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Pros and Cons of Guarulhos Airport: An Analysis Based on Real Experiences

This article compiles real passenger opinions gathered from platforms like Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Skytrax, highlighting the most frequently mentioned positive and negative points. If you are departing, arriving, or having a layover at GRU, it’s worth checking out this analysis to travel better prepared.

✅ Pros of Guarulhos Airport

🌍 Great International Connectivity

Guarulhos offers direct flights to over 40 countries, including destinations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, and all of South America. It is the main entry point to Brazil and serves as a hub for LATAM, Gol, and Azul airlines.

Users highlight the good frequency of flights, the number of airlines, and the connectivity for domestic and international connections.

🛋️ Variety of VIP Lounges

GRU has over 15 VIP lounges across its three terminals, accessible via Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, Black/Platinum cards, and direct payment.

Some highly rated ones include:

  • W Premium Lounge (T3)
  • Plaza Premium (T2)
  • Espaço Banco Safra (T3)
  • The Lounge São Paulo (T2)

They offer showers, hot food, drinks, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and rest areas.

🍽️ Good Dining Options

There is a variety of restaurants, cafes, and snack bars in all terminals, with 24h options like McDonald’s, Heineken Lounge, Pizza Hut, Casa do Pão de Queijo, and Starbucks. Users praise the availability of fast food and places with space to sit and charge devices.

🛍️ Shopping and Duty Free

The airport features several stores selling electronics, souvenirs, accessories, clothing, and pharmaceuticals. The Dufry Duty Free shops operate 24/7 and offer good prices on perfumes, drinks, and chocolates.

Also noteworthy are the premium brands on Terminal 3’s “Fifth Avenue,” such as Chanel, Burberry, Montblanc, MAC, and TAG Heuer.

🧹 Cleanliness and Organization

Many passengers report that common areas, restrooms, and waiting areas are generally clean, even during peak times. The cleaning and maintenance staff are praised for their frequency and attentiveness.

❌ Cons of Guarulhos Airport

⏳ Long Queues at Immigration and Security (X-ray)

One of the most criticized points is the long queues at immigration (especially for international flights) and at security screening (X-ray) during peak hours.

  • Reports mention waits of up to 1.5 hours at immigration during busy arrival times.
  • Passengers recommend arriving at least 3 hours early for international flights.

🚫 Poor Signage and Information

Travelers, especially foreigners, point out flaws in English signage and difficulty finding information desks, check-in counters, or gates.

Some terminals lack clearly visible flight information displays or clear signage regarding transportation and connections.

🚌 Limited Public Transport

Despite improvements, the airport still lacks a direct subway connection. The options are:

  • Bus + metro (Line 13 Jade + CPTM train or bus 257 to Tatuapé station).
  • Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Uber/99) with an average cost of R$60 to R$100 to downtown São Paulo.

Passengers with heavy luggage or traveling at night report difficulties and often prefer private cars.

💺 Few Seats and Power Outlets

Despite renovations, some boarding areas have a limited number of seats with power outlets, especially in Terminals 1 and 2.

Users suggest charging devices beforehand or looking for cafes with available outlets.

💸 High Prices for Food and Services

Eating at the airport can be expensive. Real examples:

  • Simple espresso coffee: R$9 to R$14
  • Snack + drink: up to R$45
  • Standalone shower service: R$45 to R$80 in lounges

Additionally, services like luggage storage and parking have high costs. Check the complete parking rates here.

💡 Tips to Make the Most of Your Time at GRU

  • ⏰ Arrive early: 3 hours for international flights, 2 hours for domestic flights.
  • 📱 Use the free Wi-Fi: 4 hours per day via the GRU WIFI network.
  • 💳 Check if your credit card brand offers VIP lounge access.
  • 🚶‍♂️ Check your gate right after security: there can be long walks to the boarding area.
  • 💵 Carry some cash: some services may not accept cards.

📌 Conclusion

Guarulhos airport has advantages such as excellent connectivity, good VIP lounges, a variety of shops and restaurants, and ongoing modernization efforts. On the other hand, challenges like long queues, lack of a direct subway, high prices, and inadequate signage still impact the passenger experience.

Traveling through GRU can be smooth if you arrive prepared and are aware of the airport’s strengths and weaknesses. With planning, your connection or departure will be much more pleasant.