Getting in
- São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport: For Centro, Luz or Barra Funda, take the free terminal people mover to CPTM Line 13–Jade and use the hourly Airport Express; it is the sane budget choice when its timetable works, roughly 45–60 minutes including airport access, for about the standard rail fare (around R$5.40). For Paulista/Jardins, a regular airport bus to Tatuapé and Metro onward is often better value (from roughly R$8) than the R$50–60 Airport Bus Service—though it is awkward with large luggage. Use an app car late at night or when carrying lots of bags; a Guarucoop taxi is reliable but traffic can turn a 45-minute ride into two hours.
- São Paulo–Congonhas Airport: Do not pay for an airport transfer: regular “Aeroporto” buses along Avenida Paulista cost the normal bus fare (about R$5.40) and take 40–60 minutes in ordinary traffic. Line 17–Gold now links the airport into the rail system; use it if your hotel is well placed for the Line 5/Line 2 connections, but for Paulista the direct bus is usually simpler. App cars are excellent for short hops, but rush-hour road time is the catch.
- Viracopos/Campinas International Airport: Only choose VCP if the airfare saving is substantial. Intercity bus to São Paulo is the practical connection; allow 2–3 hours before local traffic and onward travel, so it is not a São Paulo airport in any useful city-break sense.
- Terminal Rodoviário do Tietê: The main long-distance bus terminal, directly on Metro Line 1–Blue. It is the easy arrival point for much of Brazil and South America; take the Metro rather than a taxi unless you arrive very late with heavy luggage.
- Terminal Rodoviário da Barra Funda: Best for western São Paulo state and some international/intercity routes. It is exceptionally well connected: Metro Line 3–Red plus CPTM Lines 7, 8, 11 and Line 13 Airport Express. It is about 30 minutes from the historic centre by Metro.
- Terminal Rodoviário de Jabaquara: The useful terminal for the south coast, including Santos-bound buses. It sits on Metro Line 1–Blue; allow about 30 minutes to the centre, longer to Paulista or Pinheiros.