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April 28, 2016São Paulo-Guarulhos Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on December 8, 2024
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (IATA: GRU, ICAO: SBGR), popularly known locally as Cumbica Airport after the district where it is located and the Brazilian Air Force base that still exists at the airport complex, is the largest airport in Brazil with a capacity of 42 million passengers and also the Latin America’s largest in number of passengers, 42.8 Mio in 2018. GRU is the second after Bogotá (Colombia) for cargo 370.000 tons and movements 293.000.
Local passengers companies : Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Avianca, Avianca Brazil, Avianca Peru, Azul Brazilian Airlines, Boliviana de Aviacion, Copa Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM, Passaredo Linhas Aereas,
Local cargo companies : ABSA Cargo Airline, Avianca Cargo, Rio Linhas Aereas, Tam Cargo & Total Linhas Aereas.
Written by Claude Davet, Ediney Ribeiro, Luiz Eduardo and Ariadne Barroso. Last Update November 2024 – Spots 2 and 3
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 10R/28R | 3’000m (9’843 ft) Asphalt |
| 10L/28L | 3’700m (12’140ft) Asphalt |
| Terminals | |
| 1 | Azul, Passadero flights only |
| 2 | All remaining carriers |
| 3 | All international flights |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not necessary. |
| Car/Public Transport | Not needed except to get to #12. All other spots can be reached from train stations. See description below for more details. |
| Restrooms | Available at all spots except #12. |
| Drinks/Food | If you want and need to eat real food you need to go to the airport. Just pick the train to Aeroporto de Guarulhos train station, pick the shuttle bus to Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. Both terminals has a lot of options of fast food as Burger King, McDonalds, KFC, Subway, and coffe shops as Starbucks, Casa do Pão de Queijo and also as some local restaurants too. Yeah, maybe it you cost a bit more than usual to eat at the airport but is the only reliable option to that area. |
| Hotels | Hampton by Hilton Guarulhos Airport rooftop is the best choice (Spot #6) or some other could be found next to the airport. |
| Season | In “Winter” from April until end of August is the best season to go |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | Runways are used in both directions and it depends on the wind but eastern operations are the most common ones. |
| 10 L/R | 10R for landings and takeoffs to 10L This is the most used procedure. |
| 28 L/R | 28L for landings and 28R for take-off. |
Walkway between Terminal 2 and 3 - 28R departures
| WHERE | This location is practically behind the control tower on a pedestrian walkway that connects terminal 2 to terminal 3 |
| WHAT | Ideal for take-off photos of runway 28R but the planes are already high, especially narrow bodies. Wide bodies are a bit lower. |
| TIME | Most time of the year you can take pictures there all day. From November to January (summer months), it’s a little against the light until 11am |
| MISC. | You are near terminals 2 and 3 so you will find everything you need inside the buildings. The times we were there security guards does not bother us. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 300 to 400 mm, depending on the size of the aircraft. |
Terminal 2 West B Mr Baker - Ramp
| WHERE | There is a bakery named “Mr. Baker” in the departure hall at Terminal 2 West. It is before security and no boarding pass is needed. |
| WHAT | View moving aircraft on the parking portion Golf, as well as those who go align with the runway 10L. Opportunity to also make airplanes that are towed and cargo ships that depart from Terminal Cargo. The area is good for pictures at any time of year, regardless of the position of the sun. |
| TIME | From 1000 to the end of the day (approx 1800-1830). |
| MISC. | Everything you need is at this Café. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-200 mm |
Glazed Terrace Terminal 2 East E - Ramp
| WHERE | Once at the airport, head to Terminal 2 East E, and rise up to a kind of gateway that leads to the glass panoramic terrace offering a panoramic view. Attention following the period the glass may be dirty on the outside, but in general it’s okay. An employee spends a few times to clean the inside, because there are many people who come with children and laying their hands on the windows. Provide tissues or wipes in case. It is before security and no boarding pass is needed. |
| WHAT | Push-back and taxiing aircraft. |
| TIME | From 1000 to the end of the day (approx 1800-1830) |
| MISC. | Toilets are available upstairs, and two drink stands. At this mezanine you’ll find a Rei do Mate and you can buy cafe, cold drinks and sandwiches there. Also there is a lot of restaurants under the mezanine (check in/departure level). Go downstairs to the arrivals level to buy water, snacks and other stuff at the Carrefour Express market. It’s really cheap to buy water there.Since Brazil began to welcome many Afghans since 2022 because of the chaos that took over Afghanistan, the airport has received many immigrants from this country thanks to Brazilian temporary visa for humanity reasons. Recently, many immigrants from Pakistan, India and other countries began to arrive. Many of them used to stay in this mezzanine becaseu Brazilian authorities are quite slow to deal the relocation of these people to real, cozy, and comfy shelters.
