Major city · Brazil
Guarulhos
Treat Guarulhos as an airport base, not a sightseeing stop: 1 night near GRU, or a half-day at Cantareira's Cabuçu centre if you have a long layover.
Guarulhos is a major city in São Paulo state and the site of GRU, the airport most visitors use as a gateway to São Paulo. It is mainly useful for an airport night or a long layover; the strongest reason to visit is the Cabuçu centre of Cantareira State Park.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BRL
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (drier, milder)
- avoid Dec–Mar (wetter)
- Airport
- GRU
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Guarulhos190 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Guarulhos, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).Brazil-wide
- SIM or eSIMVivo, Claro and TIM cover the country; buying a prepaid SIM needs a passport and sometimes a CPF — an eSIM before you fly is easier.Brazil-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; filtered water is provided in most homes and hotels.Brazil-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% service (serviço) usually on the bill; optional but normal.Brazil-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Brazil-wide
- SafetyGuarulhos is an ordinary large Brazilian city: the airport corridor and the centre are fine by day…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places.Brazil-wide
- Emergency numbers190 police · 192 ambulance (samu) · 193 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysCarnival shuts many businesses for several days; museums often close on Mondays.Brazil-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGRU São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (Four terminals, about 40 km (25 mi) from downtown São Paulo; the main long-haul gateway to Brazil.).GRU São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (Four terminals, about 25 mi (40 km) from downtown São Paulo; the main long-haul gateway to Brazil.).
- Getting aroundGRU to the city: Guarucoop taxis have the airport monopoly (queue outside arrivals; pay by card at the booth).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee2026 estimateR$6–12 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught / can at a padaria2026 estimateR$10–18 (≈ US$2–4)R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or app ride3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or app ride2026 estimateR$25–40 (≈ US$5–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimateR$40–80 (≈ US$8–15)
- Museum or sight ticketCantareira Cabuçu entryCheck
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personR$70 (≈ US$13)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomR$320 (≈ US$60)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomR$550 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$180 (≈ US$35) · Mid R$350 (≈ US$65) · High R$700 (≈ US$130)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GRU São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (Four terminals, about 40 km (25 mi) from downtown São Paulo; the main long-haul gateway to Brazil.)GRU São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (Four terminals, about 25 mi (40 km) from downtown São Paulo; the main long-haul gateway to Brazil.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jun (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Jan (17 rain days), driest Jun (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Guarulhos: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
17 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
14 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
13 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
12 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
13 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
16 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
GRU to the city: Guarucoop taxis have the airport monopoly (queue outside arrivals; pay by card at the booth). Local buses run from stops near Terminals 1 and 2 to Cecap Terminal, where you change for the rest of Guarulhos. Line 13–Jade of the São Paulo rail system links Aeroporto Guarulhos and Guarulhos–CECAP to Engenheiro Goulart, then Line 12. For São Paulo itself, the airport bus or a taxi is simpler than the train with bags.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
São Paulo city centre
goDoor to door: 1–2 h
Airport bus or taxi to the centre; Line 13 + Line 12 + metro also works
Most travellers should sleep in São Paulo and use GRU only as a transfer.
Cantareira State Park, Núcleo Cabuçu
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h from the centre
Rod. Fernão Dias to Estrada das Três Cruzes (km 82 (mile 51)), then Av. Pedro de Souza Lopes; car or taxiRod. Fernão Dias to Estrada das Três Cruzes (mile 51 (km 82)), then Av. Pedro de Souza Lopes; car or taxi
Reported open weekends and holidays, 9:00–17:00; confirm access before setting out. The Trilha da Cachoeira is 5.2 km (3.2 mi) and medium difficulty.Reported open weekends and holidays, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; confirm access before setting out. The Trilha da Cachoeira is 5.2 km (3.2 mi) and medium difficulty.Reported open weekends and holidays, 9:00–17:00; confirm access before setting out. The Trilha da Cachoeira is 3.2 mi (5.2 km) and medium difficulty.Reported open weekends and holidays, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; confirm access before setting out. The Trilha da Cachoeira is 3.2 mi (5.2 km) and medium difficulty.
