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Getting there

Getting to São Paulo

Short answer

The reference airport is Guarulhos International Airport (Governador André Franco Montoro) (GRU), in Guarulhos, about 25 km (16 mi) from São Paulo. By car, it is 433 km (269 mi) from Rio de Janeiro, a 6h drive costing about R$ 306 in fuel and tolls.

Most reviewed activity in São PauloSão Paulo Complete Tour★ 9.4 · 177 reviews · from US$ 77 · via CivitatisSee dates and price →

Flying to São Paulo

The gateway from abroad is Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), in the municipality of Guarulhos, about 25 km from downtown. It handles the international flights and the largest flight network.

From the airport you can reach the city by executive bus or by the Line 13-Jade train.

The other airport, Congonhas (CGH), is about 8 km away and serves domestic flights only. Routes and airlines flying in from each country change often, so it is safest to check them when you plan your trip.

Nearest airport
GRUGuarulhos International Airport (Governador André Franco Montoro)
Guarulhos · about 25 km (16 mi) from São Paulo
Alternative
CGHCongonhas Airport
São Paulo · about 8 km (5 mi)

It handles the international flights and has the widest choice of flights. Congonhas (CGH), closer to the city, serves only domestic flights.

Driving to São Paulo

These are the driving routes to São Paulo from the main cities of origin, with distance, travel time and estimated fuel cost for a car that gets 11 km per liter. Amounts are in Brazilian reais (R$).

From Rio de Janeiro
433 km (269 mi) · 6h
~R$ 306 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
From Curitiba
408 km (254 mi) · 6h
~R$ 252 in fuel and tolls
see the calculation
Tours and tickets

Tours and activities in São Paulo

booking on Civitatis
São Paulo Complete Tour
9.4· 177 reviews

São Paulo Complete Tour

Come with us to discover all the most iconic places in São Paulo. Along the way, you'll see fantastic buildings, and a lot of world-class art!

7 h
from US$ 77
Book →
Day Trip to Campos do Jordão
9· 120 reviews

Day Trip to Campos do Jordão

Known as the 'Brazilian Switzerland', escape the heat of Sao Paulo and fall in love with the alpine scenery on this day trip to Campos do Jordão.

12 h
from US$ 116
Book →
Day Trip to Aparecida
9.6· 77 reviews

Day Trip to Aparecida

Explore the city of Aparecida and visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, one of the biggest in the world.

10 h
from US$ 109
Book →
Day Trip to Santos, Sao Vicente and Guarujá
9.1· 61 reviews

Day Trip to Santos, Sao Vicente and Guarujá

Enjoy a day exploring the coast of Sao Paulo, discovering the incredible beaches and cities of Santos, Sao Vicente and Guarujá.

10 h
from US$ 109
Book →
See all activities in São Paulo
Where to stay

Hotels in São Paulo

Compare hotels and places to stay in São Paulo on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.

Rosewood São Paulo in São Paulo 9.5 ★★★★★ · 65 reviews Rosewood São Paulo See on Booking → San Michel Hotel in São Paulo 8.7 ★★★ · 358 reviews San Michel Hotel See on Booking → H4 La Residence Paulista in São Paulo 8.6 ★★★★ · 213 reviews H4 La Residence Paulista See on Booking → Braston Augusta Hotel by Castelo Itaipava in São Paulo 8.5 ★★★ · 496 reviews Braston Augusta Hotel by Castelo Itaipava See on Booking →
See all hotels in São Paulo

Rates change with the dates: confirm the price on Booking.com.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest airport to São Paulo?
The nearest airport to São Paulo is Guarulhos International Airport (Governador André Franco Montoro) (GRU), in Guarulhos, about 25 km (16 mi) away. Alternative: Congonhas Airport (CGH), in São Paulo, about 8 km (5 mi) away. It handles the international flights and has the widest choice of flights. Congonhas (CGH), closer to the city, serves only domestic flights.
How do you get to São Paulo by air?
Fly to Guarulhos International Airport (Governador André Franco Montoro) (GRU), in Guarulhos, about 25 km (16 mi) from São Paulo, and cover the rest of the way overland. Flight routes and schedules change often: check them when you plan your trip.
Is it better to drive or fly to São Paulo?
It depends on where you start. From Rio de Janeiro, the drive is 433 km (269 mi) and takes about 6h, costing about R$ 306 in fuel and tolls. From distant origins, flying usually saves time; from nearby cities, driving gives you more freedom. Compare the cost of the drive with the price of a plane ticket before you decide.
Is São Paulo easy to get to?
Yes: you can drive to São Paulo from Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba, and its reference airport is GRU. See the driving routes on this page.
Can I book transfers and activities in São Paulo in English?
Yes. On this page you will find activities in São Paulo that you can book in English on Civitatis, with the price updated when you book.
Complete guide to São Paulo Best time to visit Driving routes