The 12 Best Day Trips from Santos

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 12 good day trips from Santos, Brazil, led by São Paulo, Guarulhos, Campinas. The closest is Mauá, about 40 min by car, and 4 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 12 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Santos

  1. 1

    São Paulo, Brazil

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 5 min by car55 km north-west of Santos

    What travelers see in São Paulo

    • Ibirapuera Park - A green oasis in the heart of São Paulo, perfect for walking, jogging, or relaxing amidst beautiful gardens, museums, and modern art installations.
    • Avenida Paulista - One of the most famous avenues in Brazil, home to cultural institutions, shops, and vibrant street life — a must-visit for any traveler.
    • Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand - Known as MASP, this museum boasts an impressive collection of Western art and an iconic modernist architectural style, offering cultural enrichment.
  2. 2

    Guarulhos, Brazil

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 10 min by car59 km north of Santos

    Known for Parque de Diversões Marisa.

  3. 3

    Campinas, Brazil

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car139 km north-west of Santos

    Known for Mercado Municipal de Campinas.

  4. 4

    São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car38 km north-west of Santos
  5. 5

    Sorocaba, Brazil

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 55 min by car125 km north-west of Santos

    Known for Mercado Municipal de Sorocaba.

  6. 6

    São José dos Campos, Brazil

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 30 min by car98 km north-east of Santos
  7. 7

    Jundiaí, Brazil

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 35 min by car103 km north-west of Santos
  8. 8

    Mauá, Brazil

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car35 km north of Santos
  9. 9

    Diadema, Brazil

    Half-day trip
    About 50 min by car42 km north-west of Santos
  10. 10

    Carapicuíba, Brazil

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car71 km north-west of Santos
  11. 11

    Itaquaquecetuba, Brazil

    Half-day trip
    About 1 hr by car53 km north of Santos
  12. 12

    Taubaté, Brazil

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 5 min by car131 km north-east of Santos

A sample day: Santos to São Paulo

  1. 08:30Leave Santos
  2. 09:35Arrive in São Paulo (1 hr 5 min drive)
  3. 09:50Ibirapuera Park
  4. 11:50Lunch
  5. 13:05Avenida Paulista
  6. 14:50Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand
  7. 16:20Head back to Santos
  8. 17:25Home in Santos

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Santos?
The best day trips from Santos are São Paulo, Guarulhos, Campinas, São Bernardo do Campo, Sorocaba. The closest is Mauá, about 40 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Santos?
Mauá is the closest, 35 km north of Santos, roughly 40 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of Santos?
4 places are within about an hour's drive of Santos: Mauá (40 min), São Bernardo do Campo (45 min), Diadema (50 min), Itaquaquecetuba (1 hr).
What is the biggest city near Santos for a day out?
São Paulo is the largest city in day-trip range, 55 km north-west of Santos and about 1 hr 5 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
Where can I go for a weekend from Santos?
For a weekend away from Santos, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Campinas (139 km, 2 hr 10 min), Taubaté (131 km, 2 hr 5 min), Sorocaba (125 km, 1 hr 55 min), Jundiaí (103 km, 1 hr 35 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from Santos?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Campinas at 139 km, around 2 hr 10 min by car.

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