Guarulhos - Congonhas shuttle buses
Guarulhos (GRU) is where all São Paulo bound international flights land however it is not an exlcusively international airport as many domestic airlines also operate here. Congonhas (CGH) however offers only domestic flights.

Before discussing how to get between the two airlines it is important to consider how much time for landing in one airport and departing from the other will be needed. Personally three hours would be the minimum that I would feel comfortable with, preferably 4.

A good run in São Paulo between Guarulhos and Congonhas will take about an hour by airport bus. The heavy traffic for which the city is famous could see this time double. Expect this for any transits during hora do rush (rush hour). For domestic flights check-in is a minimum of 30 minutes before take-off, more for international flights. Also factor in 30-60 minutes for customs, immigration and baggage collection if your first flight arrives in Guarulhos. This scenario makes no allowance for delays in flight schedules.

Now for the shuttle buses. Free buses are proivded by BRA, GOL and TAM airlines but you will need to show your boarding pass to get on. The print out of an internet booking may be enough evidence for you to get a free trip. To briefly summarise:

BRA have free buses for ticket holders that leave Barra Funda bus station (accessible by metro, terminal touristico 8) and Congonhas 3 1/2 hours before flight departures at Guarulhos. Buses in the opposite direction leave Guarulhos 40 minutes after flights have arrived.

TAM operates a free shuttle service between Congonhas and Guarulhos. Buses commence at 5am from Congonhas departing hourly. Last bus is 23.00. From Guarulhos to Congonhas buses commence at 6.30 and the last bus is at 1.30.

Not to be left out Gol's service runs around the clock with higher frequencies in peak times.

Not flying with BRA, TAM or Gol? There is still the Airport Bus Service. This runs almost 24hrs/day at half hour intervals between 05.30 and 22.30. Tickets are $R24.00.

Guarulhos to central São Paulo services
Guarulhos is 28km (18 miles) east of the city centre. A taxi won't leave much change from $R100 but the Airport Bus Service will get you to or from Guarulhos in airconditioned comfort for $R24.00. Drop offs are in the downtown centro area, Avenida Paulista, Tietê or Barra Funda bus terminals and a few other locations.

On their website select the English menu from the bottom right of screen. Next click on the 'Lines' link and scroll down the page to view the timetable options. You won't have a problem spotting the bus because it's a red and blue painted coach with "Airport Bus" written in huge letters. If you fail to see it you deserve to walk and are likely to miss the airport too.

But $R24.00 for getting you from the airport to the city is too much you say? Relax, for $R3.00 a local bus can take you from Guarulhos to Tatuapê train station which gets you access to the São Paulo metro system. Unsurpisingly $R3.00 does not buy airconditioning, cushioned seats or a bus driver in a neatly pressed shirt.

Congonhas to central São Paulo services
There are no big red buses that operates from Congonhas which is situated 14km south of the city. Buses heading into to the city run on the airport side of the road. Buses heading from the city to Congonhas stop on the other side of the road. 875A & 875M go towards the city to Perdizes. This bus passes São Judas, Vila Mariana (Metro), Ana Rosa (Metro), Avenida Paulista and Consolacão (Metro). All for $R1.70. There's no airconditioning so count your savings as you sweat your way into town.