Buses at Guarulhos Airport
Guarulhos Airport has a bus station located in Terminal 2 (Arrivals East level). From there, services depart to downtown São Paulo, other airports, bus terminals, and over 40 cities in the interior. While it is an economical and functional option, there are notable differences between companies regarding signage, punctuality, and service quality.
Frequently Asked Questions about GRU Airport Buses
- Where do I take the buses?
At Terminal 2 Arrivals level, East wing. There are signs indicating the bus station, although some users report confusion in the signage. - Should I buy the ticket online?
It is recommended. Companies like Airport Bus Service allow you to buy in advance on their website, which facilitates trip organization. - Is there Wi-Fi on the buses?
Some companies offer it, but most travelers report that it doesn’t work or the signal is very weak. - How reliable are they?
Airport Bus Service receives better comments for punctuality and comfort. Others like Lirabus have frequent complaints about customer service and disorganization. - What if I miss a bus?
Some companies do not allow rescheduling. If your flight is delayed, you might have to buy another ticket.
Image from Youtube
Critical Points: Smart Traveler’s Manual
The Pássaro Marron “Forced Insurance”
It has been reported that at this company’s ticket counters, an additional travel insurance is charged without asking the passenger. This is a common abusive practice at the terminal.
Strategy: When buying your ticket at the counter, explicitly state that you DO NOT want the optional insurance and check the total value before paying.
Mechanical and Hygiene Issues
Companies like Lirabus and EMTU receive constant complaints about broken air conditioning, unpleasant odors (urine), and noisy engines that make the journey unbearable.
Strategy: If traveling in summer towards Campinas or the interior, be prepared for the heat. For EMTU urban routes, avoid peak hours if you have a lot of luggage, as units are not prepared for large items.
Passenger Treatment and Accessibility
Incidents have been reported where EMTU drivers do not allow seniors with suitcases to enter through the back door, where the cargo space is, forcing them to carry heavy items through the narrow aisle.
Strategy: If traveling with reduced mobility or large suitcases, prioritize Airport Bus Service; the staff is usually more helpful and the vehicles are better equipped for tourists.
Comparison of Bus Services from GRU
| Company | Destination | Schedule | Price | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Bus Service | Congonhas, Av. Paulista, Tietê, Barra Funda | 6:10 to 21:30 | R$ 29.90 – 39.90 | ✅ Clean, punctual. ❌ No USB in new units. |
| EMTU | Metro Tatuapé, Arujá | 5:10 to 23:10 | R$ 8.00 | ⚠️ Very noisy and crowded. |
| Transurbano | Shopping Internacional, Terminal Cecap | Variable | R$ 5.30 | ⚠️ Basic, local transport. |
| Lirabus / VB | Campinas, Paulínia, Valinhos | 6:30 to 23:00 | R$ 56.60 | ❌ A/C fails often. Poor service. |
| Litorânea / Pássaro Marron | Ubatuba, Maresias, S. Sebastião | 6:00 to 23:00 | Variable | ⚠️ Irregular in summer. Beware of hidden insurance. |
| Viação Cometa | Santos, Curitiba, BH, Ribeirão | 6:00 to 22:00 | Variable | ✅ Modern fleet. ❌ Slow ticket counters. |
Final Tip: If you are in a hurry or have a tight connection, prioritize Airport Bus Service or ride-sharing apps. For longer trips to the interior, plan ahead, as several companies operate with little flexibility or low frequency.
Which bus to take from GRU? Practical Details
If you’ve decided to move by bus from Guarulhos Airport, this guide will help you understand what to expect from each company: routes, comfort, prices, and warnings based on real traveler comments.
🚍 Airport Bus Service
- Routes: Congonhas, Av. Paulista (hotels), Tietê Terminal, Barra Funda Terminal.
- Schedules: From 6:10 to 21:30, depending on the destination.
- Fare: R$ 29.90 to 39.90.
🗣️ User Experience: This is the most professional option. Drivers are praised for their politeness, although travelers regret that renovated units have lost work tables and power outlets.
Strategy: Buy your ticket online at airportbusservice.com.br to avoid lines, but don’t expect to charge your phone during the trip.
🟢 EMTU (São Paulo Urban Transport)
- Transfers to the city
- Departure: Terminal 2 – Arrivals West.
- Fare: R$ 8.00.
🗣️ User Experience: It is a purely functional and often stressful service. Units are often “crooked,” with failing clutches and engines that generate deafening noise.
Strategy: Use it only if you travel light and have a very tight budget. To go to Metro Tatuapé it is the cheapest option, but be prepared to stand.
🚌 Transurbano Guarulhos (Local Lines)
- Routes: Shopping Internacional, Terminal Cecap.
- Fare: Urban (common ticket) R$ 5.30.
- Pros: Economical and frequent.
- Cons: Not designed for travelers with luggage; little space.
Strategy: Useful only if you are staying in the city of Guarulhos or its surroundings.
🚐 Lirabus / VB Transportes
- Routes: Campinas, Valinhos, Paulínia.
- Schedule: 6:30 to 23:00.
- Fare: R$ 56.60.
🗣️ User Experience: Many passengers report an unpleasant experience due to the smell of urine in the bathrooms and air conditioning that “dies” halfway through the journey on hot days.
Strategy: Avoid this service if your arrival at GRU is after 8:00 PM or on international flights with possible delays; their flexibility is zero.
🌊 Litorânea / Pássaro Marron
- Routes: Ubatuba, Maresias, São Sebastião, Ilhabela, Bertioga, Caraguatatuba.
- Schedule: 6:00 to 23:00.
🗣️ User Experience: Although the buses are comfortable and have USB ports (no Wi-Fi), the counter service is rated as “rude” and “uncooperative,” especially with foreigners who do not speak Portuguese.
Strategy: Book early in summer or long weekends and use Google Translate at the counter to reject the travel insurance they will try to charge by default.
🧳 Viação Cometa
- Routes: Santos, Praia Grande, São Vicente, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Ribeirão Preto, etc.
- Schedule: 6:00 to 22:00.
🗣️ User Experience: Ideal for traveling to the interior, but consider wide time margins as they often experience delays at urban bus terminals (e.g., Tietê or Barra Funda).
In summary: To move within São Paulo, Airport Bus Service is the most reliable option. If you are traveling to the coast or the interior, plan ahead and always check if your flight arrives on schedule to avoid missing connections.
Moving outside the airport? Check all transport options from GRU: buses, taxis and ride-sharing, trains, or car rental.