How early should I arrive?

The margin exists because three things happen between arriving at the parking lot and standing in the check-in line: registering the vehicle at the front desk, with photos and a checklist; waiting for the van, which at Guarulhos and Viracopos averages 12–13 minutes, with departures every 20–25 minutes; and the ride, up to 10 minutes at Guarulhos and about 6 to 7 at Viracopos. Added up, 30 to 45 minutes cover a relaxed arrival — and the recommendation does not change in the middle of the night, because the vans run at the same frequency at any hour.

Adjustments by location

• Confins (opens October 1, 2026): arrive 45 minutes early, because the van ride along the MG-010 takes about 15 minutes.
• Congonhas: there is no van; from the underground garage to the departures level it is about a 5-minute walk through the tunnel. The margin is only for checking in the car.
• Tietê Bus Terminal: the location is a 4-minute walk from the terminal, and the recommendation is to arrive 1 hour before your bus.

This lead time is for the parking lot — add to it the time the airline asks for check-in and the airport's security screening.

When to allow more margin

Long weekends and the July and December high season concentrate drop-offs at the same hours. On those days, arrive at the start of the recommended window, not the end, and have your booking made — it guarantees the spot, but it does not replace the time margin.

If you have booked valet at the boarding gate, the agreed time is what counts: that service must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.