The airports of São Paulo represent one of the largest and most modern air transport systems in Latin America. The capital of São Paulo concentrates operations that connect Brazil to domestic and international destinations, with advanced infrastructure and high-standard services.
The volume of passengers, the diversity of flights and the economic importance of the state make these terminals a strategic axis for tourism and business in the country.
Brasil ATM presents in this complete guide a technical and updated view of the airports of São Paulo, with comparative data, practical guidance and information from official sources to facilitate planning for those boarding or disembarking in the capital.
Main airports of São Paulo
The Metropolitan Region of São Paulo is served by three main airports: Guarulhos (GRU), Congonhas (CGH) and Viracopos (VCP). Each one has a distinct operational profile, aimed at specific audiences and routes.
| Code | Official name | Location | Operational profile |
| GRU | São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport – Governor André Franco Montoro | Municipality of Guarulhos (25 km from downtown) | Domestic and international flights |
| CGH | São Paulo/Congonhas Airport – Deputy Freitas Nobre | South Zone of São Paulo (8 km from downtown) | Mainly domestic flights |
| VCP | Viracopos International Airport – Campinas | Municipality of Campinas (95 km from the capital) | Cargo, international and alternative routes |
These three terminals form the busiest air base in the country and are a reference in connectivity and operational efficiency.
Economic and logistical relevance
The airports of São Paulo account for a significant portion of national air traffic. According to official data from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), the São Paulo system concentrates more than 30% of all passengers boarded in Brazil.
In addition to meeting tourist demand, the terminals are essential for cargo transportation, favoring foreign trade and export logistics.
Guarulhos stands out as the main entry and exit point for international flights in the country, while Congonhas maintains the role of central link for domestic aviation. Viracopos, in turn, reinforces integration with the interior of São Paulo and expands flight flow capacity.
How to get to the airports of São Paulo
Getting to the airports of São Paulo requires planning, especially due to the distances and heavy traffic in the capital. Each terminal, Guarulhos, Congonhas and Viracopos, has specific routes and means of access, which vary according to the time of day and type of trip.
Below, Brasil ATM presents the main transport options for each airport, with practical guidance and updated data.
Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
Guarulhos Airport is located about 25 km from downtown São Paulo. It has three passenger terminals (T1, T2 and T3) and a structure focused on domestic and international flights.
Access can be made by car, taxi, ride-hailing apps or the Line 13-Jade train (CPTM), with a direct connection to the Aeroporto-Guarulhos station. There are also executive bus lines and private transfers.
For trips during peak hours, a minimum of two hours before check-in is recommended.
Congonhas Airport (CGH)
Located in the South Zone of the capital, about 8 km from the central region, Congonhas Airport is the most practical terminal for domestic flights.
Its privileged location allows quick access to the main avenues and hotel areas of the city, such as Paulista, Moema and Ibirapuera. The route can be made by car, taxi, city bus or ride-hailing app.
Because it is located in an urban area, the airport has time and aircraft-type restrictions, which ensures agile operation but limited to certain routes.
Viracopos International Airport (VCP)
Viracopos Airport is located in Campinas, approximately 95 km from the capital of São Paulo. It is considered a strategic alternative to the metropolitan system, especially for passengers from the countryside.
Access to São Paulo is via the Anhanguera and Bandeirantes highways, with options for intercity buses and transfers.
In addition to commercial aviation, Viracopos is a national reference in cargo transportation and customs technology.
Comparison of the airports of São Paulo
Choosing between the airports of São Paulo depends on the type of flight, location and available time. To make this decision easier, Brasil ATM presents a technical comparison between Guarulhos, Congonhas and Viracopos, with objective criteria of accessibility, structure and operational profile.
| Criterion | Guarulhos (GRU) | Congonhas (CGH) | Viracopos (VCP) |
| Distance from downtown | 25 km | 8 km | 95 km |
| Type of flight | Domestic and international | Domestic | Domestic and international |
| Passenger volume | Largest in Brazil | High executive flow | Medium, growing |
| Transport structure | Train, bus, taxi, apps | Taxi, bus, apps | Highway and transfers |
| Ideal profile | International travel | Quick and business trips | Passengers from the interior and cargo |
The choice of the ideal airport depends on the location, flight type and logistical convenience of the passenger.
