Travelling from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo: what you need to know
Los Angeles is home to a couple of airports where you can kick off your trip. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
When working out where to land in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) and Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport (VCP) are the major entry points.
The average length of a direct Los Angeles to Sao Paulo flight is 11 hours 45 minutes.
Sao Paulo is five hours ahead of Los Angeles and follows the UTC-3 timezone.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are four weekly departures to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo is with LATAM Airlines at 13:50. Go for the first LAX to GRU departure operated by LATAM Airlines at 12:45 to make the most of your arrival in Sao Paulo.
For a relaxed travel experience, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Los Angeles to Sao Paulo flight.
During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight when you travel during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo
To score cheap Los Angeles to Sao Paulo flights, reserve your trip 11 months before your planned departure.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Los Angeles to Sao Paulo flights.
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Set out from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo. From LAX, you can fly directly into Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU).
Secure your Los Angeles to Sao Paulo plane tickets with LATAM Airlines. This carrier is a top pick for direct flights from LAX.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even explore another city. When searching for Los Angeles to Sao Paulo flights leaving from Los Angeles International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
The journey from central Los Angeles to LAX takes around 1 hour on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a taxi, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Need a handy hotel close to Los Angeles International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo, these stays will put you moments from your departure lounge:
80% of flights leaving Los Angeles International Airport land at their destination on schedule. With its strong on-time stats, you're unlikely to face delays when taking off from LAX.
LAX's address is One World Way.
Arriving in Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU)
Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to central Sao Paulo takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 21 kilometres away.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to GRU if you have a late flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Foco, Localiza or Movida to explore Sao Paulo and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by reserving your vehicle from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport about two weeks ahead of your departure.
Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH)
After your flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo has touched down, you can get to the city centre in about 25 minutes by car. Central Sao Paulo is roughly 8 kilometres from Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH).
Public transport will get you there in approximately 50 minutes.
There are some great places to lay your head close to CGH. Settle in and get cosy after your Los Angeles to Sao Paulo flight at one of these well-located options:
Foco, Localiza and Movida make collecting a Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport rental car easy and quick. These companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from CGH three weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider choice of vehicles.
Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport (VCP)
Head toward the city centre after your flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo has landed. Central Sao Paulo is about 80 kilometres from Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport (VCP) and takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to get there in a car.
If you use public transport, expect a journey of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Be in control of the next chapter of your journey with a Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport rental car. Foco, Localiza and Movida are some companies you can book with.
Get ahead of the game and reap the rewards. Book your vehicle from VCP four weeks before your flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo for the lowest prices.
Best time to go to Sao Paulo
July is the most popular month for flights from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo. To steer clear of the crowds, visit Sao Paulo in March.
When booking your Los Angeles to Sao Paulo tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. February is the warmest month in Sao Paulo, with temperatures ranging from 18ºC (64ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo in July when temperatures average between 12ºC (54ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF).
More about Sao Paulo
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Sao Paulo:
Ibirapuera Park and Av. Paulista are just the start of the popular attractions to add to your Sao Paulo to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Pinacoteca Do Estado De Sao Paulo.
Explore more of Brazil
Sao Paulo has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of Brazil you'll want to see. About 499 kilometres northeast of Sao Paulo, a trip to Belo Horizonte will keep you busy. Start with leading sights like Pampulha Modern Ensemble, Casa do Baile and Igreja São Francisco de Assis.
Around 338 kilometres southwest of Sao Paulo, Curitiba is another favourite stop in Brazil. No visit is complete without checking out Oscar Niemeyer Museum, Eco Park and Botanical Garden of Curitiba.