Tips and Recommendations for Traveling through Guarulhos Airport
São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is the busiest in Brazil and one of the main hubs in Latin America. This practical guide will help you plan your time at the airport, whether you are departing, arriving, or connecting, integrating the real experience of thousands of passengers to ensure your transit is smooth and surprise-free.
Frequently Asked Questions for the GRU Traveler
- Is arriving 3 hours early enough for an international flight?
Generally yes, but users report that security checks in Terminal 2 can be unusually slow. If traveling during peak hours, add an extra 30 minutes. - Does the free Wi-Fi reach all terminals?
Yes, the GRU WIFI network covers the entire premises, although stability is higher in Terminal 3 than in Terminal 2. - Is the inter-terminal bus reliable?
It is free, but there is an operational gap: it does not run between 0:00 am and 4:00 am.
Critical Points: Smart Traveler’s Manual
The CPTM Shuttle Bottleneck
If you arrive by train, the bus that takes you to the terminals often travels overcrowded and does not meet the promised 15-minute intervals, sometimes taking up to 40 minutes.
Strategy: If you have a flight at T2 or T3 with a tight time margin, consider taking an Uber directly from the train station to ensure you reach the counter.
Chronic Delays in International Baggage
Baggage delivery at international arrivals can take between 90 and 120 minutes, especially on high-capacity flights.
Strategy: Do not coordinate private transfers or pickups with less than a 2-hour margin after landing if you have checked luggage.
Informal Drivers at Arrivals
Upon exiting to the public area, people without uniforms will offer “cheaper” transport. This usually ends in overcharging or lack of safety.
Strategy: Ignore any hallway offers. Go to the official Guarucoop counters or request your Uber/99 and wait inside the terminal until the car is at the meeting point.
🧳 Before Arriving at the Airport
- ⏰ Arrive in advance: 3 hours for international flights, 2 hours for domestic flights.
- 📍 Confirm your terminal: Check with your airline which terminal it uses (1, 2, or 3).
- 🎫 Check-in online: Save time and avoid unnecessary lines.
- 📲 Download your airline’s app: You can check gates, schedule changes, and your digital boarding pass.
🗣️ User Experience: Many travelers report that boarding gates can change up to 2 hours before the flight without prior announcement over the loudspeaker.
Strategy: Do not rely on the gate number on your printed pass; check the monitors every 15 minutes once you are inside the boarding area.
🚗 How to Get to Guarulhos Airport
- 🚕 Taxi or apps like Uber/99: They are comfortable and safe. Make sure to coordinate the correct meeting point according to your terminal.
- 🚌 Airport Bus Service: Connects several areas of São Paulo with the airport. See routes and schedules.
- 🚆 Train + Line 13 Jade: From Engenheiro Goulart station, you can take the train to Aeroporto-Guarulhos station and then a free bus to your terminal.
- 🚘 Private car: There are covered and economical parking lots. Check rates and availability.
📌 Quick Recommendations
- 💬 Language: Not all employees speak English. Google Translate can help you.
- 📦 Luggage: Check weight and measurements before arriving. Scales are available at the airport.
- 🧾 Documentation: Check visas, passport, and required vaccines according to your destination.
- 🔄 Terminal changes: There are free buses every 15 minutes between the three terminals. More information here.
⚠️ General Precautions when Traveling through Guarulhos
- 👀 Watch your belongings: Although the airport is safe, do not lose sight of your carry-on luggage, especially in waiting areas or restrooms.
- 🧍♂️ Avoid crowds: During peak hours, security and migration lines can take more than 30 minutes.
- 🔁 Inter-terminal connections: Remember that moving between terminals involves exiting and re-entering the secure area. Allow enough time.
- 💸 Avoid last-minute currency exchange: Rates at airport exchange houses can be less favorable than in the city.
🗣️ User Experience: Safra exchange houses at the airport have been rated as very expensive, with margins of up to 30% difference from the official rate.
