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Getting from São Paulo International Airport to City Centre

São Paulo, located in Southeastern Brazil, is halfway between Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro. This massive megalopolis of more than 20 million people makes São Paulo one of the largest cities by population in the world. Known for its diverse population, grand cultural events, progressive art galleries, stunning historic monuments and incredible cuisine, this fascinating city is definitely worth a visit.

So when landing at São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, you have 4 different transportation options to get to the São Paulo city centre; you can either take a taxi or private transfer, a public bus or the train. Taking a taxi or a private São Paulo Airport transfer is definitely the easiest and more convenient travel option, as they offer 24/7 door-to-door services to your São Paulo hotel.

Your next more economical option would be to take the São Paulo Airport train to the city centre, taking 45 minutes, or you can take the public bus, which provides a direct route into downtown within an hour.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Sao Paulo at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €50 35min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €18 35min 24/7
Train €1.60 45min 24/7
Bus €2.50 55min 05:10–23:10

How to get from São Paulo GRU Airport to the city centre by taxi

Taking a taxi or private São Paulo International Airport transfer for your airport-to-city transportation is always the best way to travel when arriving in any new city. As you still don’t have your bearings, choosing a door-to-door travel method alleviates the unnecessary stress and allows you and your travel party to start your São Paulo holiday on a great note.

Taxis at GRU Airport are operated by Guarucoop Taxi and are available 24/7. They are easy to recognise as their vehicles are white with a classic yellow taxi rooftop sign.

Taxi fare from São Paulo Airport to city centre

Some taxis in São Paulo offer negotiated flat-rate fares, although most of them prefer to calculate their prices using a taximeter, based on the time and distance travelled, however, they are relatively cheap, especially compared to other big cities.

Your taxi fare from Guarulhos Airport to downtown São Paulo (Paulista Ave) will cost between €15-€25 (BRL 80.70-BRL 135) and around €30 (BRL 161) for night or weekend trips. As noted, São Paulo taxi prices are affected by various factors, such as the time of day or night you are travelling on, and if you are travelling on a weekend or on a holiday.

As taxi fares vary, it is highly recommended to pre-book your airport transfer online with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups. We provide guaranteed set-fares with no hidden costs, fully personalised transfers, trained English-speaking drivers and 24/7 customer support.

Cost

€18

Trip Duration

35 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at São Paulo International Airport.

Where do I get it from?

You can find the official São Paulo Airport taxi ranks at all 3 terminals:

Terminal 1 – Departures/Arrivals
Terminal 2 – East and West Arrivals
Terminal 3 – Arrivals

Convenience

Taking a taxi from São Paulo International Airport is a great travel option as they provide fast and comfortable transfer services from the airport to your accommodation in the city centre, even more so after a long flight and if you are travelling with heavy luggage

Nevertheless, as airport taxi prices vary depending on multiple factors, it is recommended to book a private São Paulo airport transfer in advance, to plan and budget your holiday accordingly.

Editor’s Note

If you wish to pay for your São Paulo Airport taxi ride using a credit card, you can only do so in advance, at the taxi booths, otherwise you can pay for your taxi ride in cash (Brazilian reals).

Useful Tips

Although tips are not mandatory in Brazil, they are encouraged by the government, and are always appreciated.
Please note that there is no longer a 50% fee on top of the meter amount for inter-municipal rides as well as baggage surcharges.

How to get from São Paulo GRU Airport to the city centre by train

Another great transportation option from São Paulo Airport to downtown São Paulo is by train. The train is direct and takes 45 minutes to reach the city centre. It is operated by CPTM with line 13 (Jade) connecting the ‘Aeroporto/Guarulhos’ Station to ‘Engenheiro Goulart’ Station in the city centre, or the airport express which stops at Garulhos-Cecap and Brás station, heading towards Luz.

How much is a train ticket from São Paulo Airport to city centre?

Public transportation is very cheap in Brazil, with a one-way train ticket from São Paulo Airport into the city centre costing only €0.80 (BRL 4.40).

