GRU · Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil · International Hub
Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport Guide
Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), every figure cited to the airport's own data.
Quick answer
- Terminals: 3 terminals, not airside-connected (re-security between some)
- Minimum connection time: 30 min domestic, 1 hr 30 min international to domestic
- Arrive: 1 hr 30 min before domestic, 3 hr before international
- To Sao Paulo: about 1 hr one-way
- Free WiFi: Yes · Showers: Yes · Sleep pods: Yes
Map
Terminals & connections
Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport has 3 terminals. Not all terminals are airside-connected; transfers between some terminals require exiting security and re-clearing TSA. OAG floors are 30 domestic, 60 domestic-to-international, and 90 for both international sectors. GRU is the busiest airport in South America and spreads across three passenger terminals, which is the catch: GOL (T2) and LATAM (T3) connections benefit from the airside T2-T3 walkway, but an Azul (T1) connection, or a GOL-to-Azul interline, means a landside shuttle between buildings, filed at about 90 minutes. GOL files about 35 minutes same-airline domestic, Azul about 40; the cross-carrier interline is the trap.
Terminal 1 (domestic, Azul)
1 airline: Azul Linhas Aereas
Domestic only, used by Azul; has no jet bridges and requires a landside shuttle to the other terminals. Connections involving Terminal 1 are the cross-terminal friction at GRU.
Terminal 2 (domestic and international, GOL hub)
1 airline: gol
The oldest terminal, two piers; GOL hubs here for domestic and some international flights. Linked airside to Terminal 3 by a walkway.
Terminal 3 (international, LATAM and long-haul)
3 airlines: LATAM Airlines, American Airlines, Emirates
The newest terminal, international only, handling LATAM's Latin American flights and most long-haul carriers. Directly linked airside to Terminal 2 by a walkway.
Minimum connection times
- Domestic to domestic
- 30 min
- Domestic to international
- 1 hr
- International to domestic
- 1 hr 30 min
- International to international
- 1 hr 30 min
- Transfer system
- An official airport shuttle bus connects all three terminals at arrival level roughly every 15 minutes (04:00-00:00). Terminals 2 and 3 are adjacent and, by most accounts, connected airside, so a GOL or LATAM connection between them can stay airside; Terminal 1 (Azul domestic) has no jet bridges and is reached by the shuttle. A free People Mover plus the CPTM train station also link the terminals landside. GOL hubs at T2, LATAM and most international at T3, Azul at T1.
- Airside connected
- No
Layover helper
Check whether your layover at GRU is tight, comfortable, or long enough to leave the airport. Adjust trip type, terminal change, and checked-bag assumptions to match your itinerary.
Security & TSA
Typical TSA wait at GRU is 35 minutes at peak and 15 minutes off-peak. Arrive at least 1 hr 30 min before a domestic flight and 3 hr before international.
- TSA PreCheck
- Not available
- CLEAR
- Not available
- Global Entry
- Not available
No US preclearance or US programs. International arrivals clear Brazilian Federal Police immigration and customs; a connection involving Terminal 1 requires a landside shuttle between buildings.
Lounges
2 notable lounges at GRU, including airline-branded clubs and third-party options accessible via Priority Pass or day-pass. Check your credit card benefits (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) before paying a day-pass fee.
LATAM VIP Lounge
Terminal 3LATAM / oneworld
Access: Business, elite, oneworld Sapphire/Emerald
Amenities: Buffet, Bar, Wi-Fi, Showers
GRU Lounge (Plaza Premium)
Terminal 3Contract / card-access
Access: Priority Pass, eligible cards, paid day pass
Amenities: Buffet, Bar, Wi-Fi
Amenities
7 of 7 core amenities available at GRU: showers, sleep pods, free WiFi, nursing rooms, chapel, pharmacy, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated good. Dining options span 1 terminal.
Showers
Available
Premium lounges
Sleep pods
Available
Sleep capsules in Terminal 3
WiFi
Free (good)
Free wifi throughout
Nursing rooms
Available
All terminals
Chapel
Available
Chapel
Pet relief areas
Available
Pet relief areas
Dining highlights
Terminal 3: Brazilian churrasco, Cafe cafes
Ground transport to Sao Paulo
GRU is about 1 hr from downtown Sao Paulo by the fastest transit option.
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CPTM Line 13-Jade + Airport Express (from Luz) Train CPTM Line 13-Jade serves Aeroporto-Guarulhos station (opened 2018); a free People Mover links the station to all three terminals. The Airport Express from Luz station runs in about 1 hour with limited stops. Standard CPTM fare is a few reais (~USD 1); the Airport Express is dearer. | $1-$8 | 60 min |
| Executive Airport Bus Bus Executive bus service to downtown São Paulo locations (Paulista, Tiete, Congonhas) in roughly an hour. | $8-$12 | 50-80 min |
| Taxi / rideshare Taxi About USD 25 to 45 to central São Paulo; ~25 km, 40 to 75 minutes depending on traffic. | $25-$45 | 40-75 min |
Parking
GRU does not publish a fixed daily parking rate; on-airport parking is priced dynamically by date and lot. Foreign airport; parking rates not independently verified. Brazil prices in BRL via gru.com.br.
- Short-term
- Varies
- Long-term
- Varies
- Economy
- Not available
- Valet
- Not available
Can I leave GRU during a layover?
