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Is a 40 min layover in Sao Paulo long enough?

CGH · Congonhas · Sao Paulo, Brazil
Probably Enough

Yes, 40 minutes is probably enough for a layover at CGH (Sao Paulo).

Comfortable for a same-terminal domestic transfer with a short walk.
Quick Stats
Concourses
2
Max Transit
12m
Avg. Security
12m
Primary Hub
LATAM Airlines Brasil
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
35min
tight
Domestic → International
60min
✗
International → Domestic
60min
✗
International → International
60min
✗
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Tips for 40 min Connections
Congonhas is domestic-only, so almost every connection here is domestic-to-domestic with no immigration or customs involved.
The terminal is small enough that even a gate-to-gate walk rarely takes more than 10-15 minutes.
LATAM and GOL passengers should watch for gate changes announced late, as the airport's tight urban footprint means some gates require a short bus ride to remote stands.
Rush hour on the São Paulo-Rio corridor (early morning and early evening) brings crowding at security and check-in, so build in extra buffer then.
If your itinerary includes an international leg, you'll actually be transferring to/from Guarulhos (GRU) by ground transport, not connecting within Congonhas itself.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
All gates sit within a single, single-level terminal building, so passengers simply walk between wings along a central concourse. There is no airside train or shuttle because the terminal footprint is small enough to cover on foot in a few minutes. Security screening is centralized at terminal entry, so transferring passengers who stay airside typically do not need to re-screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40 minutes enough for a layover at Congonhas (CGH)?

Comfortable for a same-terminal domestic transfer with a short walk.

What is the minimum connection time at CGH?

Minimum connection times at Congonhas: Domestic-to-Domestic is 35 minutes, International-to-International is 60 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 40 minutes connection at CGH on an international flight?

40 minutes is below the 60-minute international MCT at Congonhas. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. All gates sit within a single, single-level terminal building, so passengers simply walk between wings along a central concourse. There is no airside train or shuttle because the terminal footprint is small enough to cover on foot in a few minutes. Security screening is centralized at terminal entry, so transferring passengers who stay airside typically do not need to re-screen.

What happens if I miss my connection at CGH?

If you miss a connection, LATAM and GOL both have staffed transfer desks in the terminal that can rebook you on the next shuttle flight, which on the Rio-São Paulo route often departs within the hour given high frequency.

Other Layover Durations at CGH
25 min30 min35 min45 min50 min55 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr1¾ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
40 min Layovers at Other Airports
GRUSao PauloBELBelemBSBBrasiliaATLAtlantaDXBDubai
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