Guarulhos is a city in the São Paulo metropolitan area, in southeastern Brazil. Many travellers know it first as the place where they land: it is home to Guarulhos International Airport, the busiest international airport in the country. For most visitors, it is the gateway to São Paulo, just a short distance away.
A city of its own
Guarulhos has grown into an important industrial and commercial centre, and its urban landscape reflects that growth. Beyond the airport, the city offers its own shopping centres, parks and cultural attractions, so it is more than a stopover.
Who the visit suits
- Travellers with a connection or an early or late flight who want to spend a few hours or a night nearby before continuing.
- Visitors interested in Brazil's commercial and industrial life, and in how a major city grows alongside a metropolitan region.
- Those who want a quieter base than central São Paulo while still being within easy reach of its museums, restaurants and neighbourhoods.
Planning your time
Because the airport is so central to the city, getting in and out is straightforward, and it makes sense to allow extra time for traffic when travelling between Guarulhos and São Paulo. If you have a longer layover, a stroll through one of the city's parks or an afternoon in its shopping centres can make a pleasant break from airport waiting areas.