With a 3-hour layover, stay inside GRU. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of Sao Paulo. Round-trip to the city center is about 2 hr plus re-screening on return.
Central São Paulo is about 25 km away and roughly an hour by train, executive bus or taxi, so only a long layover is worth leaving for. Most connecting passengers stay airside; a connection involving Terminal 1 (Azul) needs the landside shuttle between buildings.
Overnight layover hotels
- $$$Hotel Pullman São Paulo Guarulhos AirportOn-airport
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive at GRU?
Arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight from GRU, and 180 minutes before an international flight. Peak-time TSA waits at GRU can hit 35+ minutes, so add buffer.
What is the minimum connection time at GRU?
GRU requires at least 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 90 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. GRU terminals are not all airside-connected; expect to re-clear security between some terminals. Transfer system: An official airport shuttle bus connects all three terminals at arrival level roughly every 15 minutes (04:00-00:00). Terminals 2 and 3 are adjacent and, by most accounts, connected airside, so a GOL or LATAM connection between them can stay airside; Terminal 1 (Azul domestic) has no jet bridges and is reached by the shuttle. A free People Mover plus the CPTM train station also link the terminals landside. GOL hubs at T2, LATAM and most international at T3, Azul at T1..
How long does it take to get between terminals at GRU?
Budget 15 min for same-terminal transfers and 30 min for different-terminal transfers at GRU via An official airport shuttle bus connects all three terminals at arrival level roughly every 15 minutes (04:00-00:00). Terminals 2 and 3 are adjacent and, by most accounts, connected airside, so a GOL or LATAM connection between them can stay airside; Terminal 1 (Azul domestic) has no jet bridges and is reached by the shuttle. A free People Mover plus the CPTM train station also link the terminals landside. GOL hubs at T2, LATAM and most international at T3, Azul at T1.. OAG floors are 30 domestic, 60 domestic-to-international, and 90 for both international sectors. GRU is the busiest airport in South America and spreads across three passenger terminals, which is the catch: GOL (T2) and LATAM (T3) connections benefit from the airside T2-T3 walkway, but an Azul (T1) connection, or a GOL-to-Azul interline, means a landside shuttle between buildings, filed at about 90 minutes. GOL files about 35 minutes same-airline domestic, Azul about 40; the cross-carrier interline is the trap.
Can I leave GRU during a 6-hour layover?
With 3 hours you should stay inside GRU. A 6-hour layover is enough to leave the airport briefly. Round-trip to the city center is about 120 minutes plus re-screening. Central São Paulo is about 25 km away and roughly an hour by train, executive bus or taxi, so only a long layover is worth leaving for. Most connecting passengers stay airside; a connection involving Terminal 1 (Azul) needs the landside shuttle between buildings.
Does GRU have showers?
Yes, GRU has showers at Premium lounges.
Does GRU have sleep pods?
Yes. Sleep capsules in Terminal 3 offers private sleep rooms.
Is WiFi free at GRU?
Yes. GRU offers free WiFi throughout the airport. Free wifi throughout
What is the cheapest way to get from GRU to Sao Paulo?
The cheapest option is typically CPTM Line 13-Jade + Airport Express (from Luz) at $1-$8, taking about 60 minutes. CPTM Line 13-Jade serves Aeroporto-Guarulhos station (opened 2018); a free People Mover links the station to all three terminals. The Airport Express from Luz station runs in about 1 hour with limited stops. Standard CPTM fare is a few reais (~USD 1); the Airport Express is dearer.
Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at GRU?
GRU does not support TSA PreCheck and does not have CLEAR. Typical peak-hour wait is 35 minutes. No US preclearance or US programs. International arrivals clear Brazilian Federal Police immigration and customs; a connection involving Terminal 1 requires a landside shuttle between buildings.
Where should I eat at GRU during a layover?
Notable dining at GRU includes Brazilian churrasco (Terminal 3), Cafe cafes (Terminal 3).
How much does parking cost at GRU?
GRU does not publish a fixed daily parking rate; rates are set dynamically by date and lot. Foreign airport; parking rates not independently verified. Brazil prices in BRL via gru.com.br.
Is there a hotel at GRU for overnight layovers?
Yes. Hotel Pullman São Paulo Guarulhos Airport is on-airport (On-airport) in the $$$ price band. This is the easiest option for overnight layovers or early-morning departures since you can reach the terminal on foot without a shuttle or rideshare.
Which terminal does my airline use at GRU?
GRU has 3 terminals. Major airline assignments: Terminal 1 (domestic, Azul): Azul Linhas Aereas; Terminal 2 (domestic and international, GOL hub): ; Terminal 3 (international, LATAM and long-haul): LATAM Airlines, American Airlines, Emirates. Confirm with your boarding pass before arrival since a few airlines operate from multiple terminals depending on route.
Are there pet relief areas at GRU?
Yes. Pet relief areas.
Is there a chapel or prayer room at GRU?
Yes. Chapel.
Compare GRU to other airports
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Airlines operating at GRU
Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of GRU.
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Sources & verification
- overview: https://www.gru.com.br/en
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulo%E2%80%93Guarulhos_International_Airport
Verified Jun 2026. Airport operations, parking rates, and amenities change; always confirm with Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport before flying.