City, Brazil
Getting around São Paulo
How to get around São Paulo
Metro and CPTM trains are fast and safe by day. Uber and 99 are cheap for nights and gaps, and rush-hour road traffic is brutal.
Ways to get around São Paulo
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metrô and CPTM trains | About 5–6 BRL | Single fare covers transfers; closes near midnight |
| City buses (SPTrans) | About 5–6 BRL | Frequent but slow; pay with Bilhete Único or card |
| Uber / 99 | About 18–35 BRL for 5 km | Best for evenings; prices surge in rain and rush hour |
| Bike share (Tembici) | From about 10 BRL | Ibirapuera and Pinheiros bike lanes |
Ride-hailing apps in São Paulo
A 5 km ride costs about R$18–35 ($3.4–6.7).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Most drivers and reliable airport pickups |
| 99 | Often cheaper; also books taxis |
| inDrive | Negotiate fares; smaller fleet |
- Use Uber or 99 over street taxis. Check plate and driver, and wait inside shops, not on the pavement.
Arriving in São Paulo
Guarulhos (São Paulo International) (GRU)
Uber or 99 about 100–180 BRL, 45–90 min; Line 13-Jade train to Brás then metro, about 5–10 BRL; airport buses to Paulista and Tatuapé.
Congonhas (CGH)
Domestic flights only, 15 min from Jardins and Itaim; Uber about 25–50 BRL.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. A valid home licence plus an IDP is accepted for up to 180 days; carry both when driving.
- Onward travel in Brazil: Distances are huge: fly between regions with LATAM, GOL or Azul. Comfortable overnight buses link nearby states; there are almost no long-distance passenger trains.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in São Paulo?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, 99, inDrive.
What's the best way to get around São Paulo?
Metro and CPTM trains are fast and safe by day. Uber and 99 are cheap for nights and gaps, and rush-hour road traffic is brutal.
How do I get from the airport to São Paulo?
Uber or 99 about 100–180 BRL, 45–90 min; Line 13-Jade train to Brás then metro, about 5–10 BRL; airport buses to Paulista and Tatuapé.
Is São Paulo walkable?
Walkable center.
More about São Paulo
Going to São Paulo solo?
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Sources
- LATAM Airlines
- GOL
- Azul
- ClickBus (intercity buses)
- Metrô São Paulo
- SPTrans
- GRU Airport
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.