São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is São Paulo’s main international gateway. This guide explains the three terminals, common airline locations, Terminal 3 international departures, flight connections, pickup, transportation to São Paulo, and transfers to Congonhas (CGH) or Viracopos (VCP).
Airport operations, airline counters, pickup rules, and transportation schedules can change. Confirm your flight in the airline app, final itinerary, and official GRU flight status before travel.
GRU quick answers
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| How many passenger terminals does GRU have? | Three: Terminals 1, 2, and 3. |
| Where are gates 301–332? | Terminal 3. |
| Where are check-in areas F, G, and H? | Terminal 3. |
| Do most international flights use Terminal 3? | Many long-haul international flights do, but some international operations use Terminal 2. Always confirm your flight. |
| Can I move between terminals? | Yes. GRU provides a free shuttle between Terminals 1, 2, and 3. |
| Are GRU, CGH, and VCP the same airport? | No. They are separate airports and an airport change requires a landside transfer and a new check-in. |
GRU Terminals 1, 2, and 3 at a glance
| Terminal | Check-in areas | Gates | Main use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | A | 101–109 | Azul operations listed by GRU; verify the specific flight. |
| Terminal 2 | B, C, D, E | West 201–229; East 250–268 | Domestic and selected international operations. |
| Terminal 3 | F, G, H | 301–332 | International operations, including many long-haul flights. |
Useful gate-number rule: the first digit identifies the terminal. Gate 105 is in Terminal 1, Gate 207 is in Terminal 2, and Gate 324 is in Terminal 3. See the official GRU terminal overview and airport maps.
Common airlines and terminals at GRU
This table is practical guidance, not a guarantee. Airlines can move a flight, counter, or operation to another terminal. Confirm the terminal in the airline app, on the boarding pass, or through GRU’s live flight information.
| Airline / travel type | Common terminal | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Azul domestic | Terminal 1 | Confirm in the Azul app or final itinerary. |
| Azul international | Terminal 3 | Confirm terminal and check-in counter before travel. |
| LATAM domestic | Terminal 2 | Domestic operations may differ from international flights. |
| LATAM international | Terminal 3 | Confirm before leaving for the airport. |
| GOL | Terminal 2 | Confirm whether the flight is domestic or international and check the current counter. |
| Avianca | Terminal 2 | GRU has listed Avianca / ONE Avianca in Terminal 2. Confirm the current operation. |
| Air Canada | Terminal 3 | Confirm in the Air Canada app or final itinerary. |
| TAP Air Portugal | Terminal 3 | Common for Portugal and Europe connections; confirm before travel. |
| United Airlines | Terminal 3 | Confirm in the United app or itinerary. |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal 3 | Confirm in the Delta app or itinerary. |
| American Airlines | Terminal 3 | Confirm with the airline before travel. |
| Copa Airlines | Terminal 3 | Confirm terminal and check-in time before travel. |
| Air France / KLM | Terminal 3 | Confirm in the airline app or final itinerary. |
| Lufthansa / SWISS | Terminal 3 | Confirm before departure. |
International departures from Terminal 3
For a typical international departure from Terminal 3, use this sequence:
- Check the flight-information screens for the airline, check-in area, and counter.
- Go to check-in F, G, or H as directed by the airline.
- Complete check-in and baggage drop, if needed.
- Follow signs for International Departures.
- Pass through security screening (X-ray).
- Complete passport control with the Brazilian Federal Police.
- Check the screens again and continue to your gate, generally numbered 301–332.
This is the usual passenger flow. Follow current airport signage and staff instructions if the operating sequence changes. Terminal 3 is large, and a gate can require a meaningful walk after passport control. Do not remain near check-in until the last minute. See the official Terminal 3 map.
Making a connection at GRU
Connection steps depend on the origin, destination, ticket arrangement, baggage tag, airline, and whether you must enter Brazil. Confirm the complete process at your first check-in point.
Domestic flight connecting to an international flight
Check whether your baggage is tagged through to the final destination. You may need to move from Terminal 1 or 2 to Terminal 3. Follow signs or airline instructions to the international departure area, then complete security screening and passport control before going to the gate.
International arrival connecting to a domestic flight in Brazil
You should generally expect to complete immigration, collect checked baggage, pass through Brazilian customs, recheck the baggage with the domestic airline, move to the correct terminal if necessary, and pass through domestic security. Follow airline instructions if a special transfer process applies.
