Travel/Accommodation
→ Travel to/within São José dos Campos (SJC):
Closest airport: GRU Airport – Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport
Transportation from GRU Airport to SJC:
- Bus (Pássaro Marrom):
The counter opens from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., but it is suggested to buy the ticket in advance, on the website. In case of missing the bus, the ticket can be replaced at the counter or through the app. The counter is located just outside Terminal 2 (arrivals), under the terminal roof, before crossing the street. The bus departs directly in front of the terminal, about 50 meters uphill via a small ramp, across the street.
Price: ~50,00 BRL. - Official taxis (Guarucoop):
Depart from all three terminals, directly in front of the arrivals area. Look for the attendant at the reception booth and request a taxi to São José dos Campos (it’s best not to respond to inquiries from other transport providers, especially those who approach you on your way out of the terminal). You will receive a small slip stating the fare, which you can pay at the end of the ride by credit card.
Approximate fare: ~400 BRL. - Information about transportation options provided by INPE will be confirmed in February 2026.
If you arrive by Bus, it is best to get off at the SJC intercity bus terminal. There you will find a taxi or call an Uber to your specific destination in the city. While both Uber and official taxis are commonly used in SJC, each has its considerations. If you choose Uber, we recommend prioritizing the Comfort option. Official taxis from the bus terminal are generally reliable, but it's a good idea to confirm the fare in advance or use apps when possible to ensure a fair price and a safe experience.
- Transporte e Hotéis
Public Transport in SJC:
To check bus schedules, you can use apps like Moovit or visit the website: https://www.sjc.sp.gov.br/servicos/mobilidade-urbana/novos-horarios-do-transporte-publico/
First Arrival at INPE:
INPE has four gates, but visitors should enter through the main gate, located at Av. dos Astronautas, 1,758 – Jardim da Granja, São José dos Campos – SP, 12227-010.
Be sure to bring a valid ID and inform the security guard about your visit.
- Mapa aéreo INPE
- Mapa aéreo INPE 2
Map: https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/298019#map=18/-23.209895/-45.859243
→ Accommodations in SJC:
We recommend staying in the neighborhoods of Esplanada, Vila Ema, Vila Adyanna, Jardim Aquarius, or Colinas. SJC’s city center is mostly commercial and not the most pleasant area to stay in. The neighborhood near INPE might be a convenient, walkable location, but it has limited options for restaurants, hotels, and leisure.
Some hotel recommendations are:
→ Leisure Options in SJC:
The main shopping malls in the city are CenterVale, Vale Sul, and Colinas.
Locals often enjoy going to parks and participating in various cultural activities. The main parks are Parque da Cidade, Vicentina Aranha, Santos Dumont, and Alberto Simões.
In the surrounding area, there are many beautiful sightseeing spots in the Mantiqueira mountain range, including the towns of São Francisco Xavier, Santo Antônio do Pinhal and Campos do Jordão. On the coast, popular beach destinations such as São Sebastião, Ilhabela, Caraguatatuba, and Ubatuba are within reach. The city of São Paulo is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away by bus.
→ Weather and climate in São José dos Campos (March):
March in São Paulo state marks the transition from summer to autumn, offering a warm and humid climate.
- Temperature: Expect average high temperatures around 27-30°C (80-86°F) and average lows around 13-18°C (55-64°F). Days are generally warm to moderately hot, but the high humidity can make it feel warmer.
- Rainfall: March is typically one of the wettest months. Be prepared for frequent rain, with around 11 rainy days in March on average and monthly rainfall averaging 133mm, often in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. An umbrella and light rain gear are highly recommended.
- Humidity: High humidity is common, averaging 80%.
- Sunshine: You can expect around 5 hours of bright sunshine per day.
- Wind: Winds are generally light, offering a gentle breeze.
Recommendations: Overall, pack light, breathable clothing, and definitely include rain and sun protection. Evenings can be slightly cooler, so a light long-sleeve shirt might be useful.