Cost

€0.80

Trip Duration

45 Min

The airport train runs every 15-30 minutes from Guarulhos, São Paulo Airport to Engenheiro Gourlat in the city centre. The airport express departs on the hour every hour.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The airport train line 13 is available daily and operates 24/7. The airport express runs from 05:00-00:00 on the hour.

Where do I get it from?

São Paulo Airport Station is located close to Terminal 1’s parking lot. Free shuttles run every 10 to 15 minutes from São Paulo Airport’s Terminal 1 through to São Paulo Airport station.

Convenience

Although being a fast and cheap option to get from the airport to downtown São Paulo, trying to make your way through São Paulo’s public transportation system after a long flight and with heavy baggage can be tedious. Moreover, you will have to find your own way to your city centre accommodation from Engenheiro Gourlat station, either by foot or by taxi.

Editor’s Note

Although the train is quite punctual, it is always best to check the train times, as delays can occur.

Useful Tips

If you are travelling with a lot of luggage, taking an alternative transfer option would be best, as the trains do not have big luggage spaces.
You can buy your train ticket directly at at Guarulhos Airport train station.
If you're planning on using the train system frequently throughout your stay, you can buy a 24 hour ticket for €3.15 (BRL 16.90) or 10 trips for €7.10 (BRL 38.28).

How to get from São Paulo GRU Airport to the city centre by bus

Taking the São Paulo Airport bus service to the city centre is easy, as several bus companies provide transport to and from Guarulhos Airport. EMTU carrier operates between the airport and the city centre of Sao Paulo, as well as Tietê and Barra Funda bus stations and Tatuapé subway station.

The most convenient bus is Line 257, ending at Tatuape Metro Terminal which is within walking distance of the centre. Moreover, the bus vehicles headed to the city are easily recognisable as they are blue and red.

How much is a bus ticket to São Paulo city centre?

A regular one-way ticket from São Paulo Airport to the city centre (Avenida Paulista) costs €1.25 (BRL 6.75) and can be bought at the EMTU airport office or online on the EMTU website.

Cost

€1.25

Trip Duration

55 Min

There is an average waiting time of 1 hour for the bus.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The airport bus is available daily from 05:10 to 23:10.

Where do I get it from?

You can find the EMTU São Paulo Airport buses at terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Convenience

Taking a São Paulo Airport bus is an affordable travel option. The bus offers comfortable vehicles straight into the city centre. However, waiting times can be long and as you are using Brazilian public transportation, you will either have to get to your São Paulo hotel on foot or by taxi; this can be quite tedious if you are travelling with children or with heavy luggage.

Editor’s Note

The buses operating from the airport into São Paulo's city centre are very comfortable and fully air-conditioned vehicles.

Useful Tips

Please note that luggage is included in the ticket price, you will not need to pay extra.
The bus is free for travellers with disabilities, however you will need to ask the company for a special disability card.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Sao paulo. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How far is São Paulo Airport from city centre?

São Paulo Airport is located 25 km away from the city centre of Sao Paulo and it takes 35 minutes to reach by car or taxi, depending on traffic conditions.

How to get from São Paulo Airport to city center?

There are 4 different travel options when going from Guarulhos Airport to São Paulo city centre; you can either take a taxi or private transfer, a train or a bus. The train and bus are the cheapest options, both costing less than €2 and taking just under an hour to arrive in the centre. Alternatively, the best way to travel is by taxi or private transfer. The journey is quick, effortless and door-to-door.

How much is a taxi from São Paulo Airport to the city centre?

Most taxis in São Paulo calculate their prices using a taximeter, however, some also offer negotiated fixed prices. Your taxi fare from Guarulhos Airport to downtown São Paulo will cost between €15-€25 (BRL 80.70-BRL 135) and around €30 (BRL 161) for night or weekend trips. However, if you prefer to travel at a fixed rate price with no hidden fees, it is highly recommended to book a private airport transfer online, in advance.

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