International-to-international connection
The process varies. Passengers on one ticket with baggage checked through may be directed through an international transit route. Other itineraries may require immigration, baggage collection, customs, a new check-in, or a terminal change. Confirm before the first flight rather than assuming you can remain airside.
Separate tickets or self-transfer
Treat this as a new trip: allow time to enter Brazil when required, collect baggage, clear customs, move terminals, check in again, and pass through security and passport control. The second airline may not protect you if the first flight is delayed.
There is no single safe minimum connection time for every GRU itinerary. Baggage delivery, immigration, customs, terminal transfers, airline deadlines, and separate tickets can change the amount of time required.
Moving between GRU terminals
GRU provides free airport-identified shuttle buses between Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The buses stop on the arrivals level of all three terminals. GRU currently states that waiting time can be up to 15 minutes and lists service from 4:00 a.m. to midnight; verify current operation on the official terminal-transfer page.
- Allow time to locate the stop, wait for the shuttle, load baggage, and reach the next check-in or security area.
- Passengers using the CPTM train also use the airport shuttle because the airport station is near Terminal 1.
- Follow airline instructions when a protected connection includes a dedicated transfer route.
International arrivals, immigration, baggage, and customs
A typical international arrival into Brazil follows this order:
- Follow signs to immigration/passport control.
- Collect checked baggage at the assigned carousel.
- Proceed through Brazilian customs.
- Use the appropriate customs channel and present an electronic baggage declaration when required.
- Continue to the public arrivals area or follow connection instructions for an onward flight.
Travelers carrying goods or cash that must be declared should review the Brazilian Federal Revenue traveler guide. A traveler entering Brazil who has filed an e-DBV presents it after collecting baggage and uses the “Goods to Declare” channel.
Passenger pickup and drop-off
Terminal 2 app-based pickup
GRU’s Pick-up Plaza is outside Terminal 2 on the arrivals level. GRU currently identifies it as the pickup area for partner ride apps including Uber, 99, and Rhino. Passengers arriving through Terminal 2 East or West should follow floor markings, signs, and the sector shown in the app. See the official Pick-up Plaza instructions.
Terminals 1 and 3
For app-based rides, use the exact pickup point and sector displayed in the app because approved locations can change. For private pickup, follow terminal signage and do not remain stopped in restricted curb areas.
Official taxi
Guarucoop operates authorized airport taxi desks at Terminals 1, 2, and 3, with standardized rates. Use the official desk or marked vehicle and avoid unregulated transportation solicitations. See the official taxi locations.
Getting between GRU and São Paulo
| Option | Where to start | Best for | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPTM train | Airport–Guarulhos Station near Terminal 1; use the free shuttle from Terminals 2 or 3. | Travelers comfortable with public transit and light-to-moderate baggage. | Line 13–Jade connects toward Engenheiro Goulart, with onward access toward Tatuapé, Brás, and Luz. Check the current service pattern. |
| Airport/intercity bus | Terminal 2 East Arrivals bus terminal. | Congonhas, Barra Funda, Tietê, Avenida Paulista area, Campinas, and other listed destinations. | Schedules and ticketing methods vary by operator. |
| Taxi | Official desks in the terminals. | Door-to-door service, families, and travelers with baggage. | Use authorized service. |
| Ride app | Use the location and sector displayed in the app. | Door-to-door travel with app pricing. | Pickup rules differ by terminal and can change. |
| Private transfer or rental car | Prearranged meeting point or rental counter. | Groups, special assistance, multiple bags, or travel beyond central São Paulo. | São Paulo traffic can significantly change road travel time. |
Official information: train, bus, taxi, and car rentals.
Changing airports: GRU–CGH and GRU–VCP
GRU, Congonhas (CGH), and Viracopos (VCP) are separate airports. There is no airside connection between them. An airport change normally means collecting baggage, leaving the terminal, traveling by road or bus, checking in again, and passing through security at the second airport.
| Route | Practical options | Main concern |
|---|---|---|
| GRU ↔ CGH | Airport Bus Service, taxi, ride app, or private transfer. | São Paulo traffic, bus schedule, baggage delivery, and the second airline’s check-in deadline. |
| GRU ↔ VCP | Private transfer, taxi, ride app, or intercity bus toward Campinas with the exact endpoint confirmed in advance. | VCP is in Campinas, much farther from GRU; public transportation may require an additional connection. |
| CGH ↔ VCP | Azul bus when eligible, taxi, ride app, or private transfer. | Airline-bus eligibility and departure schedule. |
GRU to or from Congonhas (CGH)
GRU lists Airport Bus Service route 258 to Congonhas. Boarding and ticket services are associated with the Terminal 2 East Arrivals bus terminal, although the operator may also provide terminal-specific stops. Check the current Airport Bus Service schedule before relying on it. Taxi, ride app, or a private transfer is usually simpler for families, several bags, early/late travel, or a schedule that does not match the bus.