Most of the immigrants are cool, really good and nice people who are there just waiting to be relocated to a shelter and start a new life away of trauma and war. They won’t bother you, they won’t beg for money, they just mind their own business. Many passengers also go to the mezzanine during the day because of the panoramic view – the immigrants living there also like to watch the movement through the windows. Unfortunately, a few pepople (Brazilians and immigrants) could try to commit petty thefts. This can happen throughout all the airport and not just at this mezanine. Watch out and keep your stuff always near to you – in front of your body would be the ideal situation to not risk to loose your stuff. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 35mm EMB-190, 55mm B737-300, 130mm A330-200, 70mm B737-800. |
Terminal Parking - 28R departures
| WHERE | This place is at the parking lot of terminal 1. Stay on a ramp that gives access to the parking lot to have a good view of the landings and takeoffs. Very easy to reach if you are in terminals 2 and 3. Just take the bus that connects between the terminals and get off at the terminal of Azul airlines (terminal 1) which is only 100 meters towards the highway. |
| WHAT | Best for shoting takeoffs of runway 28R. Takeoffs appear very suddenly so be smart. Arrivals on the 10L/R can bee done as well but we recommend the next spot instead as you are closer/td> |
| TIME | Most time of the year you can take pictures there all day. From November to January (summer months), it’s a little against the light until 11am |
| MISC. | You can eat and use the restrooms of terminal 1. Few shadows here. There are airport guards who may not like to see you shooting here, so always have your camera in your bag and just use it when you are actually shooting to avoid security hassles. We have been to this location several times and never had a problem. because always tried to be as discreet as possible. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | You will see the approach of the aircraft very far so you can use the full zoom of your camera, when the aircraft is closer you will use between 250 and 350 mm |
Train Station Bus Stop - 10L/R arrivals
| WHERE | is next to the initial bus stop of the buses that connect the three terminals of the airport to the train terminal that connects the airport to the city of São Paulo, it is a lawn next to a roof where the buses stop. If you are at any of the GRU terminals, just take one of the buses and you will get here quickly and free of charge. This location is ideal for those who are passing through GRU on a long layover to another destination, they don’t even have to leave the airport and will have a very good view of the planes arriving here. |
| WHAT | Best option for arrivals at 10L/R. Using of 10L for arrivals is uncommon. |
| TIME | in the months of December to March, the light is against until 11 am, in the other months of the year it is favorable all day. |
| MISC. | It is very close to the terminals, a short walk to the Azul Airlines terminal, where there are restrooms and restaurants, but there is nothing on site. It’s good to point out that GRU’s security guards don’t like Spotters, so always stay close to the cover of the buses, so they won’t bother you, although it’s very rare to appear on these sides. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400mm executive jets 300mm for 737/A320 |
Hotel Hampton by Hilton - 10R arrivals
| WHERE | Car: The hotel is located at Rua Pedro de Toledo 1000, in Guarulhos, it is parallel to the main avenue that links the city to the airport, Rodovia Helio Scmidt. Taxi: From the center of São Paulo takes about R $ 180-220 depending on traffic. Transfer: The hotel offers a free shuttle bus from Terminal 2 Asa D to reach the hotel, with a rate of about every 30 minutes. This is the easiest way to get there. Public Transport: There are buses that will leave you near the hotel from the city of Guarulhos, but beware, this is the least safe, if you are alone. Quite dangerous! |
| WHAT | Elevated view of aircraft on final approach to runway 10R, plus a panoramic view of the airport. |
| TIME | From sunrise to sunset, but if it is closed, you can politely ask the hotel reception to open the door, they do so without problems. Good pictures throughout the year, with a better light in austral winter, which begins in early April to early August. During the austral summer, the sun remains in the alignment of the track which has the effect of shade under the planes but despite this, the location allows good photo. |
| MISC. | The hotel is not a public place, it is important to identify the receipt and inform them that you want to take pictures on the hotel roof. Now you have to pay a fee to get up to the roof or pay for a hotel room if you plan a longer stay. The staff is very friendly and they always welcome you, if we respect the rules!
