São Paulo
Getting There/Around
Getting ThereBy Air
The Sao Paulo International Airport (+55 011 6445 2945 / http://www.infraero.gov.br) (GRU) is the larger of Sao Paulo's two airports. Located 18 miles northeast of downtown, it is sometimes also referred to as the Guarulhos Airport due to its location in suburban Guarulhos. All of the area's international flights operate from its terminals. Major airlines include:
Aero Mexico (+ 1 800 237 6639 / http://www.aeromexico.com)
Air Canada (+1 800 776 3000 / http://www.aircanada.ca)
Air France (+1 800 871 1366 / http://www.airfrance.com)
American Airlines (+1 800 433 7300 / http://www.aa.com)
British Airways (+1 800 247 9297 / http://www.british-airways.com)
Continental (+1 800 525 0280 / http://www.continental.com)
Delta (+1 800 221 1212 / http://www.delta.com)
Iberia (+1 800 772 4642 / http://www.iberia.com)
Japan Airlines (+1 800 525 3663 / http://www.japanair.com)
Lufthansa (+1 800 645 3880 / http://www.lufthansa.com)
Scandinavian Airlines (+1 800 221 2350 / http://www.scandinavian.net)
Spanair (+1 888 545 5757 / http://www.spanair.com)
United (+1 800 241 6522 / http://www.ual.com)
Virgin Atlantic (+1 800 862 8621 / http://www.virgin-atlantic.com)
Buses operated by Airport Service (+55 011 6445 2505 / http://www.airportbusservice.com.br) provide reliable (the word reliable is the most important adjective when selecting public transportation in São Paulo) service to downtown (Praça da República), the Augusta Street Hotels Circuit, Congonhas Airport, the main bus terminal and various tourist and shopping districts. Buses run every 30 to 60 minutes and cost BRL21. Rides, depending on traffic, last 30-50 minutes. Other bus companies stretch out routes across the expansive sprawl of the outer districts and include: Caprioloi Turismo (+55 11 6445 3506) and Expresso Brasileiro (+55 11 6445 2664).
When traveling by taxi opt for the blue-and-white Guarucoop radio taxis (+55 11 6445 3104). They charge a flat rate (usually around BRL100) and are far more reliable than the fleet of comum (regular) taxis that wander outside the arrival gates. The comum taxis are metered, and start around BRL4 and go up around BRL1.20 every kilometer. Rides, depending on traffic, last 30-40 minutes.
Rental car companies include:
Avis (+1 800 831 2847 / http://www.avis.com)
Budget (+1 800 527 0700 / http://www.budget.com)
Hertz (+1 800 654 3131 / http://www.hertz.com)
Localiza (+55 11 6445 2133)
Unidas Rent-A-Car (+55 11 6445 2113 / http://www.unidas.com.br)
The Congonhas Airport (+55 011 5090 9000 / http://www.infraero.gov.br) (CGH) is just five miles from downtown. Service is limited to domestic travel. Some of the Brazilian airlines include:
TAM (+55 011 6445 4195 / http://www.tam.com.br)
VARIG (+55 011 6445 3028 / http://www.varig.com.br)
VASP (+55 011 6445 3019 / http://www.vasp.com.br)
The Airport Service (+55 011 6445 2505) runs shuttle buses to various downtown locations every 30 minutes. Cost: BRL21.
Taxis are easy to locate outside the arrival terminal. Radio taxis charge pre-paid fares, usually around USD15. Metered taxis can cost anywhere from BRL22-BRL60, depending on traffic. Rides to downtown last 15-20 minutes.
Rental car companies include:
Avis (+1 800 831 2847 / http://www.avis.com)
Hertz (+1 800 654 3131 / http://www.hertz.com)
Unidas Rent-A-Car (http://www.unidas.com.br)
By Train
Trem de Prata (+055 011 825 7022), a private company that operates out of a private terminal, chugs between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro three times a week. It is the closest representation São Paulo has to a main train service. Brazil's interior is accessed by a mix of independently owned train companies that operate out of Estacio de Luz.
By Bus
There is no central bus carrier in Brazil; all international service from Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay is managed by a variety of small companies. Terminal Tiete (+55 11 3235 0322), Sao Paulo's main station, handles all arriving and departing international traffic.
By Car
The Via Dutra (BR 116) slices through São Paulo in a north/south direction and is the main highway link with Rio de Janeiro. Its littered with tolls, but it's well paved and provides numerous call boxes in the event of vehicle breakdowns. The Rio-Santos Highway (BR 101) is slow, but more than compensates with its staggering coastal scenery. And BR 364 accesses the city from the northwest.
Getting Around Town
By Metro
Though limited in range, Sao Paulo's subway system, presents the fastest option for negotiating downtown. The blue line travels north/south and includes Terminal Tiete. The red line treks east/west. The short green line roams underneath Avenida Paulista. Subways operate between 5a-midnight.
By Bus
Sao Paulo's fleet of red-and-white buses cover all of downtown and beyond. Because of the metro's limited range the buses are usually packed, especially between 5p-7p. Buses operate from 4a-midnight.
By Taxi
Yellow comums (standard taxis) are easy to locate throughout downtown. But, if possible, opt for a radio taxi. They are less prone to breaking down and the drivers are far more knowledgeable. Radio Taxi São Paulo (+55 011 251 1733) is very popular with tourists and accepts credit cards. Radio Taxi Vermelho e Branco (+55 011 251 1733) also has a good reputation.
By Car
Driving is not recommended. Congestion is constant and parking spots for a city of 15 million are absurdly sparse.
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