Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, officially named Governador Andre Franco Montoro International Airport, is the busiest airport in Brazil and all of South America by passenger traffic. Located in Guarulhos, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Sao Paulo city center, the airport opened in 1985 to handle growing international demand that had outgrown Congonhas Airport. GRU handles over 42 million passengers annually across three terminals. Terminal 3, opened in 2014, is the newest facility and features modern amenities and expanded international gate capacity. The airport serves as the primary hub for LATAM Airlines Brazil, Gol Linhas Aereas, and Azul Brazilian Airlines, the three largest carriers in the country. GRU offers extensive international service to destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, making it the principal gateway between Brazil and the rest of the world. The airport operates two parallel runways. Ground transportation options include the CPTM Airport Express train, which connects to Luz Station in central Sao Paulo, as well as bus services and highway connections. Sao Paulo's status as the economic capital of Brazil and the largest city in South America drives enormous demand for both domestic and international air travel. GRU also ranks as one of the busiest cargo airports in Latin America, handling significant volumes of agricultural exports, manufactured goods, and e-commerce shipments.

Aviation Terms

机场灯光系统 (AGL: Airfield Lighting) 机场类别 (Airport Category) 机场标高 (ELEV: Airport Elevation) 机场消防站 (ARFF: Airport Fire Station) 机场贵宾室 (Airport Lounge) 机场基准点 (ARP: Airport Reference Point) 停机坪 (Apron) 自动护照查验 (APC: Automated Passport Control)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Guarulhos Airport to downtown São Paulo?

The Airport Bus Service (operated by Airport Bus) runs express coaches to Avenida Paulista, Congonhas Airport, and other city destinations for about BRL 60-75. The CPTM Line 13 (Jade) connects the airport to Engenheiro Goulart station, where you transfer to the metro system. Taxis cost approximately BRL 150-250 to the Paulista area and take 40-90 minutes depending on traffic.

How many terminals does Guarulhos Airport have?

GRU has three terminals. Terminal 1 is temporarily closed for renovation. Terminal 2 handles domestic flights for airlines like GOL and Azul. Terminal 3 is the newest terminal, opened in 2014 for the World Cup, and serves all international flights plus LATAM domestic operations. Terminals 2 and 3 are connected by an airside walkway.

Which airlines have a hub at Guarulhos Airport?

LATAM Airlines Brasil uses GRU as its primary hub, operating extensive domestic and international networks. GOL Linhas Aereas also has a significant base here. GRU is the busiest airport in South America and serves as the main gateway for international travel to and from Brazil. LATAM is a member of the Oneworld alliance.

What lounges are available at Guarulhos Airport?

Terminal 3 offers several premium lounges including the LATAM VIP Lounge, Star Alliance Lounge, and Plaza Premium Lounge. Most are accessible through business class tickets, frequent flyer status, or Priority Pass. Terminal 2 has the GOL Premium Lounge and a Plaza Premium facility for domestic travelers.

Is Guarulhos Airport safe for overnight stays?

GRU is generally safe for overnight stays, though it is advisable to remain inside the terminal. The airside areas of Terminal 3 have rest zones with reclining chairs. The GRU Airport Hotel Tryp Wyndham is located within walking distance of the terminals via a covered walkway. Inside the terminal, sleep capsules and hourly rest facilities are available.