Guarulhos Sao Paulo, Brazil Travel Guide
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) is the main airport. It is South America's busiest and Brazil's principal international gateway. Skyscanner is a great tool for finding flights.
Numerous direct flights are available from cities like New York, Miami, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Madrid, Dubai, Doha, Santiago, and Buenos Aires. This wide network makes GRU easily accessible from various parts of the world. Check Dollar Flight Club for deals.
GRU offers free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, a wide selection of restaurants and cafes, airline lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, pharmacies, and medical services.
Fast Sleep Guarulhos is inside T2 for short-stay options. Several other hotels are nearby with shuttle buses.
GRU has three passenger terminals (T1, T2, T3) with shuttles connecting them. T1 handles regional/budget flights, T2 international/domestic, T3 most international.
CPTM Line 13-Jade connects GRU to São Paulo's urban train system. Limited intercity passenger rail; most connections to other cities are via bus.
Brazil has an extensive long-distance bus network. Most major routes depart from São Paulo's main terminals (Tietê, Barra Funda, Jabaquara). Companies like Cometa, 1001, Viação Águia Branca serve numerous routes.
A valid national driving license and an International Driving Permit are highly recommended. Major highways are generally well-maintained. Be aware of heavy traffic and reckless driving.
Guarulhos is an inland city, so sea or river arrivals are not directly applicable.
River transportation is not applicable for Guarulhos.
Drive on the right-hand side. Everyone must wear a seatbelt. Speed limits are enforced. Zero tolerance for getting around by car under the influence. Toll roads are prevalent; carry small bills or a transponder.
Minimum age for car rental is typically 21 (or 25 for specific categories). A valid driver'a driving license and a major credit card in the driver's name are needed. Major international (Hertz, Avis, Budget) and local companies (Localiza, Unidas, Movida) operate at GRU Airport and in São Paulo. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are generally not recommended for tourists given the dense traffic.
To streamline your departure, consider online check-in when it's available. This can save time at the airport and avoid long queues.
Be prepared for security screening procedures. Remove electronics, liquids, and any metal items. Follow instructions from security personnel for a smooth process.
If you have lounge access, enjoy the amenities for relaxation before takeoff.
Explore the wide array of restaurants and shops available at GRU for last-minute purchases or a meal.
Familiarize yourself with the terminal layout to easily find your gate and amenities.
From São Paulo city, various options exist for transfer to GRU. Plan your transport well in advance, especially during peak traffic hours.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Uber, 99) are readily available throughout São Paulo for direct transfers to GRU. Ensure you book from reputable services.
Use airline apps or airport websites for real-time flight status updates.
Confirm your departure terminal to avoid last-minute confusion.
Stay updated on gate changes through airport screens and announcements.
Always reconfirm all flight details, including terminal and gate, before leaving for the airport. Traffic in São Paulo can be unpredictable.
