Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our São Paulo Guarulhos Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
The cleaning staff was LOUD and not respectful to us or other sleepers. Boo to them! – mikensf’64
GRU Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport.
What to Expect
São Paulo Guarulhos Airport (code: GRU) has three terminals: T1 is the smallest, limited to a couple of domestic airlines; T2 is the oldest but largest, serving domestic, Latin American, and some longer-haul destinations; T3 is the newest, handling primarily long-haul traffic. A shuttle bus connects to T1, and a walkway allows travellers to stroll between T2 and T3. Travellers describe poor terminal layouts, with long, confusing hallways.
Amenities include dozens of eateries and shops, many open 24 hours. WiFi is free for only one hour. Economy-class passengers can pay to enter several airport lounges, some of which have showers.
Sleeping in Guarulhos Airport
Airport staff seem quite tolerant of the many overnight sleepers. For such a large airport, the seating could be better. Most benches have armrests, so you must contort yourself or sleep on the floor. Bring a mat, sleeping bag or blanket for warmth on the cold tiles. Here are a few traveller tips:
- The more modern Terminal 3 may have more comfortable seating.
- Multiple Starbucks locations have comfortable chairs and sofas – just be sure to buy something if you’re going to stay for a while.
- Try pushing some rows of seats together to create a makeshift bed with some privacy.
- Travellers sometimes find the layout confusing, thanks to many hallways, but these may provide some privacy and quieter sleep spots.
For uninterrupted sleep, two hotels are located inside the airport. The Slaviero Fast Sleep offers hourly sleep cabins in T2’s National Area, and Tryp by Wyndham is a traditional hotel located in the transit area of T3. Otherwise, nearby hotels offer free shuttle service. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Guarulhos Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Guarulhos Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
Day Rooms: Yes
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, there are two transit hotels offering both short-term and overnight rates. A few nearby hotels within a ten-minute driving distance provide free airport shuttles.
Hotels inside the airport
Slaviero Fast Sleep – Located inside Terminal 2, National Wing, ground floor near Arrivals. Sleep cabins have a bunk bed, bathroom, TV, A/C, electrical outlets, and free WIFI. Available for rent by the hour or blocks of time. Rates start at R$ 94,00 +4% ISS. The shower package is R$ 50 for 1 hour. » Check Rates
Tryp by Wyndham São Paulo Guarulhos Airport – Located inside the boarding area of Terminal 3 on the 1st floor. You MUST have an international boarding pass or international connection in order to check in and stay at the hotel. All rooms have unlimited free WiFi. Family rooms and “Fitness” rooms with an exercise bike are also available. Hourly rates are available. Inquire at the front desk. » Check Rates
Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods – Currently, two soundproof sleep pods are equipped with a bed, WiFi, a flight status screen and electrical outlets. Rates: 9 € per hour. Locations:
- Terminal 2, Airside – Follow the signs for Gates 201-223.
- Terminal 3, Airside – coming soon
- Terminal 3 VIP, Airside – coming soon
Hotels near Guarulhos Airport with airport shuttles
- Sleep Inn Guarulhos » Check Rates
- Hampton by Hilton Guarulhos Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Guarulhos Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal 2
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Airside, Wing D, Mezzanine Level. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Admirals Club Membership.
- GOL Premium Lounge (Domestic) – Location: Airside. Domestic Departures. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- GOL Premium Lounge (International) – Location: Airside, International Departures. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Landside, next to check-in counter D, Domestic Departures (Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM) • Airside, Domestic Departures, near Gate 209-224. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- Villa GRU – Location: Landside, 1st Floor, Sector D. Lounge Access: Lounge Membership Program • Pay at the door.
- Bradesco Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Departures, 1st Floor. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Lounge Access: a reader tells us, “Customers who hold Credit Cards Bradesco Visa Aeternum, Elo Diners Club, Elo Nanquim, Bradesco Seguros Elo Nanquim, and The Platinum Card American Express have unlimited and free access to Bradesco Cartão Lounge.”
Terminal 3
- Centurion Lounge – Location: Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
- Executive Lounge GRU Airport – Location: Airside. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
Related Pages: Guarulhos Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
A reader tells us there are drinking water fountains available.
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, you have plenty of 24-hour food concessions to choose from. Check out these vendors:
- Terminal 1, Airside: Rei do Mate (Departures).
- Terminal 2, Landside: Ballon Cafe (Arrivals) • Cafe Kopenhagen (Departures) • McCafe (Departures East) • Pizza Hut (Departures) • Starbucks (Mezzanine • Departures) • Subway (Mezzanine East • Mezzanine West) • Vienna Snacks (Departure East • Arrival West).
- Terminal 2, Airside: 365 Deli (Departures • Arrivals) • Bleriot (Departures) • Burger Boss (Departures East) • Rei do Mate (Domestic Departures) • Starbucks (International Departures) • To Go Coffee & Deli ( East Pier • West Pier).
