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São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport Insider Guide
GRUSão Paulo's main international airport, also called Cumbica — about 30 km east of the city. Three terminals: T1, T2, T3 (all international-capable). LATAM hub. Modern, efficient, but the drive into the city can be slow due to São Paulo traffic.
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45min
Transit to city
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30min
Immigration
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45min
Security buffer
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Leave with 6–10 hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
6–10h
10h+
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Lounges
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T2 | W Premium Lounge - 5th Avenue | Priority Pass / paid | Yes | Buffet, bar, 24h, good seating | ~$50 USD |
| T3 | W Premium Lounge - The Pier | Priority Pass / paid | Yes | Similar to T2, good food | ~$50 USD |
| T1 | The Lounge São Paulo | Priority Pass / paid | Yes | Buffet, bar, comfortable seating | ~$45 USD |
| T2 | LATAM VIP Lounge | LATAM biz, oneworld Sapphire+ | Yes | Full Brazilian buffet, bar | Not sold at door |
W Premium Lounges are the best options for PP holders — all have showers and good food. LATAM lounge is exceptional with excellent Brazilian cuisine.
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Traveler notes
- Three terminals exist but are interconnected by free shuttles; transfer time ~20 minutes.
- Immigration queues can exceed 30–45 min, especially for non-EU/US/AU nationals.
- São Paulo traffic is notoriously heavy — allow extra time for ground transport.
- Security is efficient but can backup during peak hours.
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Sleep / Rest
- No airside sleep pods or transit hotel in the terminals.
- Several hotels connected or near airport: Alvorada Business Hotel, Guarulhos Palace Hotel offer day rooms.
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Food
- Excellent Brazilian options: feijoada, moqueca, pastel, pão de queijo. Good international variety too.
- W Premium Lounges have quality buffets; post-security restaurants in all terminals.
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Showers
- W Premium Lounges (T2, T3) and The Lounge (T1) all have showers available.
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Luggage Storage
- Luggage storage available in arrivals areas of T1, T2, T3; approximately BRL 50–100 per bag per day (~$10–20 USD).
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Transit to City
- Pre-booked transfer/Uber: ~45–90 min to Ibirapuera/Faria Lima, around BRL 150–300 ($30–60 USD).
- Airport bus services: Limited but available; ~60–90 min to central areas.
- No rail connection to city (but a rail link is planned for future).
- Taxi: Official airport taxis available at counters; expensive but reliable.
- Buffer: Back at GRU 3h international, 2h domestic.
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Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: Claro and Vivo in arrivals of all terminals; tourist SIMs available. eSIM works well.
- ATMs: Multiple in all terminals; dispense BRL. Decline DCC. Bradesco has reasonable fees.
- Wi‑Fi: Free, decent speed, registration required in some areas.
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