How to get to Sao Paulo

The vibrant and multifaceted Sao Paulo is the largest metropolis in the Southern Hemisphere, located in the southeast of Brazil. If you have decided to visit this city, you will find a developed transport infrastructure that allows for easy travel planning from anywhere in the world. Whether you are looking for a way to get to Sao Paulo by air, or prefer overland routes by bus or car, the journey to this industrial powerhouse will mark the beginning of a fascinating adventure.

Travelling to Sao Paulo by plane is the most popular and convenient way to reach this metropolis. The city is a key aviation hub for Brazil and is served by several modern airports receiving flights from all over the globe.

Most international flights arrive at Guarulhos Airport (Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo-Guarulhos), which is considered the country's main aerial gateway. It is located approximately 25 km northeast of the centre. For domestic flights and regional routes, Congonhas Airport is often used; situated directly within the city limits, it allows travellers to quickly reach major business and tourist districts.

Alternatively, especially for flights by certain low-cost carriers, Viracopos Airport in the city of Campinas (about 100 km from Sao Paulo) may be used. All these transport hubs are connected to the metropolis by a network of bus routes and taxis, ensuring a comfortable transfer to your destination.

When planning your trip, it is important to note that it is not possible to reach Sao Paulo by long-distance train from other states or remote regions of Brazil. The country virtually lacks a developed passenger railway network for intercity travel, so there are no conventional train stations here receiving trains from other major tourist centres.

Rail transport in the region is represented by the CPTM system (commuter trains) and the Metro. These lines effectively connect the metropolis with nearby suburbs and satellite cities, but they are used exclusively for local movements within the state. To arrive in the city from afar, the main choices remain air travel or comfortable intercity coaches.

Bus services in the region are distinguished by comfort and precise schedules, connecting Sao Paulo with picturesque surroundings and neighbouring municipalities. A trip from the city of Jundiaí will take only about an hour, covering a distance of 60 kilometres, while the journey from the coast from Itanhaém (110 km) will last approximately two and a half hours. The route from São José dos Campos is equally popular: comfortable coaches cover 90 kilometres of the journey in an average of one and a half hours.

Most intercity bus services arrive at one of the city's three main bus stations, including the famous Tietê Terminal, considered one of the largest in the world. Travelling by bus on the roads of Brazil is often chosen for the opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes and the high level of service, which usually includes air conditioning and comfortable reclining seats, even on short routes.

A trip by car to Sao Paulo offers freedom of movement and allows you to appreciate the high quality of the state's road infrastructure. The metropolis is a central hub led to by modern multi-lane highways. The key artery is the Dutra highway (Via Dutra), connecting the city with Rio de Janeiro, while the Anchieta and Imigrantes highway systems provide a scenic and quick descent to the ocean coast through the mountain ranges.

However, drivers should be prepared for the specifics of local driving. The city is known for its heavy traffic, and congestion here is a common occurrence, especially at the entrances to the metropolis and along the embankments of the Tietê and Pinheiros rivers. It is important to remember the "rodízio" system (rodízio municipal): this is a restriction on movement in the expanded centre during peak hours on weekdays, which depends on the last digit of the vehicle's licence plate.

Difficulties may arise with street parking due to a lack of spaces and a complex payment system, so tourists more often choose paid guarded car parks (Estacionamento), of which there are many. As an alternative to private transport, taxi services and mobile ride-hailing apps are widely developed, allowing you to move around the city with comfort without worrying about navigation in the complex web of interchanges.

Preparing for a trip to Sao Paulo will help you feel confident in this dynamic metropolis, full of contrasts and energy. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations that will make your holiday comfortable, safe, and filled only with pleasant impressions.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The weather here is changeable; the city is even called "Terra da Garoa" (Land of Drizzle). Bring layered clothing: light items for a hot day and a windbreaker or sweater for a cool evening. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and a compact umbrella.
2. Transport: The Metro is the fastest and most reliable way to get around, allowing you to avoid the famous traffic jams. For trips in the evening or to remote areas, it is better to use official taxi apps, such as Uber or 99 — this is safer and often more cost-effective than hailing a car on the street.
3. Finances: The national currency is the Brazilian Real. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, from fine dining restaurants to street kiosks, but a small amount of cash is always useful for tips or small purchases. It is best to exchange currency at official exchange points in shopping centres or banks.
4. Health and Safety: Observe basic precautions: do not display expensive gadgets, cameras, or luxury jewellery on busy streets. Pharmacies are found at every step and are well-stocked, but it is better to bring specific medicines with you. It is recommended to drink only bottled water.
5. Communication: The official language is Portuguese. English is not widely understood everywhere, mostly only by staff in hotels and major business centres. Download an offline translator and learn a few polite phrases, such as "Obrigado" (thank you) and "Bom dia" (good morning) — locals appreciate this greatly.
6. Local Etiquette: Brazilians are open and emotional. A greeting is often accompanied by a handshake, and among acquaintances, a light kiss on the cheek is common (in Sao Paulo, it is customary to kiss once). The "thumbs up" gesture is universal and signifies approval, gratitude, or a confirmation of "yes".
7. What to Avoid: Do not visit favelas on your own or walk through deserted streets of the historic centre (Centro) late at night and on weekends when offices are closed. When planning your route, stick to tourist-friendly and lively districts.
8. Electricity: In Sao Paulo, the mains voltage is most often 110 volts (unlike 220 volts in many other cities in Brazil and the standard in the UAE). The sockets here are of the specific Type N (three round pins, sometimes thin European Type C plugs fit), so a universal travel adapter will be an indispensable item for your trip, especially for your electronics.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and focus on the main thing — enjoying the unique architecture, rich culture, and magnificent gastronomy of this Brazilian metropolis, which includes a variety of Halal-friendly culinary experiences.