Door to door: Check
Fly from GRU or drive via Via Dutra / Rodovia Ayrton Senna
Via Dutra has heavy urban traffic; compare flight and road options before choosing.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
GRU airport area (Cumbica)
Airport hotels and the in-terminal Fast Sleep; the only reason to sleep here is an early departure or a long layover.
Guarulhos city centre (Rua Dom Pedro II)
The real city: pedestrian high street, Poli Shopping, restaurants. About 20–30 min by taxi from GRU.
Cecap / Parque Shopping Maia
Near the bus terminal and Line 13 station; practical if you arrive by bus. Accommodation availability: check.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- R$180–300 (≈ US$35–60) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- Mid
- R$300–550 (≈ US$60–110) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- High
- R$550 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed (2026 estimate)
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 1 night × R$320 | R$320 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × R$350 | R$700 |
| Airport bus GRU ↔ São Paulo, both ways2 × R$100 · 2026 estimate; check | R$200 |
| Guarucoop taxi, GRU to central Guarulhos1 × R$60 · 2026 estimate; check | R$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × R$60 · 2026 estimate | R$120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R$140 |
| Trip total≈ R$770 per person per day, bed included | R$1,540≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in reais; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee2026 estimate | R$6–12 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Prato feito lunch (rice, beans, meat)2026 estimate | R$25–45 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Beer: draught / can at a padaria2026 estimate | R$10–18 (≈ US$2–4) / R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxi or app ride2026 estimate | R$25–40 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Airport bus GRU → São Paulo2026 estimate; check | R$45–60 (≈ US$9–12) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate | R$40–80 (≈ US$8–15) |
| Cantareira Cabuçu entry | Check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The neighbourhoods immediately around GRU are poor and not for wandering; stay on the airport–hotel–centre axis.
- Guarulhos is not São Paulo: allow 1–2 h to reach downtown São Paulo in traffic, more at peak.
- Central Guarulhos needs the same night caution as São Paulo: keep your phone out of sight and avoid walking side streets after dark.
- Cabuçu centre is reported open weekends and holidays, 9:00–17:00. Confirm access before travelling; bring your own food and water.Cabuçu centre is reported open weekends and holidays, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Confirm access before travelling; bring your own food and water.
- Not all foreign cards work in small Brazilian businesses; carry some reais.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 190
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 192
- Fire
- 193
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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GuarulhosGuarulhos
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereço, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police190
- Ambulance (SAMU)192
- Fire193
Embassy
No embassies in Guarulhos: they are in Brasília, with consulates-general in São Paulo city (about 40 km).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Guarucoop taxi GRU → central Guarulhos: About R$50–70 (≈ US$10–13), 20–30 min (2026 estimate; check)
- Airport bus GRU → São Paulo: About R$45–60 (≈ US$9–12); 1–2 h in traffic (2026 estimate; check)
- Line 13 GRU → Engenheiro Goulart: Fare and journey time: check
Say or show
- Bom dia — Good morning (bom JEE-ah)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / -dah)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah)
- Onde fica o banheiro? — Where is the toilet? (ON-jee FEE-kah oo bah-NYAY-roo)
- Posso pagar com cartão? — Can I pay by card? (POH-soo pah-GAR kon kar-TOWN)
- Preciso de ajuda — I need help (preh-SEE-zoo jee ah-ZHOO-dah)
Tipping: a 10% service charge is usually already on the bill.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Guarulhos. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (drier, milder) · avoid Dec–Mar (wetter) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for GRU: last Line 13 and airport-bus departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: Rua Dom Pedro II / Poli Shopping, and Bosque Maia / Parque Shopping Maia.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Cantareira Cabuçu, Bosque Maia, Jardim Metropolitano) and eat pages with last orders.
- Layover fixtures: 4 h, 8 h and overnight GRU plans so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialGuarulhos city government
- officialGRU Airport
- officialGuarulhos bus terminal
- officialCantareira State Park, Núcleo Cabuçu tickets
- secondaryWikivoyage: Guarulhos, revision 5103362 (CC BY-SA 4.0)