Congonhas Airport is São Paulo's second hub, much more central than Guarulhos: it is located just 8 km from the city center.
It is dedicated almost entirely to domestic flights, particularly the air shuttle service with Rio de Janeiro (Santos Dumont), one of the world's busiest routes by number of daily flights.
How to get to Congonhas Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CGH
Parking near Congonhas Airport
The official multi-story parking (Estapar) is located in front of the terminal.
The official daily rate is 105.90 BRL without reservation; booking online in advance, the rate in the official parking building starts at 39.90 BRL/day.
How to get to São Paulo from CGH
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Congonhas Airport
The desks of the major car rental companies are in the arrivals area.
Bring a driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required. Given São Paulo's traffic, consider whether you really need a car in the city.
Hotels near Congonhas Airport
Campo Belo, next to Congonhas
About 500 meters-2 km from the terminal, with a free shuttle offered by one of the properties; a few minutes on foot or by car.
Best for: Those based near the air bridge to Rio or on a short stopover, without venturing into city traffic.
- The closest to the terminal of any property in this guide, useful for frequent air-bridge flyers
- Free airport shuttle offered by one of the properties
- Residential neighborhood with little nightlife outside the hotels
- The most recent reviews report slow check-in at both properties in the area
Recommended hotels
- Transamerica Executive Congonhas 500 meters-2 km from the terminal, with a free airport shuttle; the Berlin restaurant serves regional and international cuisine. View availability
- Hotel Ponte Aérea About 700 meters from Congonhas terminal, in the Campo Belo neighborhood; the closest property of all in this guide. View availability
Vila Olímpia, Itaim Bibi and Faria Lima
About 5-6 km from the terminal, 10-15 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Best for: Those based here for business along Faria Lima, with the city's highest concentration of chain hotels.
- More chain hotels than anywhere else in this guide, in the heart of São Paulo's business district
- Steps from Shopping Vila Olímpia, JK Iguatemi and Parque Ibirapuera
- Heavy traffic at peak times along Faria Lima and the Marginal Pinheiros
- Prices above average compared with Campo Belo
Recommended hotels
- Mercure São Paulo Vila Olímpia In the lively Vila Olímpia neighborhood, steps from Shopping Vila Olímpia and JK Iguatemi; La Forchetta restaurant serves Italian and Brazilian cuisine. View availability
- INNSiDE by Meliá São Paulo Itaim Steps from Avenida Faria Lima, in the business heart of Itaim Bibi; quiet rooms and a buffet breakfast often mentioned in reviews. View availability
- Estanplaza Funchal Faria Lima A boutique Art Deco-style hotel on Rua Funchal, a 10-minute drive from Avenida Paulista and Parque Ibirapuera. View availability
Morumbi
About 6 km from the terminal, 12 minutes by car depending on the property.
Best for: Those who want a newer hotel along the Marginal Pinheiros, at the cost of a few extra minutes from the terminal.
- Among the highest scores in this guide, with thousands of reviews
- Some rooms with a view of the Ponte Estaiada
- Further from the terminal than the other areas in this guide
- An area built around offices and malls, little to do on foot in the evening
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is single and organized for frequent bridge service traffic. From check-in to gate you generally walk 10 minutes.
Checks are generally quick given the prevalence of domestic flights; nonetheless, for any international flights it's advisable to arrive 2-3 hours early.
Map of Congonhas Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Congonhas or Guarulhos for São Paulo?
Congonhas (CGH) is much more central, just 8 km from downtown, but handles almost only domestic flights; Guarulhos (GRU) is the real international hub, about 25 km away. Check which airport your flight operates from.
Q. What is the 'ponte aérea'?
It's the historic air shuttle between São Paulo Congonhas and Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont, among the busiest routes in the world, with flights almost every hour during the day.
Q. Since when has Congonhas Airport existed?
Since 1936: it's among the oldest commercial airports in Brazil still in operation, which explains its unusually central location, since modern São Paulo grew up all around the airport in the following decades.
Q. Is Congonhas connected to the metro?
Not directly: the nearest station (line 5-Lilás) is reached with a short taxi ride.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
