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Located airside at Congonhas, this lounge offers business travellers a quiet space with complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Access is primarily for premium passengers or by prior booking.
CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Busy urban gateway to São Paulo
São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport serves as a major hub for domestic and regional flights in Brazil. Opened in 1936, it handles thousands of passengers daily with multiple airlines connecting cities across the country. The airport sits close to downtown São Paulo, making travel convenient for business and leisure trips. Modern terminals provide basic amenities such as shops, restaurants and lounges. Its central location supports quick transfers to city streets and public transport options. Travelers value its accessibility despite frequent activity during peak hours.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport Summary
São Paulo/Congonhas–Deputado Freitas Nobre Airport is an airport near São Paulo in Brazil. It currently offers regular passenger service to 40 destinations operated by 3 airlines.
Top airlines
GOL Linhas Aéreas
(G3)
807 flights per week
LATAM Airlines
(LA)
695 flights per week
Azul Brazilian Airlines
(AD)
292 flights per week
Top destinations
Cheapest destinations
Best destinations
Brazil – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
127 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type C , Type N
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Brazilian Real (BRL) £1 ≈ R$7.11 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in urban areas but less so in remote regions.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in Brazil. Restaurants often include a 10% service charge. Additional tips are optional. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Brazil, and it is common in social settings. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, with designated outdoor areas. |
| Carnival (February/March) |
Expect parades and heavy crowds. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (September) |
National celebrations occur. |
| Christmas (December) |
Family gatherings and public celebrations are common. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 190 (Police), 192 (Ambulance), 193 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | 99, Uber, Cabify |
| Other: | Brazil is known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and Carnival celebrations. Avoid travelling alone in remote areas for safety. |
São Paulo Congonhas Airport caters mostly to domestic flights and is famous for its proximity to São Paulo’s downtown area. Its single terminal handles a large passenger flow, often leading to crowded spaces and frequent gate changes, which require travelers to stay alert.
The airport offers a modest range of shops and eateries, with prices tending to be on the higher side. Despite the hustle, the airport captures the energy of São Paulo, with lively crowds and a pulse of business activity reflecting the city’s vibrant spirit.
Signs and announcements are usually in Portuguese, with limited English, so non-Portuguese speakers should prepare accordingly. Security and check-in lines can be long especially during peak hours and the lack of moving walkways in some parts means leaving ample time to navigate.
Transportation links to São Paulo city center are convenient but subject to traffic delays. Despite some quirks, Congonhas’s location and efficiency make it a popular choice for domestic travelers flying into or out of Brazil’s largest metropolis.
Helpful tips for São Paulo/Congonhas–Deputado Freitas Nobre Airport
- Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights.
- Use the free airport shuttle to reach the terminal, avoiding traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Check the airport’s Wi‑Fi login page for updates on security checks and boarding gate changes.
- Explore the nearby Praça da República for local street food stalls before heading to the departure lounge.
Available airport lounges
Advantage VIP Lounge
Latam VIP Lounge
Operated by LATAM Airlines, this lounge features a modern ambiance with refreshments, workstations, and shower facilities. Available to LATAM premium and elite flyers.
Gol Premium Lounge
This lounge provides comfort and refreshments for Gol Airlines’ business class and top-tier frequent flyers, with a peaceful environment to relax or work.
Smiles Lounge
Accessible to Smiles loyalty members, offering snacks, Wi-Fi, and a cosy setting close to boarding gates.
Where to stay near São Paulo/Congonhas–Deputado Freitas Nobre Airport
There are several hotels close to Congonhas Airport with options tailored mostly to business travelers seeking convenience. For more diverse and boutique accommodations, central São Paulo offers a wider selection within easy reach.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get from Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport to popular destinations
To São Paulo City Center:
Congonhas is located about 8 km from downtown São Paulo. The city bus 675 connects the airport to the nearest metro station (Brooklin), from where passengers can access the city’s metro network. The bus runs frequently during operating hours with tickets costing around R$5 (£0.75). Taxis and rideshare are common, though traffic congestion can cause delays. Pre-paid and metered taxis operate, with fares to the city averaging R$35 (£5.22) to R$60 (£8.95) depending on traffic and destination.
To São Paulo Guarulhos Airport:
A paid shuttle bus service connects São Paulo’s two main airports, Congonhas and Guarulhos. This bus runs multiple times daily, with travel duration around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Alternative options include taxis and ride-sharing, which are faster but more costly.
To Campinas:
Campinas can be reached by taxi or car hire, with journey time about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. There are also bus services from downtown São Paulo reachable by metro from Congonhas, though these require planning and connections.
Top destinations from Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport
Destination
Duration/Price
Weekdays
Airlines
Info
SDU
Rio de Janeiro
1 h 00 min.
£37 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+2
CNF
Belo Horizonte
1 h 18 min.
£24 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+2
POA
Salgado Filho International Airport
1 h 43 min.
£34 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+2
BSB
Brasilia
1 h 46 min.
£29 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+2
CWB
Curitiba
1 h 02 min.
£27 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+2
SSA
Salvador
2 h 25 min.
£85 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+1
FLN
Florianopolis
1 h 16 min.
£44 (avg.)
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
+1
Top airlines operating at Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport
Airline
Rating
Skytrax rank
Statistics
Top destinations from here
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