Traveling to São Carlos is easy; you can select from full-service or budget airlines. Compare flight durations and choose the best option that fits your budget and schedule, allowing you to enjoy the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Look for cheap flights to São Carlos to save on your journey.
Major airports near São Carlos: Viracopos - Campinas International Airport (VCP), Ribeirao Preto Airport (RAO)
Closest (typical) airport to São Carlos: Ribeirao Preto Airport, RAO (around 51 miles)
Flights per week: 190+ flights arriving across São Carlos airports
Number of airlines that fly to São Carlos: around 3 carriers
Popular airports near São Carlos
São Carlos is a vibrant city perfect for family getaways, outdoor adventures, and business trips alike. Visitors are drawn to its eco-friendly atmosphere and urban charm. The city is conveniently accessible via two major airports, including options for helicopters from São Carlos Airport.
Viracopos - Campinas International Airport (VCP): Situated in São Paulo State, approximately 90 miles from São Carlos, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to over 15 domestic cities and 5 international destinations. Passengers can opt for business class service for enhanced comfort, subject to the specific routes and airlines. Major carriers operating here include Azul Linhas Aereas, GOL Linhas Aereas S.A., and LATAM Airlines Group.
Ribeirao Preto Airport (RAO): Located in São Paulo State, about 51 miles from São Carlos, this airport primarily serves domestic flights, connecting to roughly 4 cities nationwide. Travelers have the option to upgrade to premium economy service for a more comfortable journey, depending on the airlines and routes available. Notable airlines at this airport include LATAM Airlines Group, Azul Linhas Aereas, and GOL Linhas Aereas S.A..
Top routes to São Carlos
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to São Carlos (VCP), with one-way tickets available from around $220
Orlando (MCO) to São Carlos (VCP), with one-way airfare from around $190
Rio de Janeiro (SDU/GIG) to São Carlos (RAO/VCP), with one-way flights starting at around $40
Vitoria (VIX) to São Carlos (VCP), with one-way tickets available from around $40
Lisbon (LIS) to São Carlos (VCP), with one-way fares starting at around $300
Cheapest routes to São Carlos
Brasilia (BSB) to São Carlos (VCP), with low one-way fares from around $30
Belo Horizonte (CNF) to São Carlos (VCP), with budget one-way fares from around $40
Rio de Janeiro (SDU/GIG) to São Carlos (RAO/VCP), with low one-way fares from around $40
Campinas (VCP) to São Carlos (RAO), with cheap one-way fares from around $40
Vitoria (VIX) to São Carlos (VCP), with low one-way fares from around $40
*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes
Top airlines with flights to São Carlos
Azul Linhas Aereas: This airline operates flights to Ribeirao Preto Airport (RAO) and Viracopos - Campinas International Airport (VCP), comprising about 91% of arrivals to São Carlos. The typical one-way fare hovers around $130, with potential business class service available on select routes.
GOL Linhas Aereas S.A.: GOL serves Ribeirao Preto Airport (RAO) and Viracopos - Campinas International Airport (VCP), representing roughly 5% of arrivals to São Carlos. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $200.
LATAM Airlines Group: Operating flights to Ribeirao Preto Airport (RAO) and Viracopos - Campinas International Airport (VCP), LATAM also accounts for approximately 5% of arrivals to São Carlos. The average one-way fare is around $170, with options for premium economy class on certain routes.
Best time to fly to São Carlos
The most popular months for travelers to fly to São Carlos are February, March, and December, when peak temperatures in São Carlos can reach up to 73.9°F in December. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 73.6°F. For better deals, July usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $253, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? November, June, and May offer average one-way fares of around $267, making them good options for flexible travelers.
Month
Temperature
Precipitation
Cloudiness
Demand
Average one-way Fare
January
73.4°F (23.0°C)
Frequent Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
$274
February
73.4°F (23.0°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
High
$304
March
72.3°F (22.4°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
High
$289
April
69.4°F (20.8°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$319
May
65.5°F (18.6°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$272
June
64.0°F (17.8°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$267
July
64.9°F (18.3°C)
No Rain (Dry)
Sunny
Average
$253
August
67.6°F (19.8°C)
No Rain (Dry)
Sunny
Low
$319
September
73.0°F (22.8°C)
Light Rain
Sunny
Low
$351
October
73.6°F (23.1°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Low
$315
November
73.0°F (22.8°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$262
December
73.9°F (23.3°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
High
$384
*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.
How to save money on a flight to São Carlos
Getting some of the best deals on flights to São Carlos is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your São Carlos flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.
*For members. Select hotels.
Arriving in São Carlos
São Carlos welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach São Carlos efficiently:
Public transportation: From Viracopos - Campinas International Airport, Indaiatuba Station, a train station, is located about 7.4 miles from the airport, while Campinas Bus Station, a bus station, is approximately 8.4 miles away, providing convenient access to both rail and bus services.
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in São Carlos, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
Car rental: Renting a car in São Carlos is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in São Carlos on Expedia.
Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
Where to stay in and around São Carlos
Descalvado: Located 15 miles drive away from São Carlos, Descalvado is a vibrant city offering a blend of business and family experiences. Visitors can enjoy modern amenities with a shopping mall and educational institutions nearby. Notable attractions include Morro do Cuscuzeiro, a scenic lookout perfect for outdoor adventures and romantic getaways. The Kartódromo Municipal Ayrton Senna da Silva provides thrilling go-karting experiences, while the Senhor Bom Jesus dos Aflitos Church showcases the city’s cultural heritage.
