Aerial View of Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport

Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport CGH

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Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH) Guide

Welcome to Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport, the heart of domestic travel in Brazil and just a stone's throw from downtown Sao Paulo. Known for its distinctive 1930s architecture, CGH is not just a hub for business travelers but also a gateway to exploring the vibrant city. Dive into our concise guide for essential tips, from flight tracking to terminal maps, ensuring a seamless journey. Discover parking details, shopping, and dining options to enhance your airport experience. Ready to explore CGH? Check out our Comprehensive Airport Guide for a stress-free travel adventure.

CGH has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 14 gates and is used by Azul and Passaredo airlines. Terminal 2 has 12 gates and is used by Gol, LATAM, and VoePass airlines. Both terminals offer a variety of services and amenities, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and ATMs.

When navigating the airport, it's important to note which terminal your airline is using to avoid confusion and delays. Make sure to check your boarding pass or with your airline before heading to the airport.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

CGH Airport has only one terminal building, which is divided into two sections: the domestic and international areas. The two sections are connected by a walkway, and the walk time between the two sections is around five minutes. There is no need for any shuttle bus or train service to get between the two sections of the terminal building.

However, if you need to transfer to another airport, such as Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, you can take a shuttle bus service called Airport Bus Service. The shuttle bus runs every hour from Congonhas Airport to Guarulhos Airport, and the travel time is around one hour, depending on traffic.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At CGH Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal buildings. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers are advised to use the designated cell-phone waiting areas until their passengers are ready to be picked up.

Cell-phone waiting areas are located near the airport terminal buildings, and drivers can wait there for free for up to 30 minutes. This is a convenient option for drivers who want to avoid circling the airport or paying for parking while waiting for their passengers. Once the passengers are ready, drivers can proceed to the curbside for pick-up.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of the airport, you'll find a variety of parking options to choose from. There are several parking lots and garages located on-site, including a covered garage and an open-air lot. If you're looking for a more economical option, there are also off-airport parking lots available nearby.

If you're picking someone up from the airport, there are cell phone waiting areas located just outside the airport grounds where you can park for free and wait until your passenger is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all of the on-site parking lots and garages, and there are designated spaces located close to the terminal for easy access.

If you're looking for a more affordable parking option, off-airport parking lots are a great choice. These lots are located just a short shuttle ride away from the airport and offer competitive rates.

Get details about Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When arriving at Sao Paulo Airport, travelers have a variety of ground transportation options to choose from.

For those looking to rent a car, there are several major providers located within the airport including Avis, Hertz, and Localiza. Visitors can easily rent a car upon arrival and explore the city at their own pace.

Taxis are also readily available at the airport with designated drop-off areas located outside of the terminal. Fares are typically metered and vary depending on the destination. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before beginning the journey.

Shared ride services are another option for travelers, with pickup areas located near the terminal. However, it is important to note that some services may have restrictions on the number of passengers or amount of luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are available for those looking for a more convenient and affordable option. The service operates on a regular schedule with pickup areas located outside of the terminal. Fares are typically fixed and vary depending on the destination.

For those looking to utilize public transportation, there are several options available including buses and trains. The airport is conveniently located near several major bus and train stations, making it easy to access the city's public transportation system.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a convenient and comfortable stay near the airport? We've got you covered! Our comprehensive guide offers a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxurious accommodations, all within a short distance from the airport. Whether you're looking for a quick stay before an early flight or a base to explore the vibrant city, you'll find a hotel that suits your needs. Each hotel comes with a brief description of its amenities and proximity to the airport, helping you make an informed decision. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the best hotel options. Ready to explore? Check out our CGH Hotels now!

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy. For a quick bite, head to Cafe Suplicy or Starbucks, both located in the main terminal. If you have more time to spare, check out the delicious Brazilian cuisine at Galeto's or grab a pizza at Pizzaria Atlantico, both located in the airport's food court. For those looking for a drink, there's a variety of bars and cafes to choose from, including Chopp Brahma and Cafe Santo Grao.