Sunscreen, water, cap, because on the roof it can be very hot. Never leave objects or trash pit, it could harm the image of the spotters, not to mention the obvious lack of education. And you spend a day or several days you can eat and drink at the buffet. Plentiful for about 42R$. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50mm B773, 90mm B772, 95mm A332, 105mm 787, 135mm A320, 135mm A319, 150mm B737 / EMB190, 160mm EMB145 |
Airplane Square - 10R arrivals
| WHERE | Located on Avenida Natalia Zarif, close to the Hampton hotel, it is in a square built precisely to observe planes, in the square there is a plane on a pedestal that you can see from afar. It is possible to come here walking from the airport, coming with the buses that connect the terminals to the train station that goes to São Paulo, and arriving at the train station, cross to the opposite side and walk about 900 meters. The advantage of coming here compared to point 01 is that you don’t need to be staying and you don’t need to pay a fee of 20 dollars. |
| WHAT | Ideal for photographing approaches and landings on the 10R, the planes pass very close, making it possible to take close-up photos, but also from the side and from the front. |
| TIME | on track 10L best in the morning, between December and March, on 10R between March and November the whole day. |
| MISC. | It is a very well structured place with benches and tables, however there are no restrooms, but a short walk to some gas stations and bus stations where you can buy food and use restrooms. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | It is possible to use from 300 mm for approaching aircraft to 50 mm for Wide Body aircraft, when they are over you. |
Mc Donald´s - 10R arrivals
| WHERE | This place is at a Mc Donald’s restaurant at their adjacent parking lot. You can rent a car or use apps and it is easy to get to |
| WHAT | Great when operating the runway 10R for landings (for takeoffs this site is no good). At GRU airport, the A380 only operates on runway 10L so it passes right over you, it’s a spectacular sight, but the photos will be right in front of or under the big whale. One thing that can get in the way is a lot of wires and poles in this place. |
| TIME | Most time of the year you can take pictures there all day. From November to January (summer months), it’s a little against the light until 11am |
| MISC. | You can eat and use their restrooms. But there’s little shade here, so come prepared. Safe to stay and staff don’t mind you hanging around. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 to 400mm. Here you can take pictures of the approaching planes, passing you and arriving at the airport, so you can use 100 to 400mm |
Anita park - 10R arrivals
| WHERE | This place is in a neighborhood near the airport. It is a small squared park. In our opinion the best way to get there is by taxi or using application vehicles. Public transportation is complicated but by google you can see which buses arrive at this location. |
| WHAT | Here you will catch all arrivals from runway 10R. If runway 28L is in operation then this place is not good. |
| TIME | Ideal for the summer months from november to january when the sun is favorable from 06:00 to 11:30 AM |
| MISC. | No food available, so take it all with you. Locals don’t care much about spotters but the location may not be very safe so be careful going here and better to go in groups. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 to 320mm. |
Guarulhos bus station - 10R arrivals
| WHERE | Go to the western end of the Guarulhos bus station, facing the water tank. Car parking on the street next to the photography point (Rua Melo or Cecap’s parking lot) is available. It is possible to arrive by public transport, a few meters from the cecap train station or directly by bus. |
| WHAT | Only landing sky shots from runway 10R. You can catch all the europeans airlines arriving and north americans airlines and of course lots of the domestic flights. |
| TIME | The light in this place is only good in spring and summer mornings, from mid november to end of february, sunrise to midday. Due to distance heat is a problem! |
| MISC. | There is food and restrooms available at the bus station. No problem with the police or station’s workers. In general is a safe place. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400 to 500 mm, depending on the size of the aircraft. |
Guarulhos Cecap train station - 10R arrivals
| WHERE | This spotting location is inside the CPTM train station CECAP and it is the boarding platform on the left side. To get inside the train station you just need to buy a train ticket – in 2019, it costs R$4,30 To get there is more easy and affordable by public transport. Is perfect if you go by train (CPTM) because you can pick with no cost a train and go to the other train station that is a great spotting point too – Aeroporto de Guarulhos station. If you want to get there by car you will struggle to find parking near the station. Maybe the airport parking lot located at Terminal 1 is the best option, but keep in mind that parking at Guarulhos airport is expensive. But if you really want to go by car and want to park at the airport anyway, just leave your car at the Terminal 1 parking lot and get the train at Guarulhos Airport CPTM station to go to CECAP CPTM train station. |
| WHAT | The final approach to 10R runway is the most attractive view when the airport is operating the landings at this runaway. Is possible to see a good area of the airport too. |
| TIME | This is a train station and it is not open 24/7. You can get inside at 04AM and need to get out before midnight (is better get out of there at 21h). This spotting point is a bit tricky as you will have light only in the summer mornings. The rest of the day it is backlit. It is a point to be avoided till 06AM due to fog. Not everyday is foggy at the mornings, but keep in mind that area is too much near of a mountain range known as Serra da Cantareira. Heat haze is a problem only when and if you want to photograph the airport , specially in summer or in any hot day. |
| MISC. | There are restrooms for free. You need to bring the food on your own. Just bring little snacks and a bottle of water (maybe a juice). Don’t bring beer or anything alcoholic – is prohibited.
