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Santos Cruise Port Transportation from Nearest Airports
Santos Cruise Port is one of Brazil's most important and busiest passenger and cargo ports. Located in the southeast of São Paulo State, it is well-connected to major international airports in the region. The port is approximately 120 km from São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), approximately 95 km from São Paulo–Congonhas Airport (CGH), and approximately 170 km from Viracopos–Campinas International Airport (VCP).
Santos, the largest port in South America, is a major hub for cruise tourism, container transportation, and trade. It handles millions of tons of cargo and numerous cruise ship traffic annually. The port area has played a critical role in Brazil's foreign trade since the 19th century. Its location, sheltered inner bay, and direct road links to the São Paulo metropolis give it a strategic location. Santos is also located in the Baixada Santista district and boasts numerous terminals: Its modern infrastructure ensures high efficiency in the embarkation and disembarkation processes of cruise ships.
You can easily find your terminal and surrounding services by examining the Santos Cruise Port map.
Photo by Luiz Fellipe on Unsplash
Santos Cruise Port has several passenger terminals. Each terminal is located close to major roads connecting Santos with São Paulo and nearby cities, making airport and hotel transfers smooth and reliable. The port serves multiple cruise lines operating routes throughout South America, the Atlantic, and transatlantic voyages.
Concais Passenger Terminal (Giusfredo Santini Passenger Terminal)
This is the main cruise terminal in Santos and the busiest passenger area during the season. Ships from major cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Seabourn often use this terminal. The terminal houses baggage claim areas, lounges, check-in areas, a drop-off area, and passenger services.
Cruise Embarkation & Disembarkation Areas
Santos Cruise Port Transfer Options
In addition to the Concais terminal, some embarkation/disembarkation operations may be distributed to other passenger areas of the port, depending on ship density. These areas are supported by ample bus parking, taxi stands, and dedicated transfer points. The areas dedicated to cruise operations are completely separate from the container yards, ensuring orderly and safe passenger traffic.
Cruise Destinations Served
Santos Cruise Port is one of the largest cruise hubs in South America, serving a variety of routes: Brazil coastal voyages (Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Ilhabela, Búzios, Recife, Fortaleza)
Argentina and Uruguay routes (Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del Este), Amazon river routes, South Atlantic voyages, Transatlantic crossings (Santos → Europe)
Thanks to its strong highway connections to the São Paulo region and its proximity to three major international airports, Santos Cruise Port is one of the most important starting and ending points for cruise travel in South America.
Santos Cruise Port Premium Transfers with Private Driver
Private Transfers from Santos Cruise Port
Getting to your cruise ship without stress is essential, and Santos cruise port transfers make this easier by offering direct transportation from airports, hotels in São Paulo, or nearby coastal cities. With operations centered at the Concais Passenger Terminal, Santos cruise transfers ensure you arrive at the correct embarkation point without confusion.
AirportTransfer.com, provides private airport-to-port and port-to-airport transfers for passengers travelling to or from Santos Cruise Port. Our cruise transfer services are especially useful for guests carrying luggage, offering meet-and-greet support and drop-off right at the terminal entrance.
AT drivers meet you at the airport gate or hotel lobby, assist with your bags, and take you directly to your destination no taxi queues, no negotiating prices, and no navigating busy public transportation systems. You can choose a vehicle that fits your group size and luggage needs, book online at fixed rates, and enjoy door-to-door service with licensed, professional drivers.
AT offers free cancellation up to 48 hours before transfer and a 100% refund. You can manage bookings through the website or download the AirportTransfer App from the Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store.
AirportTransfer.com offers hassle-free transportation with Santos hotel transfer services, connecting Santos Cruise Port seamlessly with São Paulo hotels, Guarulhos Airport, Congonhas Airport, and Viracopos Airport for a smooth start or end to your journey. Popular hotels near the Santos port include:
Novotel Santos Gonzaga, Sheraton Santos Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Santos, Mercure Santos, Comfort Hotel Santos, ibis Santos Gonzaga, Carina Flat Hotel and Cosmopolitan Praia Hotel.
Private Bus Rental from Santos Cruise Port
Private Bus Rental to Santos Cruise Port
AirportTransfer.com offers coach transfers from São Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU), Congonhas Airport (CGH), and Viracopos Campinas Airport (VCP) to Santos Cruise Port, designed specifically for groups and travel agencies.
Your AT driver meets your group at the airport and takes everyone directly to Santos Cruise Port with no unnecessary stops. Booking a minibus or coach keeps your group together and avoids the hassle of multiple taxis or navigating public transport. Santos group transfers provide a smooth, cost-effective solution with fixed prices and no hidden fees. Coaches have ample luggage space, perfect for cruise passengers traveling with several bags.
Santos Cruise Port has multiple terminals that handle major cruise lines, and group transfers ensure your passengers are dropped off at the correct terminal without confusion. The bus rental service in Santos also offers return journeys from the port to the airports after your cruise, making sure your group gets back to GRU, CGH, or VCP on time and stress-free.
Cruise Lines Operating at Santos Cruise Port
Santos Cruise Port is the primary homeport for many major cruise lines in South America, including:
MSC Cruises
Costa Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line (seasonal)
Seabourn (select voyages)
Azamara (occasional sailings)
Popular ships such as MSC Seaview, MSC Preziosa, Costa Diadema, and Costa Favolosa frequently depart from Santos.
