she returned to the city once more in the same year for New Year’s Eve.
From then on, everyone wanted to know more about this peninsula that attracted one of the main artists in the world. Some five decades later, Búzios is no longer a fishing village; on the contrary, it is a trendy city, full of natives, foreign residents, and tourists sharing paradisiacal scenarios during the day and an intense social life at night.
In all, the city has almost 30 beaches, among which stand out: Geribá, Tucuns, João Fernandes, Ferradura, Ferradurinha, Marina, Armação, Manguinhos, Tartaruga, Ossos, and Brava. The most daring can enjoy a day at Olho-de-Boi beach, dedicated to naturism (a nude beach). Due to the different sea currents that arrive on each side of the peninsula, some of these beaches have icy water, while others have warm waters.
Due to the intense wind, the city is also a destination for those who want to venture into free flights and yachting. Trails, diving and buggy, quadricycle, schooner, jet-ski, and speedboat rides are other popular attractions.
At night, Rua das Pedras is a must. The name is literal, so be careful when choosing shoes. Despite the large stones, most of the restaurants and local shops are there, so most people are concentrated in this part of the city. Nearby are Praça Santos Dumont, where handicrafts are sold, and Cine Bardot. The tributes to the actress don’t end there, with the city’s edge being named Orla Bardot. There, the walk is pleasant at any time of day.
Air taxi Rio de Janeiro – Búzios: aircraft available
One of the most affordable and sought after options for air taxi between Rio de Janeiro and Búzios is the single-engine JetRanger 206B, which has five seats (four passengers and the pilot). With it, the trip costs R$ 9,980 and takes about 47 minutes. It is an interesting choice as it is an aircraft suitable for scenic flights, guaranteeing a view during the journey.
Its cabin is spacious and with extra legroom, providing comfort to even the tallest passengers. Behind the seats, up to 113 kg of luggage can be accommodated. For these and other qualities, the JetRanger is the most popular civil helicopter ever built.
Another highly recommended entry model is the Airbus AS350 B3, popularly known as Esquilo (Squirrel). This version of the helicopter has higher performance than its predecessors. The seats are adjustable, and have energy absorption and shoulder belts, offering more comfort and safety. All five passengers can sit forward-facing, enjoying the panoramic view offered through its large windows. With it, the trip of about 50 minutes is around R$ 14,300.
Going up a bit in models, one of the highlights is the twin-engine Agusta Power, which accommodates up to six passengers. Here, the values are already relatively higher: around R$ 27,000 on this route. The trip lasts just over 40 minutes, demonstrating the speed of this aircraft, one of its biggest draws.
In addition, its interior is spacious and very elegant, pleasing travelers accustomed to premium experiences. Its cabin has low noise and vibration, and its leather seats are extremely comfortable. Luggage space is suitable for three medium-sized suitcases and three carry-on bags.
In the same range is the Bell 429, which can be chartered for R$27,290. Praised for its speed, range and spacious cabin, this aircraft is synonymous with style – the sleek leather interior blends well with its amenities. That’s why it’s one of the top choices for VIP and corporate travel.
The rear baggage compartment is nearly twice the size of most light twin-engine helicopters, and can accommodate up to six 15kg bags. With the Bell 429, the Rio de Janeiro – Búzios air taxi takes around 40 minutes. The aircraft holds up to six passengers.
Those looking for an exclusive experience can travel aboard an Airbus H145, which carries up to eight passengers. In it, which is the most modern and safest helicopter available in Brazil, the trip takes no more than 40 minutes and the investment is around R$92,360.
But what does the H145 offer? First, a significantly larger cabin than other helicopters, with unbelievable external visibility for both pilots and passengers. Its Full Authority Digital Engine Control system ensures safety, while the state-of-the-art rotor system significantly reduces noise and vibration. Its powerful engines offer excellent performance and autonomy, with cruising speeds of up to 244 km/h. Overall, this aircraft can fly for up to three hours with eight passengers and eight bags on board.
Air taxi Rio de Janeiro – Búzios with Flapper
To see photos and details of these aircraft or learn more options, just enter Flapper’s quote platform, available on our website or app. In the tool, it is also possible to customize embarkation and disembarkation locations, date, and time.
Thus, it is guaranteed that you will always find the flight that best fits your reality and routine. All without bureaucracy or complication, with the reservation made in just a few taps. Flapper only works with the best partners on the market, offering an agile, safe, and comfortable trip. For questions and more information, contact the number below.