Travelling from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro: what you need to know
Set off on your next big adventure from one of Sao Paulo's main airports, Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) or Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH). Check out your options for booking a flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro leaving from either of these bases.
The major entry paths to Rio de Janeiro are Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) and Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).
Around 1 hour 10 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro flight.
Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro share the UTC-3 timezone. That means there's no time difference to adjust for.
The most popular route for flights from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro is from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG). Take your pick of 84 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from GRU to GIG is the 00:05 Gol service. If you prefer travelling later, the last available departure is at 23:50 with LATAM Airlines.
To ensure you catch your Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months such as July, it's best to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some great early bird rates.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro is easier if you're flexible with your dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices throughout the month and snap up a great deal.
Locking in a cheap flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has dropped.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro flights.
Flying from Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU)
Begin your journey at Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU), which offers a range of direct flights from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. From GRU, you can fly straight into Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) or Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).
You can choose from a range of airlines offering direct Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro plane tickets with departures from GRU, including:
Located around 21 kilometres from the centre of Sao Paulo, GRU can be reached in about 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Looking for a handy hotel near Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
71% of flights that depart Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport reach their destination on time.
Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport (VCP)
Trying to find a direct flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro taking off from Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport (VCP)? You can travel nonstop from VCP to any of these airports:
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Jacarepaguá Airport (RRJ)
From VCP, you can book a direct Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro plane ticket with Gol.
With public transport, you can travel from central Sao Paulo to VCP in around 2 hours 20 minutes. The terminal is roughly 80 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Kick off your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, unwind in one of these hotels close to Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 74%.
Arriving in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG)
The distance from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) to central Rio de Janeiro is approximately 13 kilometres. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour.
Consider booking a hotel near GIG if you're coming in on a late flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Foco, Localiza or Movida and explore beyond Rio de Janeiro's usual tourist stops.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your ride from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport around four weeks ahead of your Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro flight.
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
As soon as your flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in about 10 minutes by car. Central Rio de Janeiro is roughly 2 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 20 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near SDU. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro:
Foco, Localiza and Movida make picking up a Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport rental car simple. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at SDU can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Rio de Janeiro
December is the busiest month for flights from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Rio de Janeiro in March.
The warmest month in Rio de Janeiro is February, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC (68ºF) and 36ºC (97ºF). Book your Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap flights from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro in July if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 14ºC (57ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF) on average.
More about Rio de Janeiro
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Rio de Janeiro right here. Explore these options after locking in your flight from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro Carnival and Ipanema Beach are top attractions which should feature on every Rio de Janeiro itinerary.
Explore more of Brazil
You've done Rio de Janeiro, now it's time to explore other corners of Brazil. Travel around 354 kilometres west to Sao Paulo to tick off its top attractions. From Ibirapuera Park to Av. Paulista and Pinacoteca Do Estado De Sao Paulo, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're looking to explore another great destination in Brazil, head for Belo Horizonte, roughly 338 kilometres north of Rio de Janeiro. Pampulha Modern Ensemble, Casa do Baile and Igreja São Francisco de Assis are among the biggest draws.