Roberta Aguirre
São Paulo is Brazil's largest city and a world financial powerhouse, but its two airports, Guarulhos and Congonhas, are dispiritingly crowded and irksome at best. The internationally-focused Guarulhos (GRU) airport is decrepit, with inadequate facilities, and frequent labour disputes. Travellers have complained about the lack of elevators, issues with price gouging, and the predominance of the Portuguese language. The airport is also crowded and busy, with travellers recommending that you get to the airport at least 3 hours before your flight leaves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports in São Paulo | 2 |
| Names of the airports | São Paulo-Guarulhos International (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH) |
| Type of airport | Guarulhos is an international airport, Congonhas is a domestic airport |
| Crowd | Dispiritingly crowded |
| Amenities | No elevators, only stairs and escalators |
| Transport to/from the airport | Taxi, Uber, Lyft, Grab, public bus, subway, Airport Bus Service |
| Safety | Generally safe during the day, some neighbourhoods are unsafe |
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What You'll Learn
- Sao Paulo's two airports are crowded and irksome at best, and sheer transportation hell at worst
- The international airport, Guarulhos, does not have elevators, only stairs and escalators
- Sao Paulo is a gigantic city with many different districts. The poorer ones tend to be unsafe
- There are constant failures in trains, strikes, heavy rain and floods, which cause delays
- Taxi scams are almost unheard of, but Uber is a safer option
Sao Paulo's two airports are crowded and irksome at best, and sheer transportation hell at worst
São Paulo is Brazil's largest city and a world financial powerhouse. It is no surprise, then, that its two airports, Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH), are incredibly busy. Congonhas is the domestic airport, while Guarulhos is the international airport and the gateway into Brazil for many international flights.
Both airports are dispiritingly crowded and irksome. They suffer from decrepit, inadequate facilities and frequent labour disputes, which can lead to unpleasant experiences. Travellers have reported a lack of elevators, with only stairs and escalators available to get around, making it difficult for those with heavy luggage or special needs.
The journey to and from the airport can also be challenging. São Paulo is a gigantic city with a population of nearly 11 million, and its public transport is notoriously unreliable. There are constant failures in the trains, with over 200 in 2023, and strikes are common. Heavy rain and floods are also a constant issue, causing major delays and chaos. While taxis and ride-sharing services are available, travellers should be aware of potential scams and price gouging, especially for English-speaking tourists.
Overall, while the airports of São Paulo may not be the worst, they can certainly be transportation hell, and travellers would do well to prepare themselves for potential challenges and delays.
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The international airport, Guarulhos, does not have elevators, only stairs and escalators
São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, has two airports: Congonhas and Guarulhos. Guarulhos, also known as GRU, is the international airport. It is one of the busiest airports in Brazil, handling around 100,000 passengers daily and serving approximately 900 flights per day.
For travellers with layovers, the airport offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options. Terminal 3, the newest and largest terminal, has the most options for food and shopping, including McDonald's, Subway, Outback Steakhouse, and Viena. There are also lounges and bars where travellers can relax and pass the time.
In conclusion, while the Guarulhos airport in São Paulo may be crowded and busy, it offers a range of amenities and services to meet the needs of travellers, including those with long layovers. However, the absence of elevators may be an important consideration for individuals with limited mobility, especially when navigating between levels within the terminals.
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Sao Paulo is a gigantic city with many different districts. The poorer ones tend to be unsafe
São Paulo is Brazil's largest city and one of the biggest cities in the world. As with most sizeable cities, crime is a problem in some areas. However, São Paulo's reputation for danger is somewhat exaggerated, and it has been getting progressively safer. In 2024, São Paulo saw its lowest homicide rate in 24 years, and it is considered less dangerous than other major Brazilian cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Recife.
The city's crime patterns challenge simplistic narratives about urban security. Detailed research has shown that community structure and infrastructure are more crucial to effective urban safety than economic status. For example, the wealthy neighbourhood of Jardins has a higher crime rate than some working-class areas. The Belém district, for instance, has a remarkably low crime profile despite facing urban challenges. On the other hand, high-crime districts like São Mateus logged 32 murders and 16 daily robberies.
