Airport Guide to Guarulhos (GRU)
Immersive yourself in one of the largest and most active airports in Brazil: Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). The following guide is intended to offer useful facts to assist the visitor in maneuvering around the GRU Airport as comfortably as possible.
Transportation to and from the Airport
Currently, the GRU Airport is situated approximately 30 kilometers or 20 miles away from the downtown of São Paulo. The most common ways to get to and from the airport are:
- Airport Shuttle Buses: The Airport Bus Service provides shuttle buses to travel between GRU Airport and São Paulo, such as Paulista Avenue, Tietê Rodoviaria, Barra Funda, and metro stations. Buses are available often and since it is only a one-way journey, it takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on the traffic jam. Tickets cost between R$53-R$60.
- Taxis: Metered taxi services are available from the Arrivals zone in all terminals. It should cost roughly between R$150 and R$200 to get a taxi from the GRU airport to São Paulo proper, depending upon the specific destination. The trip lasts from 30 minutes up to one hour. Take only yellow taxis from the airport taxi ranks: The yellow taxis are more official and reliable.
- Rideshare Apps: Some ride-hailing companies present at the airport are Uber, 99, and Cabify. They are, you can order them directly from the app as from any other usual service. The price of the trip from the airport to São Paulo is on average in the range of 100 – 130 Reais.
- Airport Shuttles: Some hotels and parking in the GRU Airport provide private transfers that include shuttle services to and from the airport. You may need to contact the hotel or the parking provider for the information. Shuttles again can be costly as compared to taxis/rides but are way more convenient.
Terminal Layout and Facilities
GRU Airport comprises two terminals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, with Terminal 3 being a recent addition. Some of the facilities that are available in the two terminals include restaurants, shops, ATMs, information desks, etc. Wi-Fi services are provided to the passengers for free and they can access the internet in all the terminals. Key facilities include:
Terminal 2:
- Lounges – Various airline lounges are present with food, drink, Wi-Fi, shower facilities, etc.; can only be accessed by that specific airline status, membership, or ticket price.
- Emergency facilities and medical treatment – An emergency clinic, a drugstore, and a vaccination station.
Terminal 3:
- Sleepbox Hotel – This is a hotel designed as a transit hotel within the security zone of an international airport and this has sleeping pods created for short-term use.
- Smoking zones- Enclosed areas for smoking in sectors F & G.
Terminal transfers: There are bus services for transferring between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, and it is free of charge operating on the frequency of 15 minutes and available 24 hours. Empty security checks when changing terminals.
Checking In
The check-in for most of the major domestic Brazilian airline companies is done at Terminal 2 and for the international airlines, it is usually done at Terminal 3. Always be certain to recheck the terminal before doing so, and always leave enough time for the check-in procedures.
Standard check-in closing times are:
- Domestic flights: Pre-flight activities including safety briefings, personal preparation, and final checks, take 60 minutes before commencement of the flight.
- International flights: For instance, 90 minutes before the scheduled time of departure, the researcher must ensure that all aspects relating to that journey are in order.
- The capability to check in on the Web/mobile is offered by most airlines.
Security and Immigration
Following check-in procedures, they will pass through a security screening point like in any other airport. Remember to:
- Laptops, liquids, and gels should be taken out and put through the screening separately.
- Carry-on bags prohibited items: Do not take sharp things, weapons, etc in your carry-on bags.
For local flights, you will check in at the immigration before proceeding to your terminal for the international flight. Ensure that you have your passport and boarding pass with you all the time.
Airport Services and Facilities
There are self-service check-in check-out kiosks, ATMs, booths for currency exchange, information desk, porterage facilities for baggage, children’s play areas, TV lounges, shower facilities, duty-free shops, and prayer rooms at GRU in both terminals. There are also cabins with WiFi, smoking cabins, and numerous eating and drinking places.
Terminal 2 highlights:
- Food/Beverage: Places like cafes, bars, and numerous restaurants before the security measures including Outback Steakhouse, Giraffas, and Starbucks as well as those afterward.
- Shopping: Different stores with locally-made artifacts, wines, ornaments, gadgets, and some souvenirs related to Georgia and GRU.
Terminal 3 highlights:
- Viracopos Airport VIP Lounge (area for international departures only) – Paid lounge with hot meals, beverages, showers, toiletries, etc.
- Dubai Duty-Free (int’l departures) – a gigantic store that sells merchandise tax-free.
Gates and Waiting Areas
The boarding gates also have numbers written by letters in sections, and the sections at the terminals are categorized using letters and numbers. For instance, gate number twelve is known as Gate G12 since it belongs to section G, number twelve. For the boarding announcements of your flight, wait at the airport screens.
The gates incorporate different food & beverage outlets, shopping, charging, and waiting zones. Get there early if you need to get a cup of coffee or take a restroom break before a flight.
This guide was created to assist you in ensuring that your experience through GRU Airport is a pleasant one! If you have any other concerns, do not hesitate to ask. Safe travels!