Ibate: Situated 12 miles away from São Carlos, Ibate is a charming city ideal for family outings and eco-friendly adventures. Explore its beautiful botanical garden, parks, and water features that invite relaxation and outdoor fun. Key highlights include the Federal University of Sao Carlos, known for its modern architecture, and the Paroquia Sao Sebastiao and Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Fatima churches, both offering rich cultural insights and stunning designs.
Condomínio Moradas São Carlos I: Condomínio Moradas São Carlos I is located in the area of São Carlos and is a peaceful village that caters to visitors seeking a blend of academic and cultural experiences. Key points of interest include the Federal University of Sao Carlos, which stands out for its contemporary facilities. The nearby Paroquia Sao Sebastiao and Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Fatima churches provide cultural enrichment and architectural beauty, making it a great spot for those looking to explore local heritage.
Tips for short-haul flights to São Carlos
For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:
Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more cost-effective to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize your space by opting for mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning your outfits strategically. This approach also helps you avoid waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Don't forget to fully charge your devices before you board.
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.
Tips for long-haul flights to São Carlos
Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:
Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat can greatly enhance your comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, which is usually 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines provide the option to select seats even earlier than this.
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights to accommodate check-in, security procedures, and immigration.
Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, enjoy a coffee at a café, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free and accessible Wi-Fi.
Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.
Tips to find the cheapest flights to São Carlos
The cheapest day to fly
Get started finding a cheap flight to São Carlos on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.
The cheapest month to fly
is the cheapest month to fly to São Carlos. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to São Carlos. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.
The most affordable time to book a flight
Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to São Carlos, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.
The cheapest round-trip tickets to São Carlos
The lowest price for round-trip flights to São Carlos in 2026 starts from , while one-way tickets start from . Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to São Carlos. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.
The cheapest airlines flying to São Carlos
are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to São Carlos. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to São Carlos and countless more destinations worldwide.
The most affordable airports to fly into
To view the cheapest airports to fly into for São Carlos, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to São Carlos. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.
Save with a package
With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your São Carlos plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.
Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to São Carlos
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to São Carlos.
Stopover savings
The cheapest tickets to São Carlos are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to São Carlos. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.
Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection
Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to São Carlos for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
*Terms apply.
Use our Price Tracking feature
Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to São Carlos. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate São Carlos flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.
Book with Expedia
As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to São Carlos. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is the cheapest to fly to São Carlos?
The cheapest month to fly to São Carlos is when demand is low. Off-peak months are often when you'll find cheap flights. To keep costs down, steer clear of flying during public and school holidays.
Which US cities fly direct to São Carlos?
Pick from 11 US cities that have direct flights to São Carlos. While booking on Expedia, check the "Direct flights only" box to compare nonstop routes. Fly to São Carlos from any of these major cities:
Miami
New York
Atlanta
Newark
Washington
How to find a cheap flight to São Carlos?
To snag cheap flights to São Carlos, book in advance or visit during the off-peak months of January and March. After another tip? Leave on a Thursday and save 16% on average compared to those who travel on a Sunday.* Set up price tracking on the Expedia app and we'll let you know as soon as your fares go down.
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to São Carlos?
Being flexible with your plans may help you to secure last-minute offers on cheap flights to São Carlos. To view all the available options, try looking at different ticket types, tweaking your São Carlos trip dates, flying out of an alternative airport or using another carrier.
How far in advance should I book a flight to São Carlos?
For the best deals on domestic journeys, book your flight to São Carlos 28 days ahead of your travel dates. For international flights, search for your ticket between two and four months in advance. This increases your chances of locking in your preferred departure times and seats.*
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to São Carlos?
Generally, you can find cheap flights to São Carlos on Sundays. Travelers can save around 8% on average compared to booking on a Friday, which is typically the most expensive day to purchase tickets.*
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to São Carlos?
There are 3 carriers connecting São Carlos with 11 airports across the globe. The primary entry point to São Carlos is Ribeirao Preto Airport (RAO). Azul and Passaredo are two well-known airlines to São Carlos.
Where do you fly into São Carlos?
The main airport to fly to São Carlos is Ribeirao Preto Airport (RAO). You can also touch down at Araraquara Airport (AQA) when flying to São Carlos.
How far is the airport from central São Carlos?
You'll be about 50 mi north of the center of São Carlos after landing at Ribeirao Preto Airport (RAO).
Can I save money by booking a São Carlos trip package?
It's possible to save hundreds of dollars if you lock in a São Carlos flight and hotel package deal on Expedia. And you'll make life easier by having all your travel plans in one place. Try bundling hotels and flights with extras like car rentals and activities for your own personalized São Carlos getaway.
Can I change or cancel my flight to São Carlos?
You can usually change or cancel your flight to São Carlos within 24 hours of booking. However, keep in mind that some fares are non-refundable. In those cases, you may receive credit for future flights rather than a direct refund. Remember to check the airline's terms of service in your itinerary for exact details. You can use Expedia's "No cancel fee" or "Changes included" filters when you search to find cheap flights to São Carlos with flexible change policies. For additional information, browse our Customer Service Portal.