Criteria for choosing the right airport
- Type of flight: check whether the route is domestic or international.
- Place of accommodation: the closer the airport, the shorter the travel time.
- Departure time: assess traffic at the scheduled boarding time.
- Transport cost: compare transfer, taxi and app fares.
- Required infrastructure: consider availability of VIP lounges, food, stores and parking.
- Available time: for connections between airports, plan at least a three-hour gap.
- Baggage: large volumes are better accommodated in spacious terminals like Guarulhos.
Structure and services
The airports of São Paulo offer international standards of comfort and technology. Among the available services, the following stand out:
- Free and unlimited Wi-Fi in the main terminals.
- VIP lounges from airlines and independent lounges.
- Dining and retail with national and international chains.
- Charging stations, medical posts and currency exchange services.
- Proprietary apps, such as the GRU Airport App, which provides real-time flight status.
Technical tips for a smooth boarding
- Arrive at least 1 hour and 30 minutes early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international ones.
- Check the boarding terminal and gate provided by the airline.
- Use alternative transport on days with large events or long holidays.
- Check in online to reduce queues.
- Keep baggage claim receipts and tags until the final destination.
Connections between airports
The route between Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH) can be made by car, executive bus or ride-hailing service. The average trip takes between 35 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Some airlines offer exclusive transfer services for passengers connecting between the two terminals. Prior planning is essential to avoid delays.
Between Guarulhos and Viracopos, the distance is approximately 120 km, requiring highway transport.
Air traffic data
According to Infraero and ABEAR, the three airports of São Paulo together registered more than 80 million passengers in 2024.
| Airport | Passengers/year |
| Guarulhos | about 45 million |
| Congonhas | approximately 22 million |
| Viracopos | around 13 million |
These numbers confirm São Paulo’s position as the main air hub in South America.
Final considerations
The airports of São Paulo are pillars of national air mobility. Their infrastructure, connectivity and reach reinforce the state’s strategic role in Brazil’s economic landscape.
Planning your boarding based on technical data and appropriate routes ensures efficiency, safety and time savings.
Brasil ATM advises the public to analyze each airport’s profile before defining the point of departure or arrival. With planning, it is possible to optimize travel, reduce costs and make the travel experience more predictable and smooth.
Brasil ATM remains available to guide travelers, companies and industry partners on air mobility, connectivity and transport infrastructure in the state of São Paulo.
Where to withdraw money from 24-hour ATMs in Brazil
To make the most of your experience in São Paulo, it’s better to carry cash. This ensures a smooth and pleasant experience. In some places, cash is essential for food, transportation, attraction tickets and more.
| Location | Address |
| Guarulhos Airport | See all locations here |
| Congonhas Airport | See all locations here |
| Viracopos Airport | See all locations here |
| Rosewood São Paulo | See all locations here |
| Renaissance São Paulo Hotel | See all locations here |
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Read more articles about São Paulo:
- Public Transportation in São Paulo – How It Works
- How to Get Around São Paulo – Complete Urban Mobility Guide
- What to Do in São Paulo
Frequently asked questions:
The main airports of São Paulo are Guarulhos (GRU), Congonhas (CGH) and Viracopos (VCP). Each one serves different passenger profiles and destinations, both domestic and international. Check Brasil ATM to compare routes, access options and infrastructure for each airport.
It depends on the type of flight and the passenger’s location. Guarulhos is ideal for international flights, Congonhas is more convenient for domestic routes, and Viracopos is a strategic option for those in the countryside. Brasil ATM helps you choose the most convenient airport for your trip.
Guarulhos can be reached by train, bus and highways; Congonhas by fast urban roads; and Viracopos by intercity highways. Planning transportation in advance avoids delays and extra costs. See on Brasil ATM the best routes and average travel times to each terminal.
The airports of São Paulo handle more than 80 million passengers per year and concentrate about 30% of national air traffic, being fundamental for tourism and foreign trade. Brasil ATM provides updated analyses on the role of São Paulo’s airports in mobility and the country’s development.
