Sao Paulo Brazil Travel Guide
São Paulo/Guarulhos – Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) is Brazil's largest and busiest international hub, approximately 25 km (15 miles) northeast of the city center.
São Paulo/Congonhas Airport (CGH) mainly serves domestic flights, located 8 km (5 miles) south of downtown. Viracopos International Airport (VCP) in Campinas (90 km northwest) handles some international routes and many domestic flights, serving as Azul's main hub.
GRU has direct flights from numerous major global hubs including Miami, New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai, and all major South American capitals.
Expect more expensive prices in Brazilian summer (Dec-Feb), major holidays (Carnaval, Easter, Christmas/New Year), and July. Lower prices appear in shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) and low season (June, August).
Booking flights well in advance frequently secures better fares, specifically during peak travel times. Monitor flight deals via services like Dollar Flight Club.
For international flights from GRU, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights (CGH/GRU), 1.5-2 hours.
São Paulo's traffic can be unpredictable. Factor in extra time it takes to get to the airport, particularly during rush hour or rain.
All major airports provide extensive facilities: duty-free, dining, lounges, currency exchange.
São Paulo possesses great long-distance bus connections to virtually all major cities and states in Brazil. Buses are comfortable, reliable, and a favored way to travel domestically.
Various bus classes provide for different degree of comforts. Major companies include Cometa, 1001, Viação Águia Branca, Itapemirim, and Guanabara.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home country's you need a license. Be at least 21 years old (some companies 25) with a major credit card.
Driving in São Paulo has special challenges. Main highways generally maintain good condition. Urban congestion is notoriously heavy and congested.
São Paulo city does not have a port. The main cruise port for the São Paulo region is Santos, located about 70 km (43 miles) southeast of the city. Santos Port ranks as Latin America's largest port.
River transportation is not a mode of arrival or departure for tourists visiting São Paulo city. The city's rivers (Tietê, Pinheiros) mainly serve drainage purposes and lack passenger transport services.
The bus journey from Santos to São Paulo typically is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, traffic conditions influence travel time.
Taxis and ride-sharing services also stand available for transfers between Santos and São Paulo, offering a direct route.
For international cruise arrivals at Santos, have your passport and any visa have your documents ready for federal police inspection upon disembarkation.
São Paulo's traffic can be unpredictable and heavy. Always factor in extra travel time when heading to the airport or bus terminal.
São Paulo's airports provide a full range of services for departing travelers.
Brazil typically does not charge specific exit fees or taxes separately at its airports for international travelers. These charges integrate into your airfare once you acquire your ticket.
Allow ample time for check-in, luggage drop-off, security screening, and immigration procedures. These processes sometimes consume time, specifically during peak travel periods.
Confirm your flight or bus gate, have your boarding pass and passport readily available. Double-check all personal belongings before passing through security. Consider AirHelp for flight disruption compensation.
São Paulo's traffic patterns demand a generous time buffer for transfers to the airport or bus station. Account for unforeseen delays to guarantee a stress-no-cost exit.
