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Guarulhos Airport Transfer Guide – How to Get Between Terminals at São Paulo GRU

Guarulhos Airport Transfer Guide – How to Get Between Terminals at São Paulo GRU

Oliver Jake
by 
Oliver Jake
12 minutes read
Blog
September 09, 2025

Take the free inter-terminal shuttle to move between terminals, ensuring you reach the right gate quickly. It connects Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 and operates around the clock, so you can switch after an aircraft arrives or before a night flight without long walks.

Paid options include taxis and ride-hailing services that pick up at designated curbs at each terminal. If you travel with substantial luggage or have a tight connection, a private transfer can be more comfortable. Pullman buses also handle group transfers between distant zones of the airport, often at a lower rate per traveler.

Between terminals, follow the corridor signs; the main corridor links T2 and T3, while a dedicated pedestrian path connects T1 to the others where available. If you need to go from international to domestic areas, confirm whether your connection is listed as an airside transfer to avoid exiting the secured zone. The interior venice vibe of the glass-and-steel corridors adds a calm moment during a busy day. Staff can point you to the correct platform and help you stay on your itinerary.

Itinerary planning matters. Check whether the next flight is domestic or international, and whether baggage will be transferred automatically or must be handled at the next counter. Any services that are provided at GRU for inter-terminal transfers will include a note about whether taxes are included or charged separately, so review the fare before you book or board.

Welcome to GRU, where all three terminals are designed for quick transfers. If you have a roundtrip plan, consider clustering your connections within the same terminal when possible to cut transfer time. Luggage handling, arrival signage, and 24/7 staff support are available to guide them through the process, and the place to begin is at the transfer desk near the arrivals area. For a compact tour of the airport, grab a map at the welcome desk and start with the terminal you’re leaving.

GRU Terminal Layout: Which terminals connect and where to start a transfer

Start your transfer at the inter-terminal connector linking Terminals 1 and 2; from there you can reach Terminal 3 without leaving secure areas.

Follow clear signs for Transfer or Conector as you move; the sign panels guide you to the central paths and help you avoid backtracking in arrivals halls.

Walking between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 takes about 10–15 minutes; a short inter-terminal shuttle operates every 15–20 minutes and covers the route to Terminal 3 in roughly 5 minutes.

LATAM flights are commonly located in Terminal 3, so verify your departure terminal on the boarding pass and the live boards once you arrive.

If you stay in airside zones, you can minimize time and avoid re-screening; plan for extra minutes if you need to switch to a different terminal.

Vegetarian options appear across lounges and food courts, with great seating areas, reliable wifi, and charging spots–a comfort boost during a transfer.

Details today show the airport map with gate clusters and the distances between them; reviews from rome travelers highlight how straightforward the central connector feels for short layovers.

Hotels nearby (hoteis) often offer 24/7 transfers; you can arrange a ride or private SUV (suvs) through trusted channels, and some providers accept whatsapp messages for quick coordination; gratuities are entirely optional.

Step by step: 1) confirm your arrival and destination terminals; 2) follow the Transfer sign toward the inter-terminal route; 3) choose to walk or take the short ride; 4) arrive at your gate and check your seat assignment to avoid missing a boarding time.

When visiting today, plan with the destination in mind and use the central connector to move efficiently from one terminal to another, from arrivals to your next departure without stress.

Using the GRU Free Shuttle: Routes, timetable, and typical transfer times

Using the GRU Free Shuttle: Routes, timetable, and typical transfer times

Take the GRU Free Shuttle to move between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 quickly and at no cost. The service operates 24/7 on a fixed loop, so you can start a connection as soon as you land or when you want to switch halls to your next plane.

Routes: The fleet exclusively serves all three terminals. Stops are located in each hall near the central concourses, with clearly marked Free Shuttle signs. You can start at Terminal 1, ride to Terminal 2, then continue to Terminal 3, and return as needed to reach your gate. This keeps you over walking between the terminals and provides a straightforward option for onway connections.

