Airport Hubs:
GRU → Congonhas Airport (CGH Inter-Airport Transfer) Updated for 2026

How to Transfer between Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH) Airports

Distance 35 km
Fastest 50 min
From Free for passengers / 43.90 BRL
Top Pick Free Airline Shuttle (Gol / LATAM) / EMTU Executive Bus
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

The distance between Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH) is 35 km across São Paulo. Both Gol and LATAM provide FREE shuttle buses for passengers holding a connecting flight ticket on their respective airline (simply show your boarding pass / e-ticket to the driver outside Terminal 2). For passengers on other airlines, the EMTU Airport Bus Service (Line 258) connects both airports in 60-80 minutes for 43.90 BRL (~$8.50 USD). Taxis or Uber take 50-70 minutes for 100 - 140 BRL.

Many travelers flying into São Paulo internationally via GRU must transfer to domestic flights departing from central Congonhas (CGH). Because São Paulo traffic is intense, leaving at least 4 to 5 hours between connecting flights is strongly recommended.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Free Airline Transfer Shuttle (Gol / LATAM) / EMTU Coach Cheapest
55–80 min
Free / 43.90 BRL
Free / ~$8.50
 Every 30-60 min Passengers with connecting flights between GRU and CGH See Boarding Steps ↓
Uber / 99 / Guarucoop Taxi Fastest
50–70 min
100 - 140 BRL
~$20 - $28 / €19 - €26
 On-demand Travelers on tight connection schedules needing immediate departure Book Inter-Airport Transfer

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Cheapest

Free Airline Transfer Shuttle (Gol / LATAM) / EMTU Coach

Free / 43.90 BRL Free / ~$8.50
Travel time 55–80 min
Frequency Every 30-60 min
Operating hours 05:30 - 22:30 daily
Where to buy tickets Show connecting flight boarding pass to driver outside Terminal 2, or buy EMTU ticket.
Main advantage: Free for connecting airline passengers; comfortable air-conditioned coach; direct airport-to-airport link.
Keep in mind: Subject to city traffic; departures every 45-60 min.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Clear customs at GRU and head to the ground floor outer bus lanes of Terminal 2.
  2. Look for the Gol, LATAM, or EMTU bus stops.
  3. Show your ticket or mobile boarding pass to the airline agent.
  4. Stow your luggage underneath and enjoy direct transit straight to Congonhas Airport departures curb.
Option #2 Fastest

Uber / 99 / Guarucoop Taxi

100 - 140 BRL ~$20 - $28 / €19 - €26
Travel time 50–70 min
Frequency On-demand
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Request via Uber / 99 app or visit Guarucoop counter.
Main advantage: Departs immediately without waiting for bus schedules; direct drop-off at CGH terminal.
Keep in mind: Highway traffic delays during rush hours.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Open the Uber or 99 app upon landing, or walk to the Guarucoop desk.
  2. Follow signs to the app pickup zone.
  3. Travel directly via Marginal Tietê and 23 de Maio avenue straight to Congonhas departures.
Book Inter-Airport Transfer
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 (GRU) 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 the free airline shuttle, go to the outer curb of Terminal 2 (B* or C* bay) and present your mobile boarding pass or ticket receipt to the Gol or LATAM coordinator. For EMTU buses, buy tickets at the outdoor kiosk or pay with a contactless card.

Traveling with Suitcases

Both airline shuttle coaches and EMTU executive buses have large lower baggage compartments where drivers safely stow suitcases.

Arriving After Midnight

Airline shuttles run from roughly 05:30 until 22:30. Note that Congonhas Airport has a night curfew and closes completely between 23:00 and 06:00.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Booking an itinerary with less than 3.5 hours between flights—traffic between GRU and CGH can easily take 75+ minutes during rush hour.
  • Not knowing that Gol and LATAM provide free shuttle buses for their connecting passengers.
  • Arriving at Terminal 3 and not taking the free landside shuttle to Terminal 2 where the airline buses depart.
  • Ignore touts inside the terminal offering "executive cars". Use the official Guarucoop taxi desk outside the terminal, or order Uber/99 to the designated ride-hailing pickup bays on the mezzanine/outer curbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a free bus between GRU and Congonhas airports?

Yes, both Gol and LATAM operate free coach transfers between GRU and CGH for passengers holding same-day tickets on their airline.

How long does it take to travel between GRU and CGH?

Off-peak it takes around 50 minutes, but during peak traffic hours (07:00-09:30 and 17:00-20:00) the drive can take 75 to 90 minutes.

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