São Paulo Guarulhos Airport Guide (GRU)
São Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport ranks as South America's busiest hub, processing 43.6 million passengers annually through three terminals. With over 20 lounges spread across the complex, finding the right space requires understanding both your terminal and available access options.
This guide is designed to help you navigate GRU with ease. You’ll find summaries of each terminal, details on which airlines use them, and practical advice for everything from pricing to making the most of lounges and amenities.
Other Lounge Guides
For more detailed information about specific lounge networks at GRU check out our other dedicated guides:
The W Lounges at São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport-Four locations across all three terminals with 24-hour operations
Plaza Premium- Terminal 2's dual facilities including unique landside access.
Guide Contents
Airport Overview
The airport’s Terminal 1 serves as a domestic base, while Terminal 2 handles the bulk of traffic with both domestic and international operations. Terminal 3 focuses on international carriers.
The airport operates 24 hours daily, with peak international departures between 20:00 and midnight. While shuttle buses connect terminals and walking bridges link Terminals 2 and 3, security requirements make terminal changes impractical for lounge visits. Once through security, passengers should remain in their departure terminal.
Security & Immigration
Terminal changes: Requires exiting secure area and fresh screening
Domestic flights: Single security checkpoint per terminal
International from T2: Security plus immigration adds 20-45 minutes
International from T3: Dedicated lanes but expect 30-60 minutes during peaks
Key point: Stay in your departure terminal for lounge access
Terminal Summaries and Lounges
Terminal 1: Azul Domestic Hub
Terminal 1 is the smallest terminal at São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, dedicated mainly to low-cost domestic carriers. It has a simpler layout and fewer gates making it easy to navigate for short haul flights
Terminal 1 operates as Azul's exclusive domain with just one lounge: the W Lounge facility. This compact space runs 24/7 but fills quickly during morning and evening peaks. While it's the only option for Azul passengers, the free shuttle to Terminal 2 (15-20 minutes) opens access to additional lounges if time permits before security. The terminal's smaller scale means shorter walks but fewer amenities overall.
Terminal 2: Main Hub for Domestic & Regional International
Terminal 2 is the largest and busiest terminal at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, serving as the main hub for most domestic flights and a wide range of regional international routes across South America. It offers extensive airline check-in counters, shops, restaurants, and easy connections to the airport’s other terminals.
Terminal 2 has the most diverse lounge collection with eight options spanning all price points. Beyond the three pay-per-use facilities (W Premium The West, Plaza Premium airside and landside), you'll find GOL Premium Lounges for both domestic and international sections, and several contract lounges like Urban Cowork and Advantage VIP.
The landside Plaza Premium serves pre-security travellers, while the massive airside Plaza Premium offers GRU's largest independent lounge space. Urban Cowork attracts digital nomads with its many workspaces. There’s a fair amount of variety here for your specific needs and budget.
Terminal 3: International Gateway
Terminal 3 is GRU’s most modern terminal, built specifically for long haul and intercontinental flights. It serves as the main gateway for travellers flying to North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Terminal 3's eleven lounges reflect its international focus with premium options dominating. The LATAM VIP Lounge sprawls across nearly 20,000 square feet with a 30-meter buffet, while Espaço Banco Safra serves as the contract lounge for Emirates, Lufthansa, and other premium carriers. Both W facilities (The Pier and 5th Avenue) provide 24-hour alternatives for overnight departures.
The terminal gained Nubank's new Ultravioleta Lounge in February 2025 (exclusive to cardholders) while losing its American Express Centurion Lounge the same month, redirecting Platinum cardholders to W Lounge 5th Avenue. An American Airlines Admirals Club rounds out the options, and is located above the Duty Free Shopping Area.
Note that evening congestion affects all lounges here as multiple long haul flights are banked between 20:00 and midnight.
Lounge Access Methods Overview
Pay-per-use lounges at GRU accept multiple access methods beyond cash purchases:
Online Booking: LoungePair offers advance booking for W Lounges in all three terminals, both Plaza Premium locations Airside and Landside in Terminal 3, the GOL Premium Lounge Domestic and International in Terminal 2, and the LATAM VIP Lounge in Terminal 3. The Plaza Premium Lounges can also be booked directly with the operator.
