In a nutshell
- São Paulo has three major airports: Guarulhos (GRU), Congonhas (CGH), and Viracopos (VCP). Guarulhos is the largest and handles almost all international flights.
- Flying in from Europe or North America? You’ll almost certainly land at Guarulhos Airport and go through customs there — we walk you through exactly what to expect.
- For each airport, we cover all your transport options into the city — metro, bus, Uber, taxi, and private transfer — with current prices so you can decide what suits you best.
- We’ve also included personal hotel recommendations near each airport, in case you need a place to stay before or after your flight.
The Airports in São Paulo at a Glance
There are three major airports in São Paulo – one of the most beautiful places in Brazil. The largest and one of the most important hubs in South America is Guarulhos (GRU). Most international flights land here.
The most centrally located airport in São Paulo is Congonhas (CGH). Only domestic flights by the airlines LATAM, GOL, and Azul depart and arrive here — these are the three biggest airlines in Brazil.
The third airport is Viracopos (VCP). It’s located in the neighboring city of Campinas, about 80 kilometers from São Paulo. Like Congonhas, only domestic flights operate here. Viracopos is served mostly by the Brazilian airline Azul, with a handful of GOL flights as well.
We’ve marked all three airports on a map for you:
Extra tip: If you ever experience a flight delay, our article on flight delay compensation gives you tips on how to get your money back.
The São Paulo Guarulhos Airport
If you’re flying to Brazil from Europe or North America, you’ll almost certainly arrive at Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo. It’s one of the largest airports in South America, a major connecting hub, and flights from all over the world land here.
Whether you’re just making a layover at Guarulhos or spending a few days exploring São Paulo — here’s everything you need to know about arriving and getting from the São Paulo airport to the city center.
Arriving at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport
After you get off the plane, the first step is customs. Have your passport ready, and possibly your return ticket — we’ve flown to Brazil a couple of times and had to show it once, but not the other time.
Aside from that, we weren’t asked much and got our stamp right away. The process was quick for us overall, though it always depends on how busy the airport is.
After customs, you collect your luggage and head to the exit. This is a great moment to withdraw cash at one of the ATMs right there — you’ll find them scattered throughout the terminal.
Guarulhos Airport offers free Wi-Fi, so you don’t need to rush out and buy a SIM card right away. If you have time, it’s better to pick one up in downtown São Paulo — they’re noticeably cheaper there.
Note: If you have a connecting domestic flight within Brazil, you’ll need to clear customs at Guarulhos and then check in again for your onward flight.
From São Paulo Guarulhos Airport to the City Center
From Guarulhos Airport, it’s about 25 kilometers to the city center. You can get there by metro, bus, taxi, Uber, private airport transfer, or rental car.
We’d skip the rental car in São Paulo — many roads and neighborhoods can be tricky to navigate, and if you don’t know the city well, it’s much more relaxing to let someone else drive.
Taking the Metro from Guarulhos Airport to São Paulo
If you’re traveling light and arriving during the day, the metro is our top pick for getting from the São Paulo airport to the city. It’s the cheapest option and, when traffic is heavy, also the fastest. After dark, though, it’s better to take an Uber or taxi instead.
Shuttle buses run for free from the terminals at Guarulhos to the airport train station, Aeroporto-Guarulhos. There, you buy your metro ticket (4.40 reais) in cash at the ticket counter — so make sure you’ve withdrawn money beforehand.
From the train station, an express train takes you directly to the central metro station Luz in about 30 minutes. From Luz, you can connect to the rest of the metro network and reach your hotel easily.
Important: We recommend booking your hotel in São Paulo near a metro station. It makes getting around so much more relaxed. You can find more details in our article on São Paulo hotel tips.
Read also:
Taking the Bus from Guarulhos Airport to São Paulo
Buses also run from the airport into the city. Line 258, for example, takes you to Avenida Paulista or the Tietê bus terminal. We’d only recommend this option if your hotel happens to be close to a bus stop — otherwise, the metro is faster and easier.
For more details on bus routes and schedules, check the Guarulhos Airport website.