Timetable and typical transfer times: During the day, shuttles depart about every 5–7 minutes; at night the interval is roughly 10–12 minutes. Real-time status is available in the GRU apps and on airport information screens. The average ride between terminals runs 5–10 minutes, and door-to-door transfer including waiting is usually around 12–15 minutes at peak times. GRU provides real-time updates to help you plan, and cancellations are rare; if a cancellation occurs, check the signs or app comment section.

Practical tips: To arrange your interterminal move, head to the nearest terminal hall and board when the bus arrives. The service is available to customers across all airlines, including Latam, and requires no payment. If you want to optimize your route, choose the terminal that minimizes walking and use the app to check the onway schedule or any cancellations. The fleet is professional, and the service is offered beyond simple transfers. Weve found this option a real time saver and guaranteed to keep you on schedule for your São Paulo visit, paulo. If you have a comment, you can leave it in the app.

Walking Routes Between Terminals 1, 2, and 3: When to choose walking over shuttle

Walk if you have light luggage and want to save time between adjacent terminals; for full bags or accessibility needs, take the shuttle.

Distances along the airside routes are compact. T1↔T2 covers roughly 0.7–1.0 km, T2↔T3 about 0.6–1.0 km, and the direct T1↔T3 link via the central corridor runs around 1.3–2.0 km. Expect 8–12 minutes for T1↔T2, 7–14 minutes for T2↔T3, and 15–25 minutes for the longer hop. Inside the interterminal path you’ll find elevators and ramps to keep the route accessible; benches and seats appear frequently for brief rests. The highest convenience is to stay inside the airside area, which helps you arrive at gates with fewer interruptions during busy hours.

When you’re traveling with a child, walking can be a smooth option if you pace yourself and take short breaks on the way. If you’ve got a vegetarian option you want to enjoy, you’ll find cafés along the corridor that provide vegetarian dishes. Dine-and-wrowse areas are provided by LATAM and partner outlets along the path, so you can fill your needs before the next flight.

  • Choose walking for short hops with light luggage and a desire to avoid waiting times for a shuttle.
  • Choose walking if you’re already inside the airside area and want a direct path to your most destination without leaving security.
  • Choose shuttle if you have checked bags, mobility needs, or prefer a guaranteed seat without walking in heat or rain.
  • Check your booking details to confirm the terminal for your next flight and plan accordingly; delays can occur, so a quick call to the information desk helps you stay on track.
  1. Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: Start from T1’s airside concourse, head toward the central walkway, and stay on the left as you follow signs toward Terminal 2. The route passes seating zones where you can pause if needed; expect about 8–12 minutes of steady walking. Seats are available in lounges and along the corridor for a brief rest.
  2. Terminal 2 to Terminal 3: From the T2 side, locate the connected airside passage toward T3, following the clearly marked arrows. This leg typically takes 7–14 minutes on a relaxed pace; take advantage of every seating stop if you’ve got delays or need a quick snack break. Inside, you’ll pass dining spots with vegetarian options and coffee stands for a quick refill.
  3. Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 (via central link): If you need to reach T3 directly from T1, walk the longer airside path through the central connector. Plan for roughly 15–25 minutes, depending on crowd levels. Along this route you can enjoy the flow of people and rest at intermediate seats before arriving at your gate.

Additional tips: carry a lightweight bag, use the provided maps onways and hanoi markers to verify the correct corridor, and keep an eye on hours posted at information desks. If youve questions, call the desk for real-time details and delays; you can arrange a quick handover to minimize stress. A quick booking check helps you avoid surprises, and you can make sure you’ve got a comfortable seat if you need to pause. When you arrive, you’ll welcome the chance to move on without extra transfers, using the most direct path between your planned terminals.

Baggage and ID: Handling checked bags, recheck policies, and security checks during a terminal hop

Present your ID and boarding pass at the transfer desk in your current terminal, then head to the recheck line if your luggage isn’t tagged to your final destination. In GRU, follow aeroporto signage and use the page map in the GRU app to locate the right desk, so you can move quickly without unnecessary wandering. If your luggage has already been received with the final destination tag, you’ll be guided toward security without extra steps; otherwise arrange a reprint and new tag at the desk.

