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São Paulo · Brazil

São Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH)

São Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH) is located approximately 8 to 10 kilometres south of downtown São Paulo. It operates primarily as a domestic regional hub, handling high-density flights between major Brazilian cities. The airport comprises a single central passenger building with clearly separated departure and arrival levels.

Terminals

Main Passenger Terminal
Handles all scheduled domestic passenger flights, featuring an upper departure floor and a lower arrival concourse.

Arriving

Arriving at Congonhas typically involves a direct walk or bus transfer from the aircraft to the ground-floor arrivals area.

  • Deplane via jet bridge or apron bus into the central arrival corridor.
  • As scheduled commercial flights at Congonhas are domestic, international passport control and customs processing occur at your initial port of entry into Brazil.
  • Follow clear overhead signage to the baggage reclaim hall on the ground floor.
  • Collect checked luggage from the designated carousel for your flight.
  • Exit through the sliding doors into the public arrival hall to reach transport pickup zones.

Getting to the city

  • Taxi

    Taxi

    Official pre-paid and metered taxis operate from designated ranks outside the arrival terminal.

    Time:
    Typically 30-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
    Typical cost:
    Roughly 40-90 BRL depending on destination and traffic.
  • Ride-hailing

    Rideshare

    App-based services such as Uber and 99 pick up passengers at designated curbside areas.

    Time:
    Typically 30-60 minutes to central districts.
    Typical cost:
    Roughly 30-70 BRL depending on demand and destination.
  • Train

    Municipal Bus & Metro

    Local SPTrans buses connect the terminal to nearby Metro stations including São Judas (Line 1-Blue) and Moema (Line 5-Lilac).

    Time:
    Typically 45-75 minutes total to central São Paulo.
    Typical cost:
    Roughly 5-10 BRL total (bus fare plus metro fare).
  • Bus

    Inter-Airport Shuttle Bus

    Airline-operated or private coach services run direct connections between Congonhas and Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).

    Time:
    Typically 60-120 minutes depending on heavy ring-road traffic.
    Typical cost:
    Free for eligible ticketed airline passengers or roughly 40-60 BRL via commercial operator.

Connections & transfers

Connecting through Congonhas requires staying within the single terminal structure for domestic flights or transferring to Guarulhos for international departures.

  • For domestic-to-domestic connections, follow connecting flight signs to return to the departure gate concourse.
  • If changing airlines with unchecked bags, check in at the departure desk on the upper level.
  • If connecting to an international flight departing from Guarulhos (GRU), collect all luggage and allow at least 3 to 4 hours for transfer across the city.

Wi-Fi & staying connected

Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout the passenger terminal.

  • Select the official airport network from your device settings.
  • Complete the short registration form on the portal page.
  • Re-authentication may be required after a set session period.

Money, cards & tipping

Basic banking facilities and automated teller machines are situated in the public areas of the main terminal.

  • ATMs accepting international credit and debit cards are located on the main concourse.
  • Currency exchange desks operate on the main terminal levels for cash conversion.
  • Electronic payments (credit and debit cards) are universally accepted by taxis, rideshare apps, and airport merchants.

Food & drink

A range of food outlets operates across both public and airside sectors of the terminal building.

  • Options range from quick-service coffee shops and bakeries to sit-down Brazilian restaurants.
  • Outlets are available in both the public landside hall and the post-security departure lounges.
  • Food service operates continuously during daily airport operational hours.

Lounges & rest

Several airline and independent passenger lounges operate in the departures area.

  • Lounges are located in the secure departure area past security control.
  • Access is granted through premium cabin tickets, frequent flyer status, or paid entry programs.
  • Facilities generally include complimentary refreshments, seating, and charging stations.

Airport hotels

While no hotel is located directly inside the terminal building, numerous options are situated nearby along Avenida Washington Luís.

  • Several business hotels are located within 1 to 2 kilometres of the terminal exit.
  • Selected nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttle van services for guests.
  • Short taxi or rideshare trips connect the terminal to surrounding accommodation within 5-10 minutes.

Baggage & customs

Baggage facilities include reclaim carousels in arrivals and luggage storage services in the public hall.

  • Baggage reclaim carousels are located immediately past the arrival entry doors.
  • Left-luggage (storage) facilities are available for a daily fee in the public area.
  • Inquire at your airline's ground handling desk in the arrivals area for lost or damaged luggage.

Family & accessibility

Basic family facilities are distributed across the main terminal building.

  • Baby care rooms equipped with changing tables are available near key toilet facilities.
  • Stroller access is straightforward across single-level corridors and via lifts between floors.
  • Family-friendly dining options are available throughout the central commercial areas.

Facilities

  • Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
  • Currency Exchange
  • Luggage Storage
  • Pharmacy
  • Baby Care Rooms
  • Medical First Aid Post
  • Car Rental Desks
  • Information Desk

Emergency & safety

Local emergency number: Police: 190 | Medical: 192 | Fire: 193

  • Dial 190 for Police, 192 for SAMU (Ambulance/Medical Services), or 193 for Fire/Rescue.
  • An emergency medical response post operates inside the terminal to assist passengers requiring urgent care.
  • For lost passports or law enforcement matters, visit the Federal Police office situated within the airport.

Before you leave home

  • Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
  • Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
  • Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
  • Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
  • Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
  • Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
  • Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
  • Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Official sources

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

Guide last reviewed October 19, 2026

Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.

Land connected

Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.

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Travel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.