Taking a Taxi or Uber from Guarulhos Airport to São Paulo
Taxi and Uber are probably the most popular choice for getting from the São Paulo airport to the city center. We prefer Uber in Brazil — it’s generally safer and cheaper than taxis.
Since the airport has Wi-Fi, you can book an Uber through the app even without a local SIM card. A ride to the city center costs around 80 reais.
If you’d rather take a taxi, the official provider at Guarulhos is Guarucoop. Just be aware that taxis are significantly pricier — expect around 150 reais.
The journey to downtown São Paulo takes about 40 minutes without traffic. During rush hour, budget considerably more time.
Taking a Private Transfer from Guarulhos Airport to São Paulo
A private transfer is the most comfortable option — your driver meets you at arrivals and takes care of everything. It’s the priciest choice, but if you’re arriving after a long flight and just want zero stress, it’s absolutely worth considering.
Book a private transfer from Guarulhos Airport
Our Hotel Recommendations near Guarulhos Airport
Not heading into the city because you’re only making a short layover? Then staying near Guarulhos Airport is your best bet.
Our tip: Don’t wander too far from the airport — many parts of the city of Guarulhos are not safe for tourists.
The São Paulo Congonhas Airport
Aeroporto de São Paulo Congonhas (CGH) sits right in the heart of the city, but handles only domestic flights. If you’re already in Brazil and flying into São Paulo, Congonhas is the smartest choice — you’ll be much closer to the action from the moment you land.
From São Paulo Congonhas Airport to the City Center
No customs here, since you’re already in the country. You’ll generally reach the exit quickly and be on your way.
Thanks to its central location, getting from Congonhas to your accommodation is usually not far at all. You can travel by public transit, Uber, taxi, or private transfer.
Taking Public Transit from Congonhas Airport to São Paulo
There’s no direct metro connection from Congonhas Airport. The nearest station is São Judas, about 5 kilometers away.
To get there, take bus line 675I from the airport. The ride costs 4.40 reais and takes around 20 minutes.
At São Judas station, metro line 1 connects you to Avenida Paulista, the Bela Vista neighborhood, and the Tietê bus terminal — all key spots in the city.
Note: You’ll need cash to buy both the bus and metro tickets.
Taking Uber or a Taxi from Congonhas Airport to São Paulo
For speed and convenience, Uber or a taxi is the better call. As we mentioned, we prefer Uber in Brazil. Congonhas has Wi-Fi, so you can book through the app even without a SIM card. An Uber typically costs around 30 reais.
If you go with a taxi, stick to an official provider — they’re safer. Taxis generally run more expensive than Uber; expect to pay upwards of 50 reais.
To reach the central Bela Vista neighborhood, it’s only about 15 minutes by Uber or taxi.
Taking a Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport to São Paulo
For a completely stress-free arrival, a private transfer is hard to beat. You can book one in advance online, and your driver will be waiting when you land.
Book a private transfer from Congonhas Airport
Our Hotel Recommendations near Congonhas Airport
If you’re only making a short layover at Congonhas, it makes sense to stay close to the airport rather than heading into the city.
The São Paulo Viracopos Airport
Viracopos is the third airport in the mix — though technically it’s not in São Paulo at all, but in the neighboring city of Campinas, the second-largest city in the state of São Paulo.
Only domestic flights land at Viracopos, almost all operated by Azul, with a small number of GOL flights rounding things out.
From Campinas Viracopos Airport to Downtown São Paulo
No customs at Viracopos, so getting from the plane to the exit is quick. That said, the airport itself is about 100 kilometers from São Paulo — so getting into the city takes some planning.
Multiple buses run daily from the airport to São Paulo’s Terminal Tietê. They cost around 7 reais and the trip takes two hours. An Uber runs approximately 220 reais. If you want the most relaxed option, a private transfer booked in advance is the way to go.
Book a private transfer from Viracopos to São Paulo
Our Hotel Recommendations near Viracopos Airport
The hotel selection near Viracopos is limited, but we’ve picked out the best options close to the airport for you.
