São Paulo, Brazil

GRU layover guide

São Paulo Guarulhos. City centre is roughly 60 minutes away each way.

🛋️ Lounge access at GRUShowers, food and quiet seats on your layover. Check which GRU lounges Priority Pass covers.
Priority Pass lounges →Affiliate link

What to do by layover length

Under 4 hours: stay in the airport

  • Terminals 2 and 3 handle most international flights and are connected on foot.

4 to 8 hours

Getting to São Paulo takes about 120 minutes round trip, so a city trip is tight. Consider staying airside or nearby.

8 hours or more: leave the airport

By road to central São Paulo, about 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic; Line 13-Jade trains also serve the airport.

Transit and visa basics

Since April 10, 2025, citizens of the US, Canada and Australia need an e-Visa for Brazil, even for transit. Other passports vary. Official source. Also check your airline's connection rules and the official São Paulo Guarulhos website.

Lounges

Lounge access depends on your airline, ticket class, or a membership. Search Priority Pass lounges at GRU, or check lounge listings on the airport's website.

Get Priority Pass lounge accessAffiliate link

Store your bags

Heading into São Paulo for a few hours? Drop your bags at a luggage storage spot.

Find luggage storage with Radical StorageAffiliate link

Airport transfer

Short on time? A pre-booked ride takes the guesswork out of getting to the city and back.

Book a transfer with KiwitaxiWelcome PickupsGetTransferAffiliate link

Tours near São Paulo

Long layover? Short tours that fit your time:

GetYourGuide tours in São PauloViator tours in São PauloAffiliate link

Airport hotels

Hotels near the airport can be compared below. For an overnight or a day room:

Hotels near GRU on Booking.comAffiliate link

Delayed or missed your connection?

Under EU and UK rules (EU261/UK261), delayed or cancelled flights can qualify for compensation.

Check your claim with AirHelpCompensairAffiliate link

Stay connected

Airport Wi-Fi can be slow or time-limited. An eSIM gives you data the moment you land.

Get an eSIM from AiraloAffiliate link

Last checked: October 16, 2026. Times are typical and can change with traffic, construction and timetables. Confirm before you leave the airport. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.

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