As you be on the train boarding platform, you just need to follow all the CPTM safety procedures like don’t cross the yellow boarding line, keep the platform clean, don’t use tripods, etc. By the way, CPTM has a huge panel with all those procedures and rules in portuguese and in english too. There’s no issue with the police. CPTM has its own private security guards (dressed in black uniform, no weapon) and also Policia Ferroviária (railway police, dressed in beige and black uniform and they carry a weapon). There is no history of guards or police intimidating or prohibiting plane spotting there, however, some guard may intervene if they believe you are breaking any internal rules or safety procedure. The CPTM employees sometimes could start to talk with you (in portuguese). But don’t worry, so many of them love airplanes and maybe will talk to you about airplanes and Guarulhos airport! Some of them sometimes stop to take a picture or make a video too. It’s kind funny when it happens. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Should be up to 400mm |
Morrinho - 28L arrivals and 28R departures, line-up
| WHERE | By car or taxi from any location is the hill at the end of Rua Nazare Guarulhos, in the São João area. The fare depends on your starting point. By bus, there are buses that will leave you near the spot point, but it is not really recommended for security reasons. |
| WHAT | Privileged view of taxiing aircraft to align or on final approach on the tracks 28 L/R. Furthermore the nearby remote stand can bee seen. |
| TIME | The best time of year is early March until early August, because of the position of the sun. Good from 1000 until end of the day. |
| MISC. | This spot is very unsafe and spotters has been robbed. Don´t go alone there and be in a bigger group! Bring with you what you need before coming at this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80mm A330-200, 130mm B737-800, 140 mm B777-300, 200mm ATR & 320, 210mm B767-300 (depend if the aircraft use the runway the taxiway or the remote stand). |
Hello, just to let you know that the headwaters of Guarulhos have changed, 09 became 10 and 27 became 28
Thanks for the hint, guide has been updated.
-Julian
Belíssimas fotos meu amigo Ediney Ribeiro
Obrigado!!
There are two new spotting points: the two CPTM train stations CECAP and Aeroporto de Guarulhos. Both are safe places and CPTM staff never bother us as long as we follow CPTM’s internal rules and procedures – they can start talking to you more about airplanes and about the airport than about the CPTM rules of procedure . You just need to pay R$4,30 (ticket price) to have access to the stations.
Also Matiz Hotel now is called Hampton by Hilton Guarulhos Airport. They kept the “Spotter package” to use its roof. But keep in mind that the new owners gave no guarantees will stick to the spotter plan.
Hi Ariadne, we would like to add this two new spotting positions. Can you fill out this form please with the necessary infos: https://www.spotterguide.net/missing-photos-location/
THanks
Julian
I am transiting by thus airport to Floripa. I read that spot 3 has become unavailable, is that correct?
The comment is from 2016.
Thank you
Correct!!
Thank you, the only option is Matiz hotel i guess.
It’s not correct to say that terminal 3 handles ALL international flights.
Terminal 2 handles domestic and international flights. For example, Delta, Avianca, Royal Air Maroc, TAAG, Boliviana de Aviacion, Aerolineas Argentinas, Copa Airlines, Air Europa, Sky Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines all depart from terminal 2 ONLY.
Kind regards,
Matiz have now a offer to spotters, with lunch and access to rooftop.
Does the hotel Wifi work on the roof?
No, it doesn’t work. If you want to check incoming traffic, you will have to use your mobile network or go inside the hotel.
The terminals have been renumbered. Former terminals 1 & 2 have merged and are now called “Terminal 2”, handling domestic and some international flights.
Terminal 1 handles Azul and Passaredo, flying domestic destinations with E-jets and AT72.
Terminal 3 remains with the same number and handles international flights only.
You can see a map of the terminals at the official website: http://www.gru.com.br
I’m not sure if spot #3 still exists after recent renovations at the airport.
Thanks for the Info Daniel, the guide has been updated.
Please let us know if you have infos if spot 3 is still available.
-Julian
Just an advise, the #4 Morrinho have become a highly dangerous place, two spotters have been robbed in the area in the last months, I don’t recommend to go alone, at least with a group of 10 people if you can.
Also in the Matiz hotel, now only for hotel guests can go to the rooftop (still a good price/benefit) or you have to pay a day-use fare, which allows to use the room for some hours and them acess to the roof. (thanks to some spotters which used the rooftop without asking or giving something back to the hotel).
Hi Carlos, thanks for these informations. I have just updated the guide. Sad to hear that there are spotters who have to break the rules.
-Julian