Walk-Up: Walk-up rates range from R$175-290 ($31-52) depending on lounge and duration.
Lounge Memberships: Priority Pass, DragonPass, and LoungeKey provide access to most facilities. Note that Priority Pass restricts access at some locations during peak hours (05:00-09:00 and 21:00-23:00).
Credit Cards: American Express Platinum members gain complimentary access to W Lounges and Plaza Premium following the Centurion closure in February 2025. Various Brazilian bank cards offer specific lounge benefits.
Family Guide to Lounges
Travelling with children through GRU requires careful lounge selection, as policies and amenities vary significantly. While most lounges allow children, not all provide family friendly environments.
Best Family Options:
Plaza Premium Terminal 2 Airside: Dedicated children's play area, family-friendly buffet options, and spacious layout preventing overcrowding. Children under 2 free, discounted rates for ages 2-11 when purchase direct with Plaza Premium.
Plaza Premium Terminal 2 Landside: Ideal for early arrivals with restless children. Pre-security access means easy exit if needed. Compact size allows parents to maintain sight lines.
The Lounge São Paulo (T2 & T3): Cinema area and entertainment zones appeal to older children. Under 12 free with paying adult.
Above: Plaza Premium Terminal 2 (airside)
Above: Landside Plaza Premium Lounge T2.
Challenging for Families:
W Lounges: Limited space and full pricing for children 2+ makes family visits expensive.
GOL Premium Lounges: Business-oriented atmosphere, though children under 2 free.
Espaço Banco Safra: Contract lounge focused on business travellers
Overnight and Extended Layovers
GRU's 24 hour operations can create overnight challenges and opportunities. With multiple lounges operating around the clock, strategic planning will help you decide on the best option.
Late Evening Arrivals (20:00-Midnight)
Peak congestion period as international departures queue. Here’s what to expect:
Terminal 3: Both W Lounges remain open but expect crowds
Terminal 1: W Lounge's standard size manages flow better than expected
Alternative: Plaza Premium Terminal 2 stays open until 23:00
Overnight Hours (Midnight-05:00)
Limited hot food options but quiet spaces available:
24-Hour Options: All W Lounges maintain service, plus GOL Premium International (T2), The Lounge São Paulo (T2/T3)
Best Bets: Terminal 3 lounges serve overnight international flights with maintained (if limited) catering.
Showers: Book early morning slots in advance at 24-hour locations - make sure to flag need for shower as soon as you get to the lounge.
Alternative: Advantage VIP (T2) also operates 24/7 with R$180 access
Early Morning Rush (05:00-08:00)
Multiple lounges reopen creating options:
Plaza Premium Terminal 2: Opens at 05:00 with full breakfast
Priority Pass Restrictions: Some W Lounges block access 05:00-09:00
Best Value: Plaza Premium's hot breakfast buffet beats W Lounges' light snacks
Extended Layover Planning (8+ Hours)
Maximise comfort within your departure terminal:
Morning: If flying from T2, use Plaza Premium landside before security
Midday: Explore terminal dining and free amenities
Pre-departure: Return to airside lounge in your terminal
Cost Comparison: Two 3-hour lounge visits (~$70-80) versus transit hotel day rates
Sleep Options: Slaviero Fast Sleep (T2 landside) offers hourly room rates from R$89-94
Realistic Connection Strategies
Under 4 Hours: Stay in your departure terminal, one lounge visit maximum 4-8 Hours: Consider two lounge visits with terminal exploration between (if you love airports!).
8+ Hours: Plaza Premium landside (T2 only) allows exit and re-entry through security.
Overnight: Book a 24-hour lounge in your terminal (may need to purchase extended duration or more than one pass), or consider a transit hotel. We recommend the latter, you should go get some propert sleep!
