Sao Paulo Airport Guide

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), officially Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro, is São Paulo's main international airport and a major LATAM Brasil hub. It is northeast of central São Paulo.

The airport has three terminals arranged in a linear configuration:

• Terminal 1 serves Azul domestic flights.
• Terminal 2 handles domestic and international services, including GOL and LATAM domestic operations.
• Terminal 3 is the principal international terminal, including LATAM international and many long-haul airlines.

Important note: São Paulo has a second major airport, Congonhas (CGH), located much closer to the city center (8 km south). Many domestic flights, especially business shuttles to Rio de Janeiro, operate from CGH. Always verify which airport your flight uses.

Airline assignments can change; check the boarding pass and the airport's current airline maps. The airport operates a free landside shuttle among all three terminals and Airport-Guarulhos rail station. Do not plan to walk end-to-end between all three terminals: use the signed connector where available or the airport shuttle.

Key fact: The airport's free landside shuttle serves Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Do not assume all three are joined by a continuous passenger walkway or that every connection can remain airside.

Terminal Layout

The terminals are numbered in order, and the first digit of a gate number identifies its terminal:

Terminal 1 ←→ Terminal 2 ←→ Terminal 3

• T1 uses gates in the 100 series and is the Azul domestic terminal.
• T2 uses gates in the 200 series for domestic and international services.
• T3 uses gates in the 300 series and handles international services.

Follow the signed connector or the airline's connection route where one is available. For a landside terminal change—especially to or from T1—the airport shuttle is the reliable published option.

Terminal Transfer Shuttle

The official terminal-transfer guide says the free shuttle boards at arrivals in each terminal, includes Airport-Guarulhos rail station, runs from 04:00 to midnight, and has a published maximum wait of 15 minutes. Check the airport page for disruptions and allow additional time to walk to the stop, ride, check in, and clear security.

The AeroGRU automated people mover is intended to link the rail station and the three terminals. Brazil's Federal Court of Accounts reported in May 2026 that it was in restricted initial/assisted operation and had not reached full compliant service. Treat it as an on-site option only when airport signs and staff confirm it is operating; do not make a tight connection depend on it.

Use the minimum connection accepted by the airline for a protected through ticket. Generic airport-wide time tables cannot account for terminal changes, immigration, baggage, security queues, or disruption recovery. Separate tickets need substantially more time and may require entry eligibility for Brazil.

International Arrivals Process

If arriving on an international flight and connecting to a domestic flight:

1. Exit aircraft, normally at Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 for an international service
2. Clear immigration at the Polícia Federal counters
3. Collect checked baggage at the international carousel
4. Clear customs
5. Re-check bags at the domestic transfer counter if continuing on same airline
6. Follow the signed route or take the terminal shuttle to your departure terminal
7. Clear security again at the domestic departures area

Follow airline and airport instructions if the connection is international-to-international and the bags are checked through; the required formalities vary by itinerary.

Same-Airline vs Different-Airline Connections

• Protected through tickets: Ask the operating airline whether bags are tagged through and follow its transfer route.
• Separate tickets: Expect to collect bags, go landside, check in again, and clear the required departure controls unless both airlines explicitly confirm otherwise.

GRU is northeast of central São Paulo. Road travel times vary sharply with congestion, particularly for trips across the city or between GRU and Congonhas Airport (CGH).

For a traffic-independent trip, CPTM Line 13-Jade serves Airport-Guarulhos station. The station is outside the passenger terminals near T1, with the airport's free shuttle—and, when confirmed operating, AeroGRU—providing the terminal link. Airport coaches, regular buses, taxis, and app-based cars are the main road alternatives.

Uber and 99 (a Brazilian rideshare app owned by DiDi) are widely available at GRU. 99 is often cheaper and very popular locally.

Pickup locations:

• Terminal 1: Ground floor, follow "Aplicativos" signs
• Terminal 2: Ground floor, designated rideshare pickup zone
• Terminal 3: Follow signs to the rideshare waiting area

Typical fares to central São Paulo:

Destination	Uber/99 Fare	Notes
Paulista Avenue	R$80-140 (~$16-28 USD)	Higher during surge pricing
Downtown (Centro)	R$70-120 (~$14-24 USD)	Traffic-dependent
Pinheiros	R$90-160 (~$18-32 USD)	Western zone
Congonhas Airport	R$120-200 (~$24-40 USD)	Can take 1-2 hours in traffic

Wait times average 5-15 minutes. During peak hours or rain, expect longer waits and surge pricing.

Official Airport Taxis (Guarucoop) use regulated meters:

• Pickup at designated taxi stands outside each terminal
• Typical fare to Paulista: R$150-200 (~$30-40 USD)
• A safer option than street taxis; all drivers are registered

Tip: Download the 99 app before arrival. It works similarly to Uber but often has better availability and pricing in Brazil.

CPTM Line 13-Jade

Airport-Guarulhos station is served by CPTM Line 13-Jade. Follow signs to the terminal-transfer stop and use the free airport shuttle to the station. The airport publishes shuttle service from 04:00 to midnight; outside those hours, confirm the available station transfer before relying on rail.