Some of the poorest neighbourhoods in São Paulo, such as Capão Redondo, Vila Clementino, and Campo Limpo, often have high levels of crime and should be avoided. The city centre neighbourhoods of Luz, Santa Efigênia, and Consolação should also be approached with caution.
Despite these concerns, São Paulo offers a diverse range of safe neighbourhoods to suit different preferences. Pinheiros, for instance, is known for its artistic flair, trendy atmosphere, and remarkably low crime rate. The local police presence is robust, and the community actively participates in neighbourhood watch programs. Moema is another excellent choice, especially for families, as it is a peaceful residential neighbourhood with well-lit streets, reputable schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Vila Mariana is also a safe choice, offering a lively cultural hub with a strong security record and notable police presence. Sumaré, located away from the bustling city centre, provides a tranquil environment with low crime rates and active community engagement. Jardim Paulista is an upscale neighbourhood known for its sophistication, high-end living, and strong emphasis on security.
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There are constant failures in trains, strikes, heavy rain and floods, which cause delays
Travellers are advised to be cautious when planning trips involving São Paulo Airport due to the frequent occurrence of disruptions and delays. The São Paulo Metropolitan Train system serves 23 of the city's 39 municipalities and transports approximately 3 million passengers daily has a history of strikes and accidents that have resulted in delays and safety concerns.
In June 2014, just before the World Cup, a partial metro strike disrupted three of the city's five subway lines, affecting millions of commuters and soccer fans. This was not an isolated incident, as train and bus strikes have been common in Brazil, with workers using high-profile events to demand better salaries and benefits.
The safety record of the São Paulo Metropolitan Train system has also been a cause for concern. In 1987, the Itaquera rail crash resulted in the deaths of 51 passengers due to a lack of investment and maintenance failures. The transfer of suburban lines and improvements to the infrastructure have been slow, with projects often facing delays and funding challenges.
In addition to strikes and accidents, extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and flooding have impacted São Paulo in recent years. The state has experienced a significant increase in extreme rainfall days since the 1950s, leading to a higher risk of flooding. In February 2023, over 1.3 trillion liters of water inundated 13 municipalities in São Paulo within 24 hours, causing devastation, landslides, and road damage. These weather events have resulted in delays and disruptions for travellers, impacting both locals and tourists visiting during the Carnival festivities.
Given these factors, it is advisable for travellers to closely monitor weather conditions, stay updated on any industrial actions or strikes, and consider alternative transportation options when planning trips involving São Paulo Airport to minimize potential delays and disruptions.
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Taxi scams are almost unheard of, but Uber is a safer option
Taxi scams in São Paulo are almost unheard of, but it is still recommended to take an Uber from the airport as a safer option. Uber drivers are everywhere throughout the city and the airport, and you will rarely have to wait a long time for a car. Uber rides are usually 30% to 50% cheaper than official taxis, and you can connect your PayPal account to the app so you don't need to carry a lot of cash. Uber drivers don't charge inter-municipality or baggage surcharges, and the fare is agreed upon before your ride.
At São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), you can find official taxis like Guarucoop in the arrivals area of all terminals. However, it is recommended to be cautious of people pretending to be drivers and to always wait at the designated pick-up zone shown in the app. You can also request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with Uber WAV if needed.
If you choose to take a taxi, a ride from Guarulhos airport to the city center should cost between R$90-140, while an Uber should cost between R$50-70. São Paulo taxis must have a fare table available in the car, and you can ask to see it. The taxi fares consist of three different charges: a start fee when you enter the taxi, a kilometer fee based on the time of day, and a wait time fee.
To request a taxi to the airport, you can use the Uber app to access customer support and share trip details with loved ones. You can also view driver profiles and ratings to learn about your driver before the trip begins.
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Frequently asked questions
São Paulo Airport is often crowded and irksome, with frequent labour disputes and inadequate facilities.
São Paulo Airport does not have elevators, only stairs and escalators, which can be difficult for travellers with heavy luggage or special needs.
Travellers have reported constant failures in the trains serving the airport, as well as unpredictable heavy rain and floods.
Taxi scams are almost unheard of in São Paulo, especially with the rise of Uber. However, it is recommended that you go with the most official-looking taxi company when leaving the airport.
The airport can provide a nice atmosphere if you are willing to spend some time at a lounge or bar. There are also two duty-free stores where you can buy domestic products at affordable prices.
