São Paulo Congonhas airport (CGH)
Location details, contact information, airlines, departure and arrival flight status, transportation, facilities and services, parking, special passenger amenities, nearby hotels and answers to passengers' frequently asked questions.
Passenger Guide
São Paulo/Congonhas - Deputado Freitas Nobre Airport (CGH) is the second busiest airport in Brazil and the main hub for executive domestic flights in the country. Inaugurated on April 12, 1936, its central location makes it the preferred choice for business travelers. It is currently managed by Aena Brasil.
Following the 2007 accident, the airport underwent a rigorous modernization process that included the implementation of the EMAS (Engineered Materials Arresting System) at the runway ends, drainage improvements, and a restructuring of the air network to optimize flow. Today, it operates under strict international safety standards.
Official Website: aenabrasil.com.br
Information Phone: +55 11 5090 9000.
Terminal
The airport operates with a single centralized passenger terminal, famous for its historic hall with black and white checkerboard flooring.
Operating Hours: The terminal remains open 24 hours a day, although air operations (takeoffs and landings) are suspended overnight (generally between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am) due to urban noise regulations.
Annual Passenger Traffic: 23.1 million passengers passed through its facilities during 2024.
Information Points
There are Aena Brasil information counters located in the central hall (departures floor) and in the arrivals area. Additionally, there is a tourist office in the access corridor to the arrivals area, available from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Location
The airport is located within the city, in the Vila Congonhas neighborhood, and only 8.7 km (5.4 miles) south of downtown São Paulo.
See MapCar rental agencies
Car Rental
Car rental agency counters are strategically located on the Lower Level (Basement), in the south wing of the terminal, facilitating access for arriving passengers.
Localiza
The largest car rental network in Latin America.
Hours: 6:00 am to 12:00 am (Midnight).
Official Website
Movida
Noted for its modern fleet and technological services.
Hours: 5:00 am to 12:00 am (Midnight).
Official Website
Unidas
Offers a wide variety of vehicles for business and tourism.
Hours: 5:00 am to 12:00 am (Midnight).
Official Website
Reservations
To compare rates and availability among the different agencies in São Paulo, you can use the following search tool:
Parking services at São Paulo Congonhas airport (CGH)
Official Parking (Parking Garage)
The official parking operator at Congonhas Airport is Estapar. It features a modern multi-level parking garage located in front of the terminal, offering mostly covered spaces and 24-hour monitored security.
Sectors:
In addition to standard spots, there are spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility (PRM), the elderly, and pregnant women. It also offers the Estapar Premium sector, with wider spaces and a privileged location near terminal access points and VIP lounges.
Gate One Parking
This is an alternative option located outside the immediate airport grounds but conveniently connected.
Access: Passengers can go back and forth between the parking lot and the arrivals/departures halls via a pedestrian bridge crossing the avenue.
Reservations and Technology (Zul+)
It is strongly recommended to book in advance through the Zul+ app (Estapar's digital platform) or their website. This not only guarantees a spot but also offers significantly lower rates than paying upon arrival (Drive-up).
Smart Access:
The system uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology and QR codes.
1. When booking, register your vehicle's license plate.
2. Upon arrival, go to the exclusive reservation gates.
3. The camera will read your plate and open the gate automatically. If this fails, you can scan your reservation's QR code at the entry kiosk.
Rates
Prices at Congonhas are dynamic and vary based on booking lead time and occupancy.
- Drive-up Rate (no reservation): This is the most expensive option, charged by fraction of an hour.
- Online Reservation (Long Stay): Offers progressive discounts. The longer you leave the car, the lower the average daily cost. Promotions usually start from R$ 39.90 per day for extended stays booked online.
Facilities for passengers with special needs
Congonhas Airport (CGH), under the administration of Aena Brasil, complies with ANAC accessibility regulations (Resolution 280). The facilities are adapted to ensure safe and autonomous transit for people with reduced mobility and special needs.
Reduced Mobility
The terminal features ramps, elevators, adapted restrooms, and accessible phones distributed throughout all areas.
Boarding: Most boarding takes place via jet bridges. For remote stands, the airport has lift vehicles ("Ambulifts" or Mamuth) to board the aircraft safely without using stairs.
Assistance: Must be requested from the airline at the time of ticket purchase or at least 48 hours in advance to coordinate the wheelchair and support staff.
Invisible Disabilities (Autism/ASD)
Sunflower Lanyard: The airport recognizes and promotes the use of the "Sunflower Lanyard". This badge allows staff to discreetly identify passengers with non-visible disabilities (autism, anxiety, dementia), providing them with empathetic assistance, patience, and support during security checks and boarding processes.
Priority Groups
In Brazil, the Priority Law is strict and guarantees preferential attention in check-in, security inspection, and boarding lines for:
- People over 60 years old.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers.
- People with infants (under 2 years old).
- People with obesity.
Families and Minors
Hygiene: Nursing rooms and baby changing stations are available in both female and male restrooms.
Unaccompanied Minors: The escort service for unaccompanied minors is exclusive to each airline and must be booked in advance. The responsible adult must remain at the airport until the flight's takeoff is confirmed.
Latest updates: December 10, 2025
Airports in Brazil