Free Amenities vs. Paid Amenities
Free Terminal Amenities
Rest Zones: Terminal 3 armrest-free benches (best free option)
Children's Play Areas: Available in all terminals near gates
Charging Stations: Throughout gate areas but often occupied
Wi-Fi: Free "GRU Airport" network, speeds vary 5-15 Mbps
Showers: None available outside lounges
Quiet Zones: Limited to gate corners, constant announcements
Terminal Specific Free Features
Terminal 1: Compact layout, basic seating, limited dining
Terminal 2: Most dining options, outdoor observation area (landside)
Terminal 3: Best seating variety, premium shopping, natural light
When Lounges Add Value
Showers: Only available in lounges (otherwise R$50+ at hotels)
Hot Food: Free terminal options limited to expensive restaurants
Quiet Space: Terminals echo with announcements in Portuguese/English
Reliable Wi-Fi: Lounge speeds typically 30-50 Mbps
Comfortable Seating: Gates lack proper rest options
Power Access: Guaranteed outlets vs. hunting at gates
Above: Plaza Premium Lounge Seating Options at Terminal 2
Budget Strategy
For stays under 2 hours with no meal needs, terminal amenities suffice. Beyond 3 hours, lounge access becomes cost-effective when factoring meals ($15-25, often complimentary), drinks ($5-10), and comfort. Overnight connections particularly benefit from 24-hour lounge access versus uncomfortable gate sleeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal at GRU has the best lounges?
Terminal 3 offers the most premium lounges with 11+ options including LATAM VIP and the new Nubank Ultravioleta Lounge, while Terminal 2 provides the most variety with eight lounges. Terminal 1 has only one lounge. Choose based on your departure terminal rather than lounge quality, as terminal changes require clearing security again.
Can I visit lounges in other terminals at GRU?
While technically possible, it's not practical. Changing terminals requires exiting the secure area, taking shuttles or walking between terminals, and clearing security again, a process taking 45-90 minutes. Ideally you should stay within your departure terminal for lounge access.
Do GRU lounges have showers?
Most lounges offer shower facilities, though availability varies. Plaza Premium provides reservable 20-minute slots, while W Lounges often have queues during morning peaks. Showers aren't available anywhere in the terminal outside of lounges.
How early should I arrive to use a lounge at GRU?
For domestic flights, arrive 2-3 hours early to enjoy a full lounge visit. International departures need 3-4 hours given immigration processing. Most lounges enforce 3 hour maximum stays, so timing matters for longer waits.
Practical Airport Information
Transportation to/from GRU
Official Taxi (Guarucoop)
Fixed zones: R$66-160 to São Paulo center (day rates)
Night rates: R$85-241 (20% surcharge after 8 PM)
Payment: Pre-pay at booth, receive a voucher.
Journey: 30-60 minutes depending on traffic
Available: All terminals, 24/7
Uber/Ride-sharing
Cost: R$50-250 for UberX to city center
Pickup: Designated areas each terminal (follow app directions)
Savings: Approximately 30-50% versus official taxi
Wait times: 5-10 minutes typically
Airport Bus Service
Routes: Congonhas Airport, Paulista Avenue, major bus terminals
Cost: R$43.90 (~$8 USD)
Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
Journey: 40-75 minutes to city center
Service hours: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM (varies by route)
Metro Connection (CPTM Line 13)
Cost: R$5 via free shuttle to Airport-Guarulhos station
Service: Limited overnight (closes around midnight)
Journey: 45-70 minutes with transfers to city
Best for: Budget travelers with time
Above: Guarucoop Taxi Service
Currency & Banking
ATMs: Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Santander in all terminals
Exchange: Multiple locations but poor rates (5-10% markup)
Cards: Widely accepted, though some vendors remain cash-only
Tip: Exchange minimum at airport, use ATMs for better rates
Airport Services
Luggage Storage: Malex do Brasil in all terminals (from R$50-60/day)
Medical: First aid stations 24/7, pharmacy in each terminal
Post Office: Terminal 2 landside only
Hotels: TRYP by Wyndham (Terminal 3), Slaviero Fast Sleep (Terminal 2)
Practical Tips
Language: Portuguese primary, limited English at information desks
Tipping: Not expected at airport venues
Water: Fountains available but bottled recommended
Electrical: Both 110V and 220V (varies by location), Type N plugs
Time Zone: GMT-3 (no daylight saving since 2019)
Summing Up
Navigating South America’s busiest airport is easier when you know your terminal and plan ahead.
For detailed information about specific lounges, explore our comprehensive terminal guides:
Book advance lounge access during peak periods (morning business rush and evening international departures) to guarantee entry. With a little planning, GRU’s lounge scene shifts from overwhelming to effortless, turning your time in São Paulo into a journey that begins and ends in comfort.
Last Updated: August 2025