São Paulo’s main international gateway is Guarulhos International Airport. Located about 25 kilometers northeast of the city center, it handles most flights arriving in or leaving Brazil. The airport has multiple terminals with shops and food options for travelers. It connects to cities worldwide through major airlines. Public transport links include metro lines and buses that reach central areas. As a key hub, it supports both business trips and vacation travel, making it essential for accessing São Paulo’s economy and culture.
| Power Grid: |
127 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type C , Type N
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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) |
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| 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/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is located about 25 kilometers northeast of São Paulo city center and encompasses around 13 square kilometers, making it the largest airport in Brazil. It is a major hub for domestic and international flights, with over 41 million passengers passing through annually, predominantly servicing Latin America but with worldwide connections.
The airport consists of three terminals. Terminal 1 primarily serves low-cost domestic carriers, Terminal 2 handles most domestic and some international flights and Terminal 3 is dedicated to international and premium services. While the airport offers a decent range of restaurants, shops and lounges, the size and complexity of GRU can be overwhelming, especially during peak hours.
GRU Airport experiences a tropical savanna climate (Aw), with a distinct wet season from October to March and a dry, cooler season from April to September. Travelers should prepare for warm temperatures year-round. Security and immigration lines can be long and the airport’s busy nature sometimes leads to congestion in transportation and check-in areas, so arriving early is wise.
Although it’s a gateway to incredible destinations in Brazil and beyond, passengers should plan accordingly for transit times between terminals and be mindful about pick-up and drop-off logistics around the airport, which is situated in a busy metropolitan area with heavy traffic.
Situated in Terminal 3, catering to Star Alliance members and premium passengers. Facilities include shower rooms, food and beverages, workspaces, and Wi‑Fi. Access often requires membership or business/first-class tickets with alliance carriers.
This exclusive lounge in Terminal 1 offers elegant ambiance and privacy, catering to select airline passengers and VIP guests. Facilities include fine refreshments, Wi‑Fi, and business amenities with access by invitation or special passes.
Located in Terminal 2 for both domestic and international departures, this lounge provides Wi‑Fi, comfortable seating, buffet meals, and beverages. Entry is free for Gol Airlines premium passengers and Smiles members. Open daily from early morning to midnight.
Located in Terminal 3, this lounge offers travellers complimentary Wi‑Fi, showers, snacks, and a relaxing environment. Access is granted to Business Class passengers of select airlines and Priority Pass holders. Day passes are available starting at around R$250 (£37.31).
An outdoor lounge area near Terminal 2 check-in, featuring meeting rooms, refreshments, Wi‑Fi, and comfortable seating. Available to all travellers for a fee, it's a quieter alternative to inside terminal lounges.
Most travelers choose to stay in São Paulo city, where accommodations range from luxury hotels in upscale neighborhoods like Jardins and Vila Madalena to budget hostels in central areas. Guarulhos itself offers some mid‑range hotels close to the airport, ideal for short layovers or early flights.
To São Paulo City Center:
Located about 25 km away, São Paulo city centre is accessible by several options. The Airport Express train connects GRU to Luz Station in downtown São Paulo, with a travel time of about 30-40 minutes and fares R$8 – 10 (£1.19 – 1.49). Bus services and taxis are also available, but traffic congestion during peak hours may extend travel times considerably. Ride-share apps provide a convenient alternative with roughly 40-minute rides depending on traffic.
To Guarulhos City:
The municipality of Guarulhos, where the airport is located, can be reached quickly by local taxis, buses, and ride-shares with travel times under 20 minutes. Public bus routes serve the area well for budget travellers, though service frequency varies by time of day.
To Campinas:
Campinas, a major city west of São Paulo, is about 100 km from the airport. Bus services link GRU to Campinas but are less frequent; hiring a car or private transfer are more comfortable for tourists. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
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