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Your Guide To São Paulo Airport

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Blurred airport terminal ©Getty Images

Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) Guide

Welcome to Sao Paulo Airport, the largest airport in Brazil and the main hub for international travel in South America. With over 40 million passengers passing through its gates each year, GRU offers a wide range of amenities and services to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Accessibility Services by São Paulo Airport Assistance

Sao Paulo Airport understands the importance of accessibility and is proud to partner with Sao Paulo Airport Assistance, an expert provider of accessibility services. They offer a variety of services to assist travelers with disabilities and special needs, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey. To enquire about the costs associated with these services, visit Sao Paulo Airport Assistance.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight and 3 hours before your international flight. The airport can get very busy during peak travel times, which are typically during the holidays and major events. To avoid long lines and delays, try to schedule your flight during off-peak hours.

Getting to the Airport

Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport is located approximately 25 kilometers from downtown Sao Paulo. The best way to get to the airport is by taxi or private car. There are also several bus lines that run to and from the airport, but these can be crowded and unreliable. If you are driving to the airport, be sure to leave plenty of time for traffic, as the roads around the airport can get congested.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at Sao Paulo Airport, it can be helpful to use interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps allow you to easily navigate the airport and find your gate, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can also use the airport’s information kiosks to get more information about the airport and your flight.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at GRU, be sure to check in online before your flight and print your boarding pass. This will save you time at the airport and help you avoid long lines. Also, be sure to pack your carry-on bag according to the airport’s guidelines, as this will help you get through security quickly. Finally, be sure to keep an eye on your flight status, as delays and cancellations can happen unexpectedly.

Navigating GRU’s Terminals

GRU Airport, also known as GRU, has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is the smallest terminal with only 9 gates, while Terminal 2 is the largest with 32 gates and Terminal 3 has 15 gates. Terminal 2 is used by major airlines such as LATAM, American Airlines, and Air France, while Terminal 3 is mainly used by Azul and Gol airlines.

When navigating the airport terminals, it’s important to pay attention to the signage and listen to announcements to ensure you are heading in the right direction. Each terminal has a variety of shops, restaurants, and services for travelers to enjoy before their flight. Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Passengers can easily move between the terminals using the free shuttle bus service, which runs every 15 minutes. The shuttle bus stops are located outside each terminal and the ride between terminals takes approximately 10 minutes.

Alternatively, passengers can walk between terminals using the pedestrian walkway located outside Terminal 2. Walking between terminals can take up to 30 minutes, so it is recommended to use the shuttle bus service for a quick and convenient transfer.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options to keep travelers entertained during their layovers. Terminal 3 is the largest and newest terminal, with the most options for food and shopping. For a quick bite, travelers can visit McDonald’s or Subway, both located in Terminal 3. For a sit-down meal, there are several options including Outback Steakhouse, located in Terminal 3, and Viena, located in Terminal 2. For those looking for a taste of Brazil, be sure to visit Casa do Pão de Queijo, a popular Brazilian bakery chain with locations in all three terminals.

When it comes to shopping, Terminal 3 has the most options, with stores ranging from luxury brands like Burberry and Michael Kors to more affordable options like Havaianas and Sunglass Hut. For those looking for souvenirs or gifts, there are several Brazilian-themed stores including Brazil Avenue and Havaianas Concept Store. Terminal 2 also has a few shopping options, including Duty Free Americas and Victoria’s Secret.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Sao Paulo Airport can be found using iFly’s interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, see your options here.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be exhausting, especially when it involves long layovers or late-night flights. That’s why finding a comfortable hotel near the airport can make your journey much more pleasant. From transit hotels located within the airport premises to comfortable hostels and luxurious 4-star hotels a short distance away, there’s something to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. Discover the perfect place to rest and recharge with our selection of GRU Hotels.


We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the accessibility services and facilities available at São Paulo Airport. Your journey should be a memorable and pleasant one, and we are here to make that a reality. Thank you for choosing São Paulo Airport as your travel gateway, and we look forward to assisting you on your next adventure. Safe travels!

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