London to São Paulo (LHR–GRU) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders need an eVisa to enter Brazil. The eVisa costs $80.90, is processed in 5 to 10 working days, and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per visit over a 2-year validity period. Apply at vfrbrasilsolicitacao.com.br. The 90 days can be extended once for another 90 days at a Federal Police office in Brazil (R$204, about $40).

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. The eVisa application requires a passport photo page scan, a digital photograph, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), and proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card). Processing can take the full 10 days during peak season (December through Carnival), so apply early.

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Sao Paulo (GRU) run about 11 hours 40 minutes. LATAM and British Airways both operate the route. The Brazilian real (BRL) trades at roughly 5.80 BRL per $1. Get a yellow fever vaccination if traveling to the Amazon, Pantanal, or other interior regions. It is not required for entry from the UK. Brazil charges no departure tax beyond what is included in the airfare.

Heathrow Express runs from London Paddington to T5 and T2/T3 in 15–21 minutes (£37 single, cheaper booked online or via the Heathrow app). Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is a lower-cost alternative; Paddington to T5 in 34 minutes from £13.50 with an Oyster/contactless cap of £14.90. The Elizabeth line also serves central London stations including Bond Street, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street.London Underground Piccadilly line serves all terminals (T2/T3/T4/T5) from central London in 40–60 minutes (£6 with Oyster). Taxis (black cabs) from central London cost £55–90 depending on traffic. Coach services from Victoria Coach Station (National Express) cost from £10 booked in advance.

CPTM Line 13-Jade to Luz station (central São Paulo) takes 33 minutes (R$4.40). Transfers at Luz connect to metro Lines 1, 3, and 4 for broader coverage. Airport trains run every 30 minutes; check the last departure time if arriving late. Executive buses to Tietê terminal and Paulista run frequently (R$52–62, 45–75 min).Taxis use a fixed airport tariff (zona aeroportuária); central São Paulo costs R$120–200. Uber and 99 are widely used and typically cheaper. São Paulo's traffic is notoriously heavy on the Dutra; road times can double during peak hours. GRU has two terminal buildings (T1/T2/T3 domestic and T3 international); confirm your terminal before heading to check-in.

Humid subtropical climate at 750m altitude. São Paulo is perched on a plateau, which moderates temperatures compared to coastal Brazil. Summers (December–March) are warm and extremely wet. Heavy thunderstorms develop almost daily in the afternoon, regularly causing ground holds at GRU. Flooding in the city can cut road access to the airport even when the runway is clear.

Winters (June–August) are mild and dry (10–20°C) with low humidity. This is the most flight-stable season. Fog occurs occasionally on winter mornings. Temperatures rarely exceed 32°C or drop below 8°C. The rainy season aligns with Southern Hemisphere summer, the opposite of Northern Hemisphere intuition.