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How to Get to Leon De Los Aldama

How to Get to Leon De Los Aldama

Leon De Los Aldama Guanajuato, Mexico Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport Overview

León holds service by a modern international airport, connecting it to major cities within Mexico and the United States.

Del Bajío International Airport BJX

  • Also known as Guanajuato Foreign Airport, it acts as the main airport for León and the surrounding Bajío region.
  • Situated in Silao, Guanajuato, approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) east of León's city center.
  • The drive to León takes about 30-45 minutes, traffic dependent.

Airlines & Routes

Several airlines operate at BJX, presenting both domestic and international connections. Flights straight to BJX mostly hold availability from US cities.

Flight Information

  • Domestic Airlines: Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus (Mexico City, Monterrey, Tijuana, Cancún).
  • International Airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines (Dallas/Cowtown, Houston, The City of angels, Chicago, Atlanta).
  • Global Hubs: Travelers from Europe, Asia, or other global hubs typically connect through Mexico City or large US airports.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices fluctuate based on demand. Book several months in advance for peak season (Dec-Jan, Jul-Aug) and major holidays.

Airport Facilities

BJX functions as a compact, well-equipped airport. You locate ATMs, currency exchange, car rental, duty-free shops, restaurants, and VIP lounges.

Airport Transfers

Authorized airport taxis ($30-40 USD), shared shuttle services ($10-15 USD/person), ride-sharing (Uber/Didi from outside airport property), or public bus ($3-5 USD) connect BJX to León.

Pre-Booking Transfers

Authorized Taxis & Shuttles

  • Purchase tickets at kiosks inside the terminal.
  • Fixed rates to León apply for taxis.
  • Shuttles offer direct drops but multiple stops.
  • Pre-booking for peace of mind is a good consideration, especially for late arrivals or heavy luggage.

Ride-Sharing & Public Bus

  • Uber/Didi pickups occur just outside airport property due to regulations.
  • Public bus connects BJX to León's Central de Autobuses.
  • Public bus is suitable for light luggage and comfort with navigation.
  • For flight deals, explore Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities & Tips

Services

BJX features ATMs, currency exchange, car rental, duty-free shops, and dining options. Free Wi-Fi commonly holds availability.

Information

Information desks assist with queries. VIP lounges cater to eligible passengers.

Pre-Check

Confirm your flight or bus schedule the day before departure for any changes. Validate your transfer to the airport or bus terminal in advance.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Options

León boasts an extensive and efficient long-distance bus network, making it easily accessible from across Mexico. Its Central de Autobuses is one of Mexico's largest and most important bus terminals.

Major Companies & Routes

  • ETN and Primera Plus: Premium services with comfortable, reclining seats, AC, and often onboard entertainment. Recommended for longer journeys.
  • Omnibus de México and Futura: Mid-range services with good comfort and extensive routes.
  • Booking: Purchase tickets at the bus terminal, company websites, or third-party platforms. Booking in advance holds recommendation.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Mexico's road conditions vary, and safety precautions are prudent.

Considerations & Requirements

  • Requirements: Valid home driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended, passport, major credit card for deposit.
  • Road Conditions: Major highways (cuotas) maintain good condition, notably toll roads. Secondary roads (libres) present varied quality.
  • Safety: Avoid driving at night on unlit roads. Beware of unmarked speed bumps ("topes"). Keep valuables out of sight.

Driving Laws & Parking

Regulations

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory.
  • Do not use a cell phone while driving unless hands-free.
  • Parking: Street parking (metered/attendant) or multi-story garages (recommended for security).

Train & Sea Travel

Passenger train provisions in Mexico exist as limited. León, an inland city, holds no access to the sea or major navigable rivers.

Travel Notes

  • No active passenger train services operate to León. Bus travel acts as the main intercity land transportation.
  • Ferry services and cruise ports hold no applicability.
  • River transportation options hold no applicability.

Departure Information

  • Exit Fees: Mexican exit tax (DNR) typically holds inclusion in international airfare.
  • Overland Exit: If DNR not paid (no FMM or airfare inclusion), payment may occur upon departure (~$30-40 USD).
  • Airport Timing: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
  • Bus Terminal Timing: Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • BJX Airport: Features restaurants, shops, duty-free.
  • Central de Autobuses: Food stalls, small shops, waiting areas.

Local Transportation

Public Transit: Optibús

León prides itself on its Integrated Transport System (Sistema Integrado de Transporte - SIT), locally known as "Optibús." This Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system acts as a model for public transport in Mexico.

Features

  • System Overview: Articulated buses on dedicated lanes, supplemented by feeder buses. No metro or trams.
  • Route Maps: Digital maps on official SIT León website; Google Maps provides accurate directions.
  • Ticketing: Mainly cashless via "Pagobús" an electronic card (12 MXN for each ride, ~90-minute free transfers).

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps present convenient, door-to-door transportation options in León.

Options & Safety

  • Taxis: Licensed taxis (white or green/white) display "TAXI" sign. Negotiate fare upfront. Cash payment is standard.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and Didi hold wide availability. Offer cashless payment, GPS tracking, upfront fare quotes.
  • Safety: For taxis, use official stands. For ride-sharing, verify driver/plate match application info.

Walking Friendly

The Historic City Center and Calzada de los Héroes provide highly walkable areas. Parque Metropolitano offers extensive walking trails.

Cycling Friendly

León holds recognition for its relative bicycle-friendliness with dedicated bike lanes (ciclovías) in several areas. Public bike-sharing (Bici Pública) requires registration.

No-Go Areas

Avoid walking or cycling alone late at night in unlit or unfamiliar areas. Some peripheral neighborhoods may not offer safety for casual activity.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the region. Major companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Europcar, and Alamo operate at BJX airport and in León. Check DiscoverCars.com for options.

Requirements & Insurance

  • Valid driver's license, IDP recommended, passport, major credit card for deposit.
  • Minimum age: Typically 21 or 25.
  • Mexican law calls for liability insurance; clarify coverage with the hire company.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Motorcycle and scooter rentals remain less common in León. They might be harder to find than car rentals. Generally, they are not recommended for tourists due to traffic, road conditions, and safety risks.

Safety Advisory

  • Metropolitan traffic plus road quality present challenges.
  • Safety risks involve higher potential for incidents.
  • Tourists generally receive discouragement from these rental types.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Local tour operators offer city tours using small buses or open-air vehicles, often focusing on main attractions. A formal hop-on-hop-off service, as seen in larger tourist cities, generally lacks availability.

Water Transport

Not applicable. León is an inland city. Parque Metropolitano features a lake where small paddle boats hold availability of recreation, but not for transportation.

Accessibility Services

Newer infrastructure, like parts of the Optibús system, incorporates improved accessibility. Older city parts present challenges with uneven sidewalks and cobblestones.

Local Travel Tips

For city exploration, the Optibús system coupled with ride-sharing apps (Uber/Didi) usually gives the most efficient and convenient way to get around.