- Terminal 3, Landside: Burger King (Mezzanine) • Cafe Kopenhagen (Mezzanine) • Pizza Hut (Mezzanine) • Rei do Mate (Mezzanine) • Suplicy (Mezzanine) • Vienna Snacks (Departures).
- Terminal 3, Airside: 365 Deli (Departures • Mezzanine) • Bleriot (Mezzanine) • Starbucks (Departures) • Subway (Departures) • Vienna Cafe (Departures).
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Malex do Brasil lockers are available. – Location: T2 (Arrivals West, Sidewalk) • T2 (Arrivals East, Sidewalk) • T3 (Arrivals, Sidewalk). Hours: Open 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
A reader (justdream) tells us, “There is an option to charge your mobile but it is Type N – 3 plug socket (220V), so be prepared with your Travel Adapter.” (January 2022)
Showers
Shower facilities are inside several pay-to-use lounges and the Slaviero. Showers are available in the Executive Lounge GRU Airport, and the Slaviero Fast Sleep Cabins (R$ 50 for one hour) offer shower-only packages. [ see Airport Lounges and Airport Hotels above ]
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available for one hour at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport. Connect to the “GRU WIFI” Network. You may purchase additional time and/or faster service.
Security & Safety
Airport staff take no issue with the many travellers who spend the night here, and it seems safe. We have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Machines are operated by Banco de Brasil • Bancos Bradesco • Caixa Econômica Federal • Itaú • Rede Banco 24 Horas • Unibanco • HSBC • Santander. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside, Arrivals Hall (Terminal 1/ 2) • Landside, Terminal 2, Mezzanine Level, C Wing • Landside, Terminal 1, Departures, B Wing.
Baby Care Facilities – The airport has 56 washrooms equipped with baby changing facilities throughout all three terminals.
Currency Exchange – Location: Banco Safra (T2, Landside, Check-in D • T2, Airside, International Arrivals • T3, Landside, Check-in G • T3, Airside, Arrivals) • Banco de Brasil Exchange (T2, Landside, Check-in C) • Cotacao Exchange (T2, Landside, Check-in D and E). Hours: all operate 24 hours.
Information Desk – Location: Landside, Arrivals • Departures Hall, Terminal 1 / 2, Hours: open 24 hours.
Luggage Wrapping – Look for the following companies at the airport that will protect your bags. Protec Bag (T3, Mezzanine) • Truestar Securebag (T1, Departures • T2, Departures) • Exacta (T3, Departures). Hours and rates are not known.
Massage – Clínica Oriental offers massage. Location: T3, Departures Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM.
Medical Services – Medical offices are located in Terminals 1 and 2 on the Mezzanine Level (landside).
Pharmacy – Location: Droga Raia (T2, Airside, Departures • T3, Landside, Departures) • Farmais (T1, Landside, Departures • T2, Landside, Departures West). Hours: 24 Hours except the Farmais T1 location, open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Post Office – Correios Location: T2, Departures Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri).
Prayer Room – Available in the corridor between Terminals 2 and 3, Landside. Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Note that you must pre-booked to use the room.
Seamstress – Repair those rips, tears and missing buttons at Ophicina de Costura. Location: T3, Mezzanine Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Shopping – Duty-Free is available in all Terminals; these locations operate 24 hours: T2, Airside, Departures • T2, Airside, International Departures • T3, Airside, Arrivals. Plenty of shops are available to pass the time, several of which are also open 24 hours, including three Hudson News locations for any last-minute snacks and drinks (Airside, Terminal 3).
SIM Cards – A few readers tell us you can purchase SIM cards at the Conveniencia Livraria bookstore (International Arrivals, second floor) and Lotérica (Terminal 2). (January 2023)
Spa & Salon Services – Manicures, pedicures and more are available at Hands’ N Feet Location: T3, Mezzanine (Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM). Big Boss Barber Shop. Location: T2, Departures West (Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Sao Paulo and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, several travel agencies with offices at the airport can probably be of assistance. ABAV, BBTur and Sweet Way offer travel services.
Airline Buses
At the time of this update, GOL and TAM provide shuttle service to their passengers between Congonhas Airport and Sao Paulo Airport. For more information, visit the Sao Paulo Airport website.
Bus
GRU airport is well connected to the bus system. Whether you need to reach the city center, a downtown hotel or a surrounding area, there should be a bus for you. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Sao Paulo Airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental companies are available at Guarulhos Airport: Avis/Budget • Hertz • Localiza • Movida • Unidas.
Hotel Shuttles
Several nearby hotels provide airport shuttle service: Sleep Inn Guarulhos • Hampton by Hilton Guarulhos Airport • Pullman Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttle
The airport provides a free shuttle connecting all three terminals. Shuttles operate every 15 minutes except between 5:00 AM and 1:00 AM, when shuttles depart every 30 minutes.
Taxi
Guarucoop is the exclusive taxi operator from the airport. They offer fixed rates according to the area of the city you are travelling to.
Train
Guarulhos Airport has a station along the local train system (access at Terminal 1) from which you can connect to an additional train line for further travel. For more information, visit the Sao Paulo Airport website.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.