São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport Guide (GRU) – São Paulo

IATA: GRU ICAO: SBGR São Paulo, Brazil 3 Terminals

Airport Overview

São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), officially named Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Brazil and South America, located approximately 25 km northeast of São Paulo's city centre in the municipality of Guarulhos. The airport typically handles over 40 million passengers annually and serves as the primary hub for LATAM Airlines Brasil and GOL Linhas Aéreas, as well as most major international carriers operating to and from South America. GRU is the main gateway for international arrivals to Brazil.

Terminals

Terminal 2 (T2): The primary terminal for most LATAM international and domestic flights and several Star Alliance carriers including Lufthansa, United, Air France, and KLM. Features the majority of international departure gates.
Terminal 3 (T3): Handles GOL Linhas Aéreas domestic operations and some LATAM domestic routes. Connected to T2 by a covered walkway.
Terminal 4 (T4): Dedicated to certain domestic low-cost carriers and additional overflow domestic operations. Separate bus shuttle required from T2/T3.

💡 GRU's terminals are spread across a large campus — allow a minimum of 2 hours for international connections and at least 90 minutes for domestic connections. The journey between T2/T3 and T4 requires a free shuttle bus taking 10–15 minutes.

WiFi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout GRU under the network "GRU Airport Free WiFi". Connect to the network and complete the simple browser-based registration. The complimentary session provides 30 minutes of free access; additional time can be purchased via the portal. Premium high-speed Wi-Fi packages are available at the service kiosks and lounge areas throughout all terminals.

Transport to City Centre

Airport Train (CPTM Line 13 – Jade Line)

The CPTM Linha 13 (Jade) connects GRU Airport directly to the São Paulo metro network at Engenheiro Goulart Station, where passengers transfer to CPTM Line 12. From there, connections to central São Paulo (República, Sé, Paulista) take about 35–50 minutes additional. Total journey time to the city centre is approximately 60–80 minutes. Fares are BRL 4.30. Trains run from approximately 04:00 to 24:00.

Bus Services (Executive Airports Bus)

The Airport Bus Service (ABS) operates premium express coaches from GRU to key São Paulo locations including Tietê Bus Terminal, Paulista Avenue, and major hotels. Journey time is 40–90 minutes depending on traffic (São Paulo traffic is notoriously heavy). Fares are approximately BRL 51–57 one way.

Taxi and Rideshare

Official Guarucoop and other metered taxis are available at both terminals. Uber, 99, and Cabify all operate at GRU with app-based pricing. Expect to pay BRL 100–180 (USD 20–35) to central São Paulo, with journey times of 35–90 minutes depending heavily on traffic. Avoid peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00).

Airport Lounges

GRU has a strong lounge offering particularly in T2, befitting its status as South America's busiest international airport.

LATAM Airlines VIP Lounge (T2, Domestic and International): Large well-appointed lounge with hot buffet, bar, showers, and business areas. Accessible to LATAM Premium Business and Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members.
GOL Smiles Lounge (T3): GOL's business class lounge with light refreshments and comfortable seating.
Plaza Premium Lounge (T2, International): Priority Pass and DragonPass accepted; full hot and cold dining, cocktail bar, showers, and spa services.
GRU Airport Premium Lounge (T2): Pay-per-use lounge available to all passengers with meals, Wi-Fi, and shower access.
Emirates Business Class Lounge (T2): Dedicated lounge for Emirates business and first class passengers on A380 São Paulo routes.

Hotels Near the Airport

Several hotels are located within close proximity of GRU, ranging from airport-connected to the broader Guarulhos and São Paulo area.

Mercure São Paulo Guarulhos Airport (on-site): Connected to the terminal complex, ideal for overnight layovers with 24-hour reception and restaurant.
Novotel São Paulo Guarulhos Airport: Approximately 1 km from T2, offering a pool, gym, and full dining; popular with international transit passengers.
Sheraton São Paulo WTC Hotel: Approximately 40 km from the airport in central São Paulo, in the World Trade Centre complex.
Grand Hyatt São Paulo: Landmark luxury hotel approximately 40 km from the airport on Brigadeiro Luís Antônio Avenue.
Ibis Budget Guarulhos: Very affordable option approximately 8 km from the airport in Guarulhos city, with a free breakfast option.

Food and Restaurants

GRU offers a wide range of Brazilian and international dining options throughout its terminals.

Bob's Burgers (T2 and T3): Brazil's homegrown fast-food chain — try the Bob's Big Bob burger, a Brazilian institution since 1952.
Outback Steakhouse (T2, airside): Popular with Brazilian and international travellers; full menu with steaks and ribs.
Pão de Queijo Haddock Lobo (T2): Traditional Brazilian cheese bread and coffee — the perfect São Paulo snack before departure.
McDonald's (T2 and T3): Full menu with Brazilian exclusive items including the McPicanha burger.
Starbucks (T2 and T3): Multiple outlets throughout both terminals with Brazilian coffee and specialty drinks.
Viena (T2): Popular Brazilian café chain serving sandwiches, pastries, and the classic misto quente (grilled ham and cheese).

Travel Tips

São Paulo traffic is legendarily bad; never rely on a taxi or bus to get you to the airport in under 90 minutes during peak hours. Take CPTM Line 13 when possible.
Petty theft at GRU and in São Paulo is a concern; use official taxis or rideshare apps rather than accepting unofficial offers, and keep bags close.
Brazilian Real (BRL) is the local currency; exchange desks and ATMs are in all terminals both before and after customs.
Brazil's visa requirements vary by nationality; US, Australian, and Canadian citizens may require a visa. EU and most Latin American citizens enter visa-free.
GRU handles an enormous amount of overnight long-haul flights; the airport can be very quiet at 03:00–05:00 and then extremely busy from 06:00 onwards.
International departures require a full 3-hour check-in window at GRU, especially during school holiday periods (January, July, December).
Brazilian customs strictly enforce agricultural product import restrictions; do not bring fresh fruits, vegetables, or meat into Brazil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get from GRU Airport to central São Paulo?

CPTM Line 13 (Jade) is the most reliable option, connecting GRU to the São Paulo metro network in about 60–80 minutes total for BRL 4.30. The Airport Bus Service costs BRL 51–57 and takes 40–90 minutes. Taxis and Uber/99 cost BRL 100–180 but can take 35–90+ minutes depending on traffic.

Is there free Wi-Fi at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available under "GRU Airport Free WiFi" for the first 30 minutes. After that, paid packages are available. Premium lounge access (Plaza Premium, LATAM Lounge) includes unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi as part of the entry price.

How early should I arrive at GRU for an international flight?

Arrive at least 3 hours before your international departure. GRU handles very high passenger volumes and check-in, security, and immigration queues can be long, particularly for flights to the US and Europe. During peak holiday periods (school breaks), add an extra 30–60 minutes.

Which lounges at GRU accept Priority Pass?

The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2's international zone accepts Priority Pass and DragonPass memberships. The GRU Airport Premium Lounge offers pay-per-use access for all passengers. LATAM's lounges are restricted to premium ticket holders and Oneworld status members.