The 25 km trip from GRU to central Sao Paulo can cost anywhere from BRL 5.40 to a few hundred reais depending on your transport choice and traffic conditions.
Price comparison
| Transport | Price (BRL) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPTM Train Line 13 | 5.40 | 60-90 min | Budget travellers |
| Airport bus | Check at the counter | 60-90 min | Direct to key areas |
| Uber / 99 | App-priced, moves with demand | 30-90 min | Best value for most |
| Airport taxi | Fixed price quoted at the desk | 30-90 min | No app needed |
| Private transfer | 180-300 | 30-90 min | Fixed price, comfort |
Fixed-price private transfer
GRU Sao Paulo City Center
From€75for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €104 per vehicle, about €26 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Why the huge price range?
Sao Paulo traffic is the answer. The same journey can take 25 minutes at midnight and 90 minutes in the Monday morning rush, and anything priced by time or demand — a meter, an app — climbs accordingly. This is why many travellers prefer fixed-price options.
The train option
CPTM Line 13 (Jade) is absurdly cheap at BRL 5.40 — the standard São Paulo rail fare since 6 January 2026, and the same price CPTM charges for the Expresso Aeroporto service. From the airport station, you ride to Engenheiro Gould and transfer to Line 12 (Sapphire), which connects to the broader Metro network. The total journey to Paulista takes about 75-90 minutes including transfers. The train runs from roughly 04:00 to midnight.
The downsides: it is slow, requires transfers with luggage, and gets packed during rush hours.
Ride apps — the local favourite
Uber and 99 are how most Paulistanos get to and from the airport. Both price dynamically — surge during rain or rush hour can add a lot — so open the app when you land rather than relying on a figure printed anywhere else. Request pickup from the designated ride-app area in the parking garage.
Airport bus
The Airport Bus Service runs comfortable coaches to major destinations: Avenida Paulista, Praca da Republica, Barra Funda, Tiete bus terminal, and Congonhas Airport. Each route has its own fixed fare and the operator revises them — it has run promotional pricing more than once — so check the current price at the counter or on airportbusservice.com.br. It is a solid middle-ground option.
Private transfers
A sedan transfer costs see the current price in our search with a guaranteed fixed price. The driver meets you in arrivals and handles luggage. No meter anxiety, no hunting for the ride-app pickup point, no surge pricing.
Bottom line
For most travellers, Uber or 99 offers the best balance of price and convenience. The train is great if you want to save money and have time. Pre-book a transfer if you want zero uncertainty about the cost.
When a private transfer from GRU is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Sao Paulo City Center is from €104, about €26 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
GRU → Sao Paulo City Center from €75Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.