São Paulo's domestic city airport
About Congonhas Airport (CGH)
Congonhas Airport (CGH) is São Paulo's city airport, located just 8 km south of the center in the Campo Belo neighborhood. It handles primarily domestic routes, most notably the Ponte Aérea (air bridge) to Rio de Janeiro's Santos Dumont Airport—one of the world's busiest air shuttle routes with flights every 30 minutes.
Despite being Brazil's second-busiest airport, Congonhas has a single runway and compact terminals. Airlines like LATAM, GOL, and Azul operate extensive domestic networks from here, serving destinations including Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and Salvador. For international travelers arriving at GRU, Congonhas is the usual connection point for domestic onward flights.
The two airports are 35 km apart with no direct rail link. The transfer relies entirely on road transport, and São Paulo's notorious traffic makes timing critical. Allow a minimum of 3 hours between flights, and 4 hours during rush hour.
Despite being Brazil's second-busiest airport, Congonhas has a single runway and compact terminals. Airlines like LATAM, GOL, and Azul operate extensive domestic networks from here, serving destinations including Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and Salvador. For international travelers arriving at GRU, Congonhas is the usual connection point for domestic onward flights.
The two airports are 35 km apart with no direct rail link. The transfer relies entirely on road transport, and São Paulo's notorious traffic makes timing critical. Allow a minimum of 3 hours between flights, and 4 hours during rush hour.
Nearby Landmarks
Congonhas Airport
Ibirapuera Park
Campo Belo neighborhood
Avenida Washington Luís
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | R$150-220 (~$30-44) | 50-90 minutes | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
| Rideshare | R$80-150 (~$16-30) | 50-90 minutes | Budget-conscious, app users |
| Bus/Shuttle | R$55 | 60-90 minutes | Cheapest option |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
Taxis and rideshares operate 24/7 between the airports. A nighttime transfer costs R$150-250 ($30-50). Some airlines offer shuttle buses between terminals—check with your carrier. After midnight, roads are clear enough for a 40-minute transfer.
Luggage Tips
Taxis and transfer vans have trunk space for full luggage. If connecting between flights, you must collect checked bags at GRU and recheck at CGH—there is no airside transfer. Allow time for security screening at Congonhas.
Accessibility
Both airports have wheelchair assistance (request through your airline). Taxis can accommodate folded wheelchairs. Specialized wheelchair transport should be pre-booked. Congonhas is a compact airport where distances between gates are short.