Train Service at Guarulhos Airport (GRU)
If you are looking for the most economical option to get to downtown São Paulo, the train is your best ally. However, Line 13-Jade and the Airport Express (Expresso Aeroporto) present logistical challenges, especially regarding the final connection to the terminals, which can compromise your schedule if you are unaware of the service’s actual dynamics.
FAQs about the train at GRU
- Where do I catch the train?
The “Aeroporto-Guarulhos” station is located outside the airport, near Terminal 1. You cannot walk to T2 or T3; you need a connection bus. - How much is the ticket?
R$5.20 for both the regular service and the Airport Express. It is, by far, the cheapest option. - How do I get from the station to my terminal?
There is a free shuttle bus service. Be careful: users report that this is the slowest part of the entire journey. - How frequent is the train?
Intervals can be up to 1 hour, especially for the Express service. Check the schedule before going down to the platform.

Image from Youtube
Critical Points: Smart Traveler Manual
The Free Shuttle Bottleneck
The train station does not drop you off at Terminals 2 or 3. You must take a transfer bus that usually departs late, travels packed, and lacks air conditioning.
Strategy: If your flight departs from T2 or T3 and you arrive by train with less than a 2-hour margin, consider taking an Uber from the train station to your terminal to avoid missing your flight due to the internal bus delay.
AC Failures on the Express
Recurring cases have been reported where the air conditioning system shuts down on the Airport – Barra Funda route, generating stifling temperatures inside the cars.
Strategy: Always carry water with you. There are no vending kiosks at the station and, in the event of an AC failure, waiting inside the train can be very uncomfortable.
Door Security Alert
Travelers have reported technical failures where the train opens both doors (right and left) simultaneously upon arriving at the platform.
Strategy: Stay away from the doors until the train stops completely and always check before stepping out, especially if traveling with children or lots of luggage.
Line 13-Jade: Connection to the city
This line connects Aeroporto-Guarulhos station with Engenheiro Goulart, where you can transfer to Line 12-Safira towards downtown São Paulo.
🗣️ User Experience: Many passengers consider the transfer at Engenheiro Goulart “inconvenient” due to walking distances and the lack of staff to guide tourists traveling with suitcases.
- Hours:
- Sunday to Friday: 4:00 am to 12:00 am
- Saturdays: 4:00 am to 1:00 am
- Fare: R$5.20
- Estimated duration: 35 to 50 minutes to Luz or Brás.
Airport Express: Direct with fewer stops
The Airport Express (Expresso Aeroporto) is the version valued for its comfort, as it makes strategic stops at central points in the city.
- Stations: Guarulhos-CECAP, Brás, Luz, Palmeiras-Barra Funda.
- Hours: 5:00 am to 12:00 am.
- Frequency: Intervals of up to 1 hour.
🗣️ User Experience: Although the trains are new and clean, signage inside transfer stations (such as Luz or Brás) is poor. It is easy to get lost looking for the Express platform.
Strategy: Do not rely solely on signs; if you do not see the train, ask security staff for the “Plataforma do Expresso” so you don’t miss the one-hour interval.
Practical recommendations based on real experiences
- ✅ Extra Time: Add at least 30-40 extra minutes just for the internal bus leg between the station and your terminal.
- ⏱️ Luggage: Avoid rush hours (7:00-9:00 am and 5:00-7:00 pm). The cars fill up with local workers and moving large suitcases becomes a nightmare.
- 🔒 Vigilance: Although it is safe, keep your belongings in front of you. In stations like Brás, the flow of people is massive and distractions can be costly.
Looking for other transport alternatives? Explore our guides on buses, taxis and apps, or car rentals.