CPTM's current airport service reaches central interchange stations, including a direct Airport Express pattern toward Palmeiras-Barra Funda. Routes and stopping patterns can change, so use the airport train page and CPTM's airport guide for the travel date. Line 13 is a commuter-rail service, not a metro platform inside a terminal.

Airport Coaches

The airport's official bus guide lists Airport Bus Service routes for destinations including Congonhas Airport, Palmeiras-Barra Funda, Tietê, and the Paulista/hotel circuit. The published boarding point is the bus terminal outside Terminal 2 East arrivals. Check the operator for the current timetable, fare, and luggage rules; every coach remains subject to road traffic.

Regular City Buses

EMTU route 257 links GRU with Tatuapé metro/CPTM station, and other municipal or intercity routes serve surrounding districts. The official airport bus page gives the current Terminal 2 boarding areas. Regular buses can be useful for a lower-cost journey but have less luggage space and more stops than airport coaches; verify payment methods and service hours before boarding.

GRU offers multiple parking options:

Terminal Parking

Lot	Location	Hourly Rate	Daily Max
P1	Terminal 1	R$18/hr	R$72/day
P2	Terminal 2	R$18/hr	R$72/day
P3	Terminal 3	R$18/hr	R$72/day

Economy Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Notes
E1/E2 (Economy)	R$52/day	Free shuttle, 5-10 min to terminals

Tips:

• Book online at the GRU Airport website for discounts (up to 30% off)
• First 10 minutes free for drop-off/pickup
• Covered parking available at terminal lots

Cell phone lot: Free waiting area for drivers picking up passengers, located near the access road.

GRU has improved its dining options significantly. Terminal 2 has the best selection.

Terminal 1:

• Viena: Brazilian-style cafeteria, good for quick meals
• Spoleto: Italian pasta and salads
• McDonald's: Fast food standard

Terminal 2 (best variety):

• Coco Bambu: Upscale Brazilian seafood restaurant
• Outback Steakhouse: Australian-themed steakhouse
• Viena Express: Brazilian comfort food
• Starbucks: Coffee and light fare
• Pão de Queijo shops: Brazilian cheese bread (a must-try)
• Açaí bars: Fresh açaí bowls

Terminal 3:

• Giraffas: Brazilian fast food chain
• Subway: Sandwiches
• Limited options compared to Terminal 2

Must-try local foods:

• Pão de queijo: Cheese bread, available at multiple cafés
• Coxinha: Fried chicken croquette
• Açaí: Amazonian berry bowl
• Guaraná Antarctica: Brazilian soft drink

Tip: If you have time, Terminal 2's food court on the departure level offers the widest variety and best quality.

Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals.

Network name: "GRU Airport Free WiFi"

How to connect:

1. Select the network
2. Open your browser
3. Register with email or social media account
4. Accept terms of service

Details:

• Free session: Unlimited duration
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and email; variable for streaming
• Coverage: Throughout all terminals, though signal can be weaker in some gate areas

Tip: Lounge WiFi is faster and more reliable for heavy usage.

Brazilian SIM cards are available at the airport:

Locations:

• Vivo stores in Terminals 1 and 2
• TIM kiosk in Terminal 2
• Claro presence in Terminal 2

Major carriers:

• Vivo: Best nationwide coverage
• Claro: Good urban coverage, competitive pricing
• TIM: Popular for prepaid plans
• Oi: Budget option

Typical costs:

• Prepaid SIM with 10-15GB data: R$50-80 (~$10-16 USD)
• Tourist packages with 30 days validity available

Requirements: Passport and Brazilian CPF number may be requested (though some carriers sell tourist SIMs without CPF).

Tip: Consider ordering an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) before departure. Brazilian airport SIM prices are reasonable, but eSIM avoids any registration hassle.

ATMs (caixas eletrônicos) are located throughout all terminals:

Major banks with ATMs at GRU:

• Banco do Brasil
• Bradesco
• Itaú
• Santander
• Banco24Horas network (accepts international cards)

Tips:

• Banco24Horas ATMs are the most reliable for international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus)
• Typical withdrawal limit: R$1,000-1,500 per transaction
• ATM fees: R$15-25 per withdrawal plus your bank's foreign transaction fee
• Choose to be charged in Brazilian Reais (BRL), not your home currency, for better rates

Currency Exchange:

• Multiple exchange bureaus in arrivals and departure areas
• Rates are poor (8-15% markup typical)
• Better to use ATMs or exchange a small amount for immediate needs

Credit cards: Widely accepted in São Paulo. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. American Express has more limited acceptance.

GRU offers duty-free shopping for international travelers and general retail.

