Viracopos Airport

Viracopos International Airport is not merely an air gateway to the state of São Paulo, but one of the most vital transport and cargo hubs in all of Brazil. Beginning its history in the 1940s as a modest airstrip, today Viracopos has transformed into a modern airport that has repeatedly received recognition for its high quality of service. It serves as a key hub for the major Brazilian carrier Azul and is the second busiest cargo airport in the country, playing a strategic role in the region's economy.

Viracopos Airport stands out from others not only for its passenger traffic but also for its impressive cargo capabilities. Its cargo terminals cover an area of 60,000 square metres, including specialised zones for handling live animal cargo. For travellers, this means the airport possesses developed infrastructure and a modern passenger terminal, which has been significantly expanded and upgraded. Furthermore, Viracopos has been noted with international awards for its customer focus, ensuring passengers a comfortable stay and a high level of service.

Below is the essential contact information for Viracopos/Campinas International Airport (VCP), which serves the São Paulo region.

• Official Website: You can find the most up-to-date information, including flight schedules and services, on the official website www.viracopos.com.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries and flight information, you may call: +55 (19) 3725-5000.
• Airport Address: Rodovia Santos Dumont, km 66 - Parque Viracopos, Campinas - SP, 13055-900, Brasil. It is important to note that the airport is physically located in the city of Campinas, approximately 100 km from the centre of São Paulo.
• Email: For general queries, you can use the feedback form on the website or the address faleconosco@viracopos.com.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on their official social media pages.
• Lost and Found Information: If your belongings were lost within the terminal building, please contact the "Achados e Perdidos" (Lost and Found) service. If the issue concerns checked luggage, you must contact your airline's representative at the airport directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The primary channel for support is the information desk phone and the "Fale Conosco" (Contact Us) section on the airport's official website.

When planning a trip to Viracopos Airport (VCP), it is important to remember that it is not located in São Paulo itself, but in the city of Campinas, approximately 100 kilometres from the metropolis centre. This distance significantly affects travel time and cost, so the journey should be planned in advance. You can reach the airport in several ways, each with its own features.

The most popular and budget-friendly method is via comfortable shuttle buses. Specialised bus companies, such as VB Transportes and LiraBus, operate regular services to Viracopos from key points in São Paulo. The main departure points are the Tietê and Barra Funda bus terminals, as well as the city's other major airports: Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH). The bus journey takes from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic conditions and the departure point. This is a reliable and economical option, with tickets available online or at bus terminal counters.

Taxi or transfer is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive option. A trip from central São Paulo to Viracopos by taxi or via apps like Uber and 99 will cost a significant amount due to the long distance. A reasonable alternative would be a pre-booked private or group transfer. This allows you to fix the cost and avoid unpleasant surprises related to traffic. This method is suitable for travellers with a large amount of luggage or those who value maximum comfort.

If you plan to travel around the state of São Paulo and other regions of Brazil, car rental may be a good solution. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are present at Viracopos Airport. By car, you can reach the airport via the Bandeirantes or Anhanguera express highways. However, one should be prepared for the famous São Paulo traffic jams (trânsito), especially during peak hours, and allow extra time for the journey.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, extensive parking is provided. Within the Viracopos grounds, there are several official car parks for short-term and long-term parking. Additionally, there are many private car parks located in the vicinity of the airport, which often offer lower rates and include free transfers to the terminal. This is a convenient option if you are leaving your car for several days.

Viracopos Airport (VCP) is distinguished by a modern and well-thought-out structure, making navigation simple and intuitive for passengers. Following a massive reconstruction, all passenger flights — both domestic and international — are handled in one large, new terminal (T1). The old terminal has been converted into one of the largest cargo hubs in Latin America, so tourists will not need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is logical and simple. It consists of three main levels. On the Ground Floor (Piso 0) is the arrivals area, where passengers collect luggage and exit to the city. The First Floor (Piso 1) is the departures area. Here you will find airline check-in counters and the main security checkpoint. The Second Floor (Piso 2) is a mezzanine with a food court, shops, and restaurants, offering a view of the departures area.

After passing through security control, passengers enter the general secure area (airside), which is divided into three piers:

• Píer A: Primarily used for domestic flights within Brazil.
• Píer B: Serves both domestic and some international flights.
• Píer C: Dedicated entirely to international departures and arrivals; the border control zone is also located here.

It is recommended to allow standard time for completing all formalities. For domestic flights, you should arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to arrive 3 hours early to calmly complete check-in, baggage drop, as well as immigration and customs control. The terminal is designed efficiently, but queues may be longer during peak hours. For convenience, keep an eye on the electronic display boards and signs — they will help you quickly find the correct boarding gate.

The history of Viracopos Airport is a journey from being the main international harbour of São Paulo to one of the largest cargo hubs in Latin America, and back again to a modern passenger terminal. Officially opened on 19 October 1960, Viracopos was built to accommodate the first intercontinental jet aircraft, for which the runway at the older Congonhas Airport was too short. For nearly 25 years, it served as the city's primary international gateway.