Know the policy: recheck rules vary by airline, but the principle is simple–provided your luggage is tagged to the next flight and you hold a valid boarding pass, you won’t need to remove items or reprint receipts. If the tag shows the original destination or if you’re changing carriers, ask staff to update the tag and confirm the next gate. Always keep your original tag and receipt until you complete the hop.

Security checks happen after any recheck. Carry your ID and boarding pass, remove laptops and liquids to the tray, and follow staff directions at the checkpoint. Security will verify your connection details; a smooth run depends on having your documents ready and any required airport forms completed in advance. This step is efficient when you move with purpose and tell the officer if you’re between flights.

Excess baggage and fees can affect timing. If you exceed your allowance, you’ll face an amount charged at the desk; the amount depends on airline policy and the route. You can pay the fee with card or cash, receive a new tag, and continue without delay. If you expect a large excess, consider arranging shipment or a paid forwarding service to reduce carry-on burden while you travel abroad.

For a world of options, many travelers pick up a quick transfer between terminals using trusted providers. If you’re based in this city, you might see trusted chauffeurs waiting at the station for direct transfers, or opt for a Pullman-based tour to shorten the layover. These services are designed to keep you moving and ready for the next leg, with a focus on speed and reliability for customers who want smooth connections.

Between flights, you can use WhatsApp for live updates on delays, recheck status, and gate changes. View the latest guidance on the airport page, and tell friends or family what to expect during the transfer. Some travelers even look for venice-inspired lounges in transit areas to relax briefly; if you find one that offers such ambience, it’s a nice touch without slowing you down. The goal is to ensure a guarantee of a safe, on-time handoff, with paid services clearly labeled and free of guesswork when possible.

When you’re ready to move, double-check that you’ve picked up all items and that no excess baggage remains untagged. A quick review at the station helps prevent delays for customers who travel abroad, and keeps the transfer process from becoming a source of worry. By staying ready and following these steps, your inter-terminal hop at GRU stays great and efficient.

Tips for Tight Layovers: Buffer times, immigration, and airline transfer requirements at GRU

Start with a two-hour excess buffer between flights at GRU to cover immigration queues, baggage handling, and any additional checks that may appear after landing.

Visit the official GRU transfer page for the latest information, terminal maps, and the steps you should follow. It provides the necessary details on where to go, which line to join, and whether you must move between terminals by shuttle, sedan, or other vehicles.

Immigration at GRU differs by entry status: if you arrive international and depart on another flight, prepare a valid passport, boarding pass, and any visas or e-tickets requested by your airline. Expect lines during peak times, and heading to the transfer area as soon as you clear customs can help you keep the date for your next departure. If you have a transfer that requires being transferred to a different terminal, allow walking time and use the transfer options to avoid missing the next departure.

Airline transfer practices vary by carrier and fare; some routes require you to collect checked baggage and re-check it at the transfer desk, others permit through-check. Have your bag tags handy to speed up the process, and fill any required forms promptly to avoid delays.

Ground moves between GRU terminals offer speed and comfort: official shuttles run regularly, while exclusive sedan options exist for passengers with limited time. Drivers wait in designated zones; taxis are available at fixed counters in arrivals. If you’re heading to a different terminal, a short shuttle ride is typical, and walking a bit can be faster when queues are long. For business travelers and crews, pre-booked vehicles can fill the gap between flights and provide comfortable space for passengers and luggage. Inclusions in the fare may cover meet-and-greet service and the exact pickup date and time you have arranged.

Stage Action Estimated Time Notes
Arrival Assess immigration queue, collect bags if needed 20–60 min Use the page for current guidance; stay aware of excess time left in your plan
Transfer Choose shuttle, exclusive sedan, or taxis based on left time 5–15 min Drivers ready at designated zones; vehicles fill quickly
Next Flight Proceed to security and gate 15–25 min Have boarding pass and ID available, keep experiences in mind for smooth flow

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