Duty-free (Dufry):

• Locations in Terminal 2 international departures
• Brazilian cachaça, coffee, and Havaianas are popular purchases
• Cosmetics, electronics, and luxury goods available

Terminal 2 (best shopping):

• Havaianas: Iconic Brazilian flip-flops
• Livraria Cultura: Books and magazines
• Granado: Brazilian cosmetics and perfumes
• Hudson News: Travel essentials

Terminal 1:

• Limited retail
• Basic convenience stores

Brazilian specialties to buy:

• Cachaça: Brazilian sugarcane spirit for caipirinhas
• Brazilian coffee: High-quality beans
• Havaianas: Genuine flip-flops at good prices
• Brigadeiros: Chocolate truffles (Kopenhagen brand)
• Açaí products: Powders and frozen packs (check customs rules)

Tip: Duty-free prices on Brazilian products are competitive. Cachaça and coffee make excellent gifts.

GRU has several lounge options, with most concentrated in Terminal 2.

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 2 (International):

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Located after immigration in the international departures area. Hot food, showers, WiFi. Can be crowded during peak departure times (evening Europe flights).

Terminal 1:

• GOL Premium Lounge: Priority Pass accepted. Basic amenities, limited food.

Airline Lounges

LATAM VIP Lounge (Terminal 2):

• Access: LATAM Premium Business, LATAM Pass Black/Platinum, Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire
• Quality: Good food including Brazilian dishes, showers, business facilities
• Hours: Opens early for morning departures

Star Alliance Lounge (Terminal 2):

• Access: Star Alliance Gold, Business/First class on Star Alliance carriers
• Quality: Solid international lounge with decent food and drinks

Azul Lounge (Terminal 1):

• Access: Azul premium passengers, TudoAzul elite members
• Smaller lounge with basic amenities

Credit Card Lounges

• American Express Centurion Lounge: GRU does not currently have a Centurion Lounge
• Mastercard/Visa lounges: Not currently at GRU

Day Passes

Plaza Premium sells day passes when capacity allows, typically R$200-250 (~$40-50 USD). Book through LoungeBuddy or at the lounge entrance.

At the Airport:

• GRU Airport Hotel (Pullman): Located inside Terminal 2, directly connected to the terminal. Walk to check-in in minutes. Ideal for early departures or long layovers. Rooms from R$400/night (~$80 USD).

• Slaviero Essential GRU Airport: Connected to Terminal 1 via walkway. Modern business hotel. Rooms from R$300/night (~$60 USD).

Near the Airport (shuttle or short taxi):

• Hilton São Paulo Morumbi: 25-30 min from airport, in the business district. Full-service hotel.
• Mercure Guarulhos: 10-minute drive, free airport shuttle. Budget-friendly.
• Marriott São Paulo Airport: Near the airport, convenient for early flights.
• ibis Guarulhos: Budget option, 10-minute drive from terminals.

In São Paulo (for layovers with time to explore):

• Hotels on Paulista Avenue: Central location, near restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions. 45-90 min from GRU depending on traffic.
• Jardins neighborhood: Upscale area with excellent restaurants and boutiques.

Tip: For very early departures (before 7 AM), staying at the Pullman inside Terminal 2 is worth the premium for convenience.

São Paulo is South America's largest city with over 20 million people in the metropolitan area. It offers world-class dining, culture, and nightlife.

Getting around São Paulo:

• Metro: Clean, efficient, and safe. Covers most tourist areas.
• Uber/99: Widely available and affordable
• Walking: Best in specific neighborhoods (Paulista, Jardins, Vila Madalena)
• Traffic: Avoid rush hours if possible (7-10 AM, 5-9 PM)

Top attractions (with transit time from airport):

• Paulista Avenue (45-90 min): São Paulo's main avenue with museums (MASP, Japan House), shopping, and people-watching
• Ibirapuera Park (50-100 min): Massive urban park with museums, running paths, and cultural spaces
• Mercado Municipal (40-80 min): Historic market with amazing fruits, pastéis, and mortadella sandwiches
• Pinacoteca (40-80 min): Excellent Brazilian art museum
• Vila Madalena (50-90 min): Bohemian neighborhood with street art, bars, and live music

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Jardins: Upscale shopping and dining
• Vila Madalena: Street art, bars, bohemian atmosphere
• Liberdade: Japanese neighborhood with authentic Asian food
• Centro: Historic downtown, São Paulo Cathedral, Edifício Itália viewpoint

Day trips:

• Campos do Jordão (2.5 hours): Mountain town, Swiss-style architecture
• Santos (1.5 hours): Beach city, Pelé Museum
• Embu das Artes (40 min): Artisan market town

Food and drink:

• Feijoada: Traditional black bean and pork stew (best on Saturdays)
• Churrasco: Brazilian steakhouse barbecue (rodízio style)
• Coxinha: Fried chicken croquette
• Caipirinha: National cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar
• Pastel: Fried pastry with various fillings (try at Mercado Municipal)

Safety tips:

• São Paulo is a major city with typical urban safety concerns
• Use ride-sharing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially with electronics
• Tourist areas (Paulista, Jardins, Ibirapuera) are generally safe during the day
• Leave valuables in hotel safes when exploring

Weather: São Paulo has a mild, subtropical climate. Summers (Dec-Feb) are warm and rainy. Winters (Jun-Aug) are mild and drier. Pack layers as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

Currency: The Brazilian Real (R$) is the local currency. As of 2025, approximately R$5 = $1 USD. Credit cards are widely accepted.