When it comes to shopping, Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport has a great selection of stores to choose from. For souvenirs and gifts, head to Brasil Gifts or Havaianas. If you're in need of some last-minute travel essentials, stop by Dufry Duty Free or the airport's pharmacy. Other stores include fashion boutiques, electronics stores, and convenience stores.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Sao Paulo Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, see your options here.

Passenger Services

CGH is a bustling airport located in Brazil. It offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience comfortable and hassle-free.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available to help you retrieve any lost items. If you're traveling with children, there are designated children's areas where they can play and have fun.

Special-needs services are available for those who require assistance. These include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and special boarding arrangements. If you need to access banking services, there are ATMs and currency exchange services available at the airport.

In case of any medical emergencies, medical help is available at the airport. There are medical facilities and trained medical staff on standby to assist you in case of any medical emergencies.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight. At CGH Airport, there are several ways to check for flight status information.

One of the easiest ways is by using the in-airport Flight Information Display System (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Passengers can also stay informed about their flight status by downloading their airline's mobile app. These apps often provide push notifications, text messages, and email alerts about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes. It is important to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in your airline's system to receive these alerts.

Another option is to check the airport's website for flight status information. the airport's website provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at CGH Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight. However, during peak travel seasons or holidays, it is advisable to arrive 3 hours prior to your flight to avoid any delays or long lines at the check-in counters and security checkpoints.

Getting to the Airport

The airport is located just 8 km from the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation, taxi or private car. The most convenient way to get to the airport is by taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Public transportation options include buses and metro lines that connect to the airport. If you are driving to the airport, there are several parking options available for both short-term and long-term stays.

Getting Oriented

Upon arrival at Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport, it is recommended to use the interactive maps available on iFly.com to get oriented with the airport layout. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's terminals, gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can also use the maps to find your way to the baggage claim area or to locate the nearest restroom or ATM.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Sao Paulo Airport, make sure to arrive early and allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and boarding. It is also recommended to check your flight status regularly and sign up for flight alerts to stay informed about any changes or delays. To expedite the security screening process, make sure to follow the TSA guidelines for carry-on items and remove any liquids or electronics from your bags before entering the security checkpoint.

Airport Facts & Stats

Sao Paulo Airport, also known as CGH, is one of the busiest airports in Brazil. It is located in the city of Sao Paulo and is the second busiest airport in the city after Guarulhos International Airport.

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights while Terminal 2 is used for international flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at CGH are Gol, LATAM Brasil, and Azul Brazilian Airlines. On average, the airport handles around 38,000 passengers daily and has around 300 daily flights.

CGH serves around 40 destinations on average with the top 5 destinations being Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and Porto Alegre.

Some of the air carriers that use CGH as a hub include Gol and LATAM Brasil.

Airport History

CGH, located in Brazil, has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1936. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1936: CGH Airport opens for commercial flights, becoming one of the first airports in Brazil.
  • 1940s: During World War II, the airport is used as a military airbase by the Brazilian Air Force.
  • 1950s: The airport undergoes expansion and modernization, with the addition of a new terminal building and runway.
  • 1960s: The airport becomes a hub for domestic flights in Brazil, with several airlines establishing operations at Congonhas.
  • 1990s: The airport experiences a decline in traffic due to the opening of Guarulhos International Airport, which becomes the primary airport for international flights in Sao Paulo.
  • 2007: A tragic accident occurs at Congonhas when a TAM Airlines flight crashes upon landing, killing 199 people. The accident leads to increased scrutiny of the airport's safety procedures and infrastructure.
  • 2015: The airport undergoes renovations to improve its facilities and increase capacity, including the expansion of the terminal building and the addition of new parking areas.

Today, the airport remains an important hub for domestic flights in Brazil, serving millions of passengers each year.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: CGH
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +55 11 5090-9000
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Congonhas Airport, Avenida Washington Luís, s/nº - Vila Congonhas, São Paulo - SP, 04626-911, Brazil

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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