Many international flights arrive at GRU between 22:00 and 06:00, so the airport is well-equipped for late-night passengers. The terminal stays open and staffed around the clock. The upside of arriving late is that Sao Paulo traffic vanishes — your ride to the city will be fast and cheap.
What is available after midnight
| Option | Available? | Notes | |--------|-----------|-------| | Metered taxi | Yes, 24 hours | Official ranks always staffed | | Uber / 99 | Yes, 24 hours | Fewer drivers, slightly longer waits | | Private transfer | Yes (if pre-booked) | Most reliable option | | Airport bus | Reduced service | Check schedule, some routes stop | | CPTM train | No | Stops around midnight, resumes ~04:00 |
The advantages of arriving late
Sao Paulo after midnight is a different city. The roads that take 90 minutes in rush hour take 25 minutes at 2 AM. A metered taxi that costs BRL 200 during the day might cost BRL 120-140 at night simply because the meter runs for less time. Uber fares drop too — expect BRL 70-110 (~EUR 12-19) to central Sao Paulo.
Safety considerations
The airport itself is safe at all hours with security and police present. For your onward journey:
- Use only official taxi ranks (Guarucoop or Ligue Taxi) — never accept offers from people approaching you in the terminal
- Uber and 99 are safe, but wait in the terminal until your driver arrives at the pickup point
- Keep your phone and valuables discreet when walking to the parking garage pickup area
- If taking a pre-booked transfer, the driver meets you inside arrivals — the safest option
What is closed
Some restaurants and shops close after the last domestic flights, but basic food options and ATMs remain available in both terminals through the night. Currency exchange may have reduced hours.
The CPTM train stops running around midnight and resumes around 04:00. If your flight arrives in this window, the train is not an option.
Pre-booking for peace of mind
A pre-booked transfer at BRL 180-280 (~EUR 30-48) eliminates all uncertainty. The driver tracks your flight, waits in arrivals, and you are in a car within minutes of exiting customs. For first-time visitors arriving at 3 AM in a city they do not know, this is the most comfortable choice.
Overnight hotels near GRU
If you have an early morning connection or prefer not to drive into the city at night, several hotel chains operate within 10-15 minutes of the airport in Guarulhos city, from about BRL 200-500 per night. There is also a transit hotel available inside the terminal for short stays.