With its high-capacity Concais Passenger Terminal and efficient operational zones, the port manages a large volume of ships and passengers throughout the cruise season, making Santos one of the most important cruise hubs in Latin America.
Sao Paulo Airport to Cruise Port Transportation options
São Paulo Guarulhos Airport to Santos Cruise Port
São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is the largest and busiest airport in Brazil. Located about 100 km from Santos Cruise Port, the journey usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Many international cruise passengers choose GRU because it offers the widest range of global flight routes.
Guarulhos is a major hub for LATAM, Gol, and international airlines like Lufthansa, Emirates, and American Airlines. With frequent long-haul arrivals, GRU is the most common gateway for travelers starting a cruise in Santos.
Since the airport is not very close to the coast, allowing extra travel time is important—especially during peak hours in São Paulo. Still, most passengers prefer GRU because of its flight options and reliable ground transportation links to Santos.
So, how do you get from Guarulhos Airport to Santos Cruise Port? Popular options include private taxi, shared shuttle buses, and a combination of airport bus + local taxi.
Bus from São Paulo Guarulhos Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Journey Time:
About 2 hours and 20 minutes (including a transfer).
Key Point:
From GRU, take the Airport Bus Service (line 259/9001) to São Paulo Tietê Bus Terminal. This ride takes around 50 minutes.
At Tietê Terminal, take a Cometa or Rápido Brasil bus to Santos. The ride to Santos Bus Terminal takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
From Santos Bus Terminal, take a short 10–15 minute taxi to Santos Cruise Port.
Bus Fare from Guarulhos to Santos Cruise Port:
Total combined fare is €12–€18 per person.
Taxi from São Paulo Guarulhos Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Key Point: Taxis are available outside all terminals. They are the fastest way to reach the cruise port, especially with luggage or after long flights. Prices vary based on traffic and toll roads.
Taxi Fare to Santos Cruise Port:
Expect to pay €150–€170.
There is no direct train to Santos. Take the Airport Train (CPTM Line 13) from GRU to Engenheiro Goulart Station. Transfer to Line 12 toward Brás Station. At Brás, switch to CPTM Line 10 toward Prefeito Celso Daniel - Santo André Station. From Santo André, take a Cometa intercity bus to Santos (approx. 1 hour). Once in Santos, take a local taxi to the cruise port. Total cost ranges between €10 and €15 per person.
Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport to Cruise Port Terminal Transfer Types
São Paulo Congonhas Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Congonhas Airport (CGH) is located about 75 km from Santos Cruise Port and serves mainly domestic flights. It is closer to the port compared to GRU, making it a popular choice for travelers arriving from other cities in Brazil.
The airport is busy but compact, with easy access to highways leading directly toward the coast. Because of its central location, transfer times may vary depending on São Paulo’s heavy traffic.
If you're flying from Rio, Brasília, Curitiba, or other Brazilian cities, Congonhas is one of the easiest airports to use.
Bus from Congonhas Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Journey Time: About 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Key Point: Take a local bus or taxi from Congonhas to Jabaquara Bus Terminal (20–25 minutes). From Jabaquara, take a Cometa or UltraBus coach straight to Santos. This ride takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and runs frequently.
From Santos Bus Terminal, take a short taxi to the cruise port.
Bus Fare from Congonhas Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Total cost is €8–€12 per person.
Train from Congonhas Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Journey Time: About 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Key Point: Take a bus or taxi to São Judas Metro Station. Ride Metro Line 1 to Jabaquara Station.
Walk to Jabaquara Bus Terminal and take a Cometa bus to Santos. Once in Santos, take a local taxi to the cruise terminal.
Train Fare from Congonhas Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Around €8–€14 per person.
Taxi from Congonhas Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Journey Time: Around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Key Point: Congonhas offers quick access to highways, making taxis a fast and comfortable option—ideal for families or travelers with luggage.
Taxi Fare from Congonhas Airport to Santos Cruise Port
It takes around €135–€155.
Viracopos Airport to Cruise Terminal Transfers by Bus
São Paulo–Campinas Viracopos Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Viracopos International Airport (VCP) is about 180 km from Santos Cruise Port and is a growing hub for Azul Airlines. Although farther than GRU or CGH, it is still used by some international and domestic travelers.
Because of the long distance and indirect transport connections, planning ahead is essential.
Bus from Viracopos Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Journey Time: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Key Point: Start by taking the LiraBus Airport Shuttle from VCP to São Paulo Barra Funda Terminal (1 hour and 30 minutes). From Barra Funda, take a Cometa bus to Santos (1 hour and 30 minutes). Once you arrive, take a taxi to the cruise port.
Bus Fare from Viracopos Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Total fare is €15–€22 per person.
Train from Viracopos Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Journey Time: About 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Key Point: Take a shuttle from VCP to Campinas Bus Terminal. From there, take a bus to São Paulo Barra Funda Terminal.
At Barra Funda, transfer to the Metro Red Line toward Corinthians-Itaquera and exit at Sé Station. Switch to the Blue Line to reach Jabaquara.From Jabaquara Bus Terminal, take a bus to Santos, then a taxi to the port.
Train + Bus Fare from the VCP Airport
About €60–€80 per person.
Taxi from Viracopos Airport to Santos Cruise Port
Journey Time: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Key Point: Taxis or private transfers are the most comfortable option due to the long distance and multiple highway sections.
Taxi Fare from Viracopos Airport to Cruise Terminal
Expect €120–€150.