Airport Hubs:
CGH → São Paulo (Avenida Paulista) Updated for 2026

How to Get from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Avenida Paulista

Distance 8 km
Fastest 15 min
From 5.00 BRL (~$1.00)
Top Pick Uber / Official Taxi / SPTrans Bus + Metro
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Congonhas Airport (CGH) is located right inside São Paulo, just 8 km south of Avenida Paulista. An Uber or 99 ride is the most popular choice, taking only 15-25 minutes for 25 - 40 BRL (~$5 - $8 USD). Official metered taxis cost 45 - 60 BRL. Budget travelers can take the SPTrans bus (Line 175T-10 or 609J-10) connecting to Metro Line 1 (Blue) at São Judas or São Joaquim for 5.00 BRL (~$1.00 USD).

São Paulo/Congonhas Airport (CGH) is Brazil's premier central airport, serving the intense domestic corridor between Rio, Brasília, and Belo Horizonte. Because of its inner-city location, getting into Avenida Paulista, Jardins, or Itaim Bibi takes just a fraction of the time needed from Guarulhos.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Uber / 99 Rideshare App Best Overall
15–25 min
25 - 40 BRL
~$5 - $8 / €4.50 - €7.50
 Every 2-4 min (on demand) All travelers—fastest, cheapest direct ride, and door-to-door convenience Book Congonhas Transfer
SPTrans Bus (Line 175T-10) + Metro Line 1 Cheapest
35–45 min
5.00 BRL
~$1.00 / €0.90
 Every 10-15 min Backpackers and solo budget travelers with light bags See Boarding Steps ↓

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

Uber / 99 Rideshare App

25 - 40 BRL ~$5 - $8 / €4.50 - €7.50
Travel time 15–25 min
Frequency Every 2-4 min (on demand)
Operating hours 06:00 - 23:00 daily
Where to buy tickets Request in Uber or 99 app upon collecting bags.
Main advantage: Takes only 15-20 minutes; costs under $8 USD; safe and seamless payment.
Keep in mind: Short wait at the designated airport pickup zone.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow the clear "Aplicativos / Rideshare" signage out of arrivals.
  2. Head to the designated rideshare pickup lounge in the parking building.
  3. Board your Uber/99 vehicle and travel directly along 23 de Maio avenue.
  4. Arrive at your hotel in Avenida Paulista or Jardins.
Book Congonhas Transfer
Option #2 Cheapest

SPTrans Bus (Line 175T-10) + Metro Line 1

5.00 BRL ~$1.00 / €0.90
Travel time 35–45 min
Frequency Every 10-15 min
Operating hours 06:00 - 23:00 daily
Where to buy tickets Tap contactless payment card or Bilhete Único on the bus validator.
Main advantage: Only 5.00 BRL ($1 USD); connects to São Paulo's clean and efficient metro system.
Keep in mind: Requires transferring from bus to subway at São Judas or Vergueiro station.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Board bus 175T-10 at the street stop in front of the terminal.
  2. Tap your contactless card at the validator.
  3. Ride to Metro Line 1 (São Judas or Vergueiro).
  4. Take the subway directly to Paraíso, Brigadeiro, or Trianon-Masp (Paulista).
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / 99 & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / 99 pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Brazil eSIM on Airalo →Compare Brazil Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at São Paulo (CGH) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check São Paulo Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

For Uber and 99, proceed to the designated app pickup area on the lower parking level. For taxis, join the official municipal rank outside arrivals. Buses accept the Bilhete Único card or contactless bank cards directly on the turnstile.

Traveling with Suitcases

Taxis and Uber vehicles easily accommodate luggage. City buses can get crowded during morning commuting hours.

Arriving After Midnight

Congonhas observes a strict night curfew, closing every day at 23:00 and reopening at 06:00.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Confusing Congonhas (CGH) with Guarulhos (GRU)—Congonhas is inside the city, while Guarulhos is 25 km away.
  • Waiting in long taxi queues when the dedicated Uber/99 pickup lounge is comfortable and significantly cheaper.
  • Congonhas is well regulated. Join the official municipal taxi queue or request Uber/99 in the app. Fares into Avenida Paulista typically run 25–40 BRL (~$5–$8 USD).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How far is Congonhas Airport from Avenida Paulista?

It is only about 8 km away, taking roughly 15 to 20 minutes outside of peak rush hours.

How much is an Uber from Congonhas Airport to Paulista?

An Uber typically costs between 25 and 40 BRL (~$5 to $8 USD).