Avenida Paulista, the main business and cultural boulevard

About São Paulo City Center (Paulista)

Avenida Paulista is São Paulo's most iconic boulevard, a 2.8-kilometer stretch that serves as the city's cultural, financial, and social backbone. The avenue is home to the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) with its striking elevated structure, the Japan House cultural center, Itaú Cultural, and dozens of corporate headquarters. Every Sunday, the avenue closes to traffic and becomes a massive pedestrian promenade.

The surrounding neighborhoods offer distinct atmospheres: Vila Madalena to the west is the bohemian arts district; Jardins (Jardim Paulista, Jardim Europa) to the south is São Paulo's most upscale area with luxury boutiques along Rua Oscar Freire; Liberdade to the east is the historic Japanese-Brazilian neighborhood with lantern-lined streets and authentic Asian cuisine.

São Paulo is the largest city in South America, and its culinary scene is world-class, with more restaurants than any other city in the Americas. The Paulista area provides excellent Metro access via Line 2 (Green) at Consolação, Brigadeiro, and Trianon-MASP stations.

Nearby Landmarks

MASP Avenida Paulista Parque Trianon Japan House Itaú Cultural

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost R$180-250 (~$36-50)
Time 40-90 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost R$100-180 (~$20-36)
Time 40-90 minutes

Designated rideshare area at Terminal arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Airport Bus Service 257 to Tietê bus station, then Metro Line 1 (Blue) south to Paulista stations

Airport Bus Service

Cost R$55 (~$11)
Time 60-80 minutes
Frequency Every 30 minutes

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi R$180-250 (~$36-50) 40-90 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare R$100-180 (~$20-36) 40-90 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle R$55 (~$11) 60-80 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Airport Bus Service operates 24/7 from GRU to Paulista area. Taxis and 99/Uber rideshares are available around the clock. A nighttime ride costs R$120-200 ($24-40). Between midnight and 5 AM, roads are clear and the drive takes 35-45 minutes. GRU has taxi stands at every terminal.

Luggage Tips

Airport Bus Service has luggage compartments underneath. Taxis and rideshares handle luggage in the trunk. The São Paulo Metro is extremely crowded during rush hours—avoid it with large bags. Paulista area hotels typically offer luggage storage.

Accessibility

GRU airport has wheelchair assistance at all terminals. Airport Bus Service vehicles vary in accessibility—confirm when booking. The São Paulo Metro has elevators at most stations, including Trianon-MASP and Consolação. Avenida Paulista's wide sidewalks are wheelchair-friendly.