Everything changed in 1985 with the opening of the new Guarulhos Airport (GRU). Most international passenger flights were transferred there, and a new era began for Viracopos. It quickly reoriented itself towards cargo transport, becoming a vital logistics centre for industry in Brazil. Thanks to its strategic location and developed infrastructure, the airport has repeatedly earned the title of the best cargo airport in the country.

A new chapter in the history of passenger transport began in 2012, when airport management was transferred to the private consortium Aeroportos Brasil Viracopos. This initiated a massive modernisation: a new, modern, and spacious passenger terminal was built, capable of serving millions of passengers per year. The reconstruction was part of the country's preparation for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, allowing Viracopos to regain its status as an important hub for passenger airlines, including international ones.

There is also an interesting fact related to the airport's name. "Viracopos" literally translates as "overturning glasses". Legend has it that in the 19th century, a quarrel occurred on the site of the future airport between a local priest and residents during a festival, which ended in a fight and overturned crockery. This story gave the name first to the district, and subsequently to the airport itself.

Viracopos Airport offers passengers modern infrastructure and a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary for a pleasant experience here.

For those feeling hungry or wishing to shop, the terminal features numerous restaurants, cafes, and beverage outlets, offering both Brazilian cuisine and international snacks. Shops, including Duty Free, will delight you with an assortment of souvenirs, clothing, electronics, and perfumes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous gadget charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times.

For a more comfortable wait, passengers can utilise the services of VIP lounges. They offer a private atmosphere, complimentary beverages and snacks, fresh newspapers, and convenient workspaces. Financial matters can be easily resolved using ATMs and currency exchange points located in various parts of the terminal. In case of necessity, a medical post operates round-the-clock at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with special needs. For passengers with children, play areas and mother-and-child rooms are provided. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance, ramps, lifts, and adapted restrooms. If you need to rest between flights, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. And for business travellers, conference rooms and business centres are available where meetings can be held or work done in a quiet environment.

At Viracopos Airport, travellers will find numerous options for a snack or a full meal, catering to different tastes and budgets. Dining establishments are conveniently located both in the public area and in the departures area after passing security control.

In the public area (landside), before security screening, you will find several cafes and fast-food points. This is an ideal place to have a coffee with those seeing you off or to grab a quick bite before checking in for your flight. Here you can often find popular Brazilian chains, for example, Casa do Pão de Queijo, where you absolutely must try the famous cheese buns.

The majority of restaurants and outlets are concentrated in the departures area (airside), after passport control. Here the choice is much wider: from international fast-food chains like McDonald's and Burger King to sit-down restaurants with menu service. The central food court offers dishes to suit any taste, allowing every family member or travel group to choose something they like.

While in Brazil, do not miss the opportunity to experience local cuisine right at the airport. Be sure to try pão de queijo (warm cheese buns) with a cup of aromatic Brazilian coffee. Also popular are açaí bowls and fresh juices (sucos) made from exotic fruits. In some restaurants, you can also find heartier dishes, for example, prato feito — a set meal consisting of rice, beans, meat, and salad.

There are options for passengers with special dietary needs. Most cafes offer fresh salads, fruit platters, and smoothies. Vegetarian dishes are easy to find, but vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options may be more difficult to locate — it is best to clarify the ingredients with the staff. The price range at the airport is generally higher than the city average. A quick snack will be cheaper, whilst a full meal in a restaurant will cost more.

Many establishments, especially fast-food outlets and coffee shops in the departures area, operate 24 hours a day or from early morning until late at night to serve passengers on all flights. If you are in a hurry, grab a coffee and pastry to go. If you have time, settle into one of the restaurants to have a calm dinner before your flight and enjoy the atmosphere of travel.

When planning a departure from Viracopos Airport (VCP), especially if this is your first visit to São Paulo, allow sufficient time. For domestic flights within Brazil, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours in advance, and for international flights — 3-4 hours before departure. The airport is large and can be very busy, so queues for check-in and security control, particularly during peak hours, can be long.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight. This will allow you to either proceed immediately to security (if you have no luggage) or use special baggage drop-off counters, which are usually less busy. Be prepared for security control in advance: liquids up to 100 ml must be in a transparent bag, and laptops and other large gadgets must be removed from bags.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A window seat offers the best views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. If a quick exit from the aircraft is important to you, choose rows in the front section of the cabin. Remember that many airlines, especially low-cost carriers, charge an additional fee for selecting a specific seat.

Rules for carry-on luggage are standard: sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended to check the exact weight and dimension limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid unpleasant surprises at the boarding gate.

For passengers with connections in Viracopos, it is important to calculate time correctly. If you are flying from an international flight to a domestic one, you will most likely need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, and check it in again. Allow at least three hours for such connections. Pay close attention to signs and information on the screens to avoid getting lost in the terminal.

Customs control upon entering the country usually proceeds quickly if you have no goods to declare. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. If you are unsure whether you need to declare any items, it is better to ask a customs officer for clarification.

To save time and money, book your airport transfer or parking in advance if driving your own car — online rates are often more favourable. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after the security zone to avoid spending money on drinks. You can also use the free Wi-Fi to contact loved ones or order a taxi.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative immediately. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be offered vouchers for food and drinks, and for long delays — hotel accommodation. Remain calm and inform yourself about your rights as a passenger.