GRU to or from Viracopos (VCP)
A prearranged private transfer, authorized taxi, or ride app is generally the simplest direct option. GRU lists Lirabus/VB intercity service between GRU and Campinas from Terminal 2 East Arrivals, but travelers must confirm the exact destination and whether another transfer is required to reach the VCP passenger terminal. Review the GRU bus directory and Viracopos transportation information.
Do not assume the Azul airport bus connects GRU and VCP. Azul currently describes its airport bus as operating between Congonhas and Viracopos, subject to eligibility and schedule. Check the current Azul bus rules.
Booking advice: whenever possible, connect at the same airport. For separate tickets or a GRU–VCP airport change, a generous interval—or an overnight stay—can be safer than a tight same-day connection.
Hotels, lounges, and essential services
| Need | Useful option | Location / guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Airside transit hotel | TRYP by Wyndham | Terminal 3 international departure transit area. Access depends on being eligible to enter the restricted transit area. |
| Public-area rest or overnight stay | Fast Sleep | Terminal 2 public area, with locations listed by GRU in East and West Arrivals. |
| Full-service hotel near the airport | Pullman São Paulo Guarulhos Airport | Beside the airport complex; confirm hotel transportation when booking. |
| Luggage storage | Malex | GRU lists locations in Terminal 2 East/West Arrivals and Terminal 3 Arrivals. Confirm current hours. |
| VIP lounges | Multiple operators | Access varies by airline, cabin, card, lounge membership, or paid entry. |
| Lost and found | GRU Lost and Found | Use the official directory for current location, hours, and contact method. |
Official directories: hotels, VIP lounges, luggage storage, food, and shops.
GRU frequently asked questions
Which terminal handles international flights at GRU?
Terminal 3 handles many international flights, especially long-haul services, while Terminal 2 also has selected international operations. Check the exact flight rather than relying only on the airline name.
Are gates 301–332 in Terminal 3?
Yes. GRU’s numbering system uses the first digit to identify the terminal.
Where are check-in areas F, G, and H?
They are in Terminal 3.
Is passport control before or after security at Terminal 3?
The usual international departure flow is check-in and baggage drop, security screening (X-ray), then passport control. Follow airport signage and staff instructions if operations are temporarily redirected.
How do I transfer from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3?
Use GRU’s free airport shuttle from the arrivals level and allow time for waiting and baggage. Follow any dedicated airline-transfer instructions when connecting on one ticket.
Do I collect baggage when connecting at GRU?
It depends on the itinerary. International arrivals connecting to a Brazilian domestic flight should generally expect to collect baggage for customs and recheck it. International-to-international passengers may have a transit process when bags are checked through. Confirm at the first check-in counter.
Where is ride-app pickup at Terminal 2?
Follow signs to the Pick-up Plaza on the Terminal 2 arrivals level and use the sector shown in the app.
Where is the train station?
The Airport–Guarulhos CPTM station is near Terminal 1. Use the free airport shuttle from Terminals 2 and 3.
Can I sleep inside GRU?
GRU lists TRYP in the restricted international transit area of Terminal 3 and Fast Sleep in the public area of Terminal 2. Verify access conditions before booking.
How do I transfer from GRU to CGH or VCP?
These are separate airports. GRU–CGH has an airport-bus option plus road transfers. GRU–VCP is a longer intercity transfer, usually simplest by prearranged car, taxi, or ride app; bus travel may require a Campinas connection.
Before heading to GRU
- Confirm the airport code, terminal, check-in area, and operating flight number.
- Follow the airline’s recommended arrival time, especially for international travel.
- Review passport, visa, entry, transit, and baggage requirements.
- Confirm whether checked baggage is tagged to the final destination.
- For an airport change, check ground transportation and the second flight’s check-in deadline before departure.
- Use the airline app, final itinerary, and official GRU flight status for last-minute changes.