Guarulhos is South America's busiest airport and the region's connection point to Europe and North America. Terminal 3 is modern with good lounges; T1 and T2 are older and busy. The airport is 25 km from the centre through heavy traffic, and the airport train (line 13) requires a change. Immigration and customs can be slow at peaks.
01Connections
Same terminal: 60–75 min. T2↔T3: 90 min (walkway, re-clear security). International arrival onward domestic: 2.5–3h (immigration, customs, bag re-check).
Airlines publish legal minimums per terminal pair; these figures are our comfortable recommendation, not the legal minimum. Verify with your airline for your specific itinerary.
02Sleep & nap options
Fair. Fast Sleep (pay-per-hour cabins) landside; the Marriott is minutes away by shuttle; airside seating is limited.
- on airport
Fast Sleep Guarulhos (cabins) — Landside, Terminal 2 (arrivals level). Pay-per-hour cabins with a bed and shower access; landside.
- near airport
São Paulo Airport Marriott Hotel — Free shuttle, ~5–10 min. Closest full-service hotel; reliable shuttle to all terminals.
03Showers
Fast Sleep, LATAM and Priority Pass lounges (T3 has the best).
04Food & coffee
T3 has a reasonable food court; pão de queijo counters are the highlight. Prices are moderate.
05Wi-Fi & charging
Free.
06Lounges at GRU
07Getting into São Paulo
| Mode | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CPTM Line 13 + Line 12 | 60–80 min to Luz (centre) | Cheap; involves a change; not ideal with heavy bags. |
| Airport Bus Service | 60–90 min to Paulista / Congonhas | Comfortable; traffic-dependent. |
| Taxi / 99 / Uber | 40–90 min | Pre-paid taxi counters exist; ride-hailing is common and cheaper. |
08Transit & visa reminder
Brazil requires visas for some nationalities (including, on a rolling schedule, US, Canadian and Australian citizens via e-visa) — confirm before flying. Transit passengers usually stay airside.
09Layover ideas by time window
- Under 4h
Stay airside in T3; lounge or pão de queijo.
- 4–7h
Not worth the city — traffic is severe. Fast Sleep nap and a proper meal.
- 7h+
Only with 9h+: taxi to Paulista for MASP and a lunch; return 3h early.
10Traveler warnings
- Traffic to the city is unpredictable — double any estimate at rush hour.
- Check whether your nationality needs an e-visa; rules changed in 2025.
- Use official taxi counters or ride-hailing; ignore touts.
11Frequently asked
How do I get from Guarulhos to São Paulo?
Ride-hailing or a pre-paid taxi in 40–90 minutes depending on traffic, or CPTM line 13 with a change, about an hour to the centre.
Is there a hotel inside Guarulhos airport?
Fast Sleep sells pay-per-hour cabins landside; full hotels are a few minutes away by shuttle.
- GRU Airport — passenger guide
- CPTM
- Brazilian government — visa requirements
Airport operations, hours and access rules change. Request a correction if something is out of date.