🚘 Arriving or Departing by Car
- 🅿️ Parking: There are covered and outdoor options. Booking in advance can help you get a better rate. See details here.
- 📲 Quick pickups: If being picked up, it’s best to agree on the exact point via WhatsApp or call. There are short-stop zones at each terminal.
- 🛣️ Traffic: Plan with extra margin if traveling during peak hours (7:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:00).
👨👩👧👦 Traveling with Children, Seniors, or Reduced Mobility
- 🚼 Baby zones: All three terminals have free childcare rooms inside the main restrooms.
- ♿ Accessibility: The airport has ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms. If you need assistance, request it from your airline at least 48 hours in advance.
- 🧓 Seniors: VIP lounges, such as Urban Cowork or Plaza Premium Lounge, offer comfortable rest areas for long waits.
Strategy: If traveling with strollers in Terminal 3, avoid the central elevators which are very small; look for the side ones near the lounges which are more spacious.
📶 Wi-Fi, Charging, and Connectivity
- 📡 Free Wi-Fi: Available 4 hours per day in all airport areas. Network: GRU WIFI.
- 🔌 Outlets: There are power outlets in boarding areas, food courts, and VIP lounges. Carry an adapter if your device doesn’t use a Brazilian plug.
- 🔋 Tip: Carry a charged external battery to avoid surprises if you don’t find available outlets.
🗣️ User Experience: The reported reality is that free Wi-Fi usually lasts only 2 hours stably. The paid service (R$50) has also received criticism for constant drops.
🍽️ Where to Eat, Shop, or Rest
🍔 Featured Gastronomy
- Terminal 1: Starbucks (24h), Heineken Lounge.
- Terminal 2: McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Subway, 365 Deli, Casa do Pão de Queijo (several 24h locations).
- Terminal 3: Heineken Bar, Viena, 365 Deli, Paris 6.
Strategy: To save, visit Carrefour Express in T2 (Arrivals West), where prices are normal supermarket rates. Be careful at Pecorino, where they charge a R$7 fee for sitting.
🛍️ Shopping
- 🕘 24h: Some stores like Hudson, São Paulo Dufry Express, and Dufry Duty Free are open all day.
- 🎁 Souvenirs: Havaianas, Chilli Beans, Planet Brazil.
- 💄 Fashion and Cosmetics: Luxury boutiques like Chanel, Dior, Hugo Boss (T3 – duty free zone).
🛋️ VIP Lounges
- 🛫 Terminal 2: Urban Cowork, The Lounge São Paulo, Plaza Premium Lounge.
- 🌐 Terminal 3: W Premium Lounge, LATAM VIP Lounge, Nomad Lounge.
Strategy: The LATAM (T3) lounge is the best rated for resting. Avoid the GOL Smiles one if you have other options, as it reports lack of maintenance.
🕓 Is it worth leaving the airport during a long layover?
- 🕐 Recommended only if your layover exceeds 7 hours. You must consider immigration and re-entry times.
- 🚌 Nearby destinations: International Shopping Guarulhos (20 min), Bosque Maia Park (30 min), downtown São Paulo (45–60 min).
- 🛌 Alternative: Stay in cabins like Fast Sleep or at the TRYP by Wyndham hotel inside Terminal 3.
🛬 Tips for those Arriving at the Airport
- 🛃 Immigration: Times vary between 15 and 60 minutes depending on schedule and nationality. Have passport and visa ready.
- 🎒 Luggage: Check the screens, as belts can change without notice.
- 🚐 Transport to the city: Uber or 99 (R$90–R$110 to downtown), Airport Bus Service, or line 257 + metro.
🎁 Little-known Free Services
- 💧 Drinking water fountains in several airport areas. Carry a reusable bottle.
- 🛐 Interreligious chapel in Terminal 2 (public area).
🎯 Conclusion
Guarulhos is a large, modern airport with many options, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t arrive prepared. With clear information, good use of time, and a relaxed attitude, your time at the airport will be much more pleasant. Have a good trip! ✈️