Layover in São Paulo (GRU)
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About São Paulo
São Paulo, or Sampa as it is also called, is known for its many superlatives. The largest city in Brazil, the most populous in the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere and the largest economy in Latin America. Beyond the numbers, the capital of the Southeastern state of São Paulo is a beehive of activity that offers a jovial nightlife and an intense cultural experience.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | About 1h 55m in the city | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 3h 55m in the city | About 2h 20m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 55m in the city | About 4h 20m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 55m in the city | About 8h 20m in the city |
Getting into São Paulo
About 15m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center. This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in São Paulo?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into São Paulo and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from GRU to central São Paulo?
Allow about 15m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center.
How early should I head back to GRU?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.