How to Get to Guanajuato. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Guanajuato International Airport (BJX): Located in Silao, ~25 km (15.5 miles) from Guanajuato City (30-40 min drive). This is the main airport, also known as Aeropuerto Internacional del Bajío.

Airport Details

Querétaro International Airport (QRO): ~1.5-2 hours drive from Guanajuato City. An alternative if BJX flights are unavailable or more expensive.
Airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus fly to BJX from USA/Canada.
Routes: Common direct routes from major US cities (DFW, IAH, LAX, ORD, ATL). Flights from Canada usually connect in the US or Mexico City. Europe/other regions typically connect via Mexico City (MEX) or a major US hub.

Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

Flight prices are highest during peak tourist seasons (Dec-Jan, Mar-Apr, Jul-Aug). Shoulder seasons (May, Oct-Nov) often offer better deals. Booking 2-3 months in advance is advisable, earlier for Cervantino festival (Oct).

BJX Airport Services

BJX operates as a single terminal.
Facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, car rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar), duty-free shops, restaurants/cafes, taxi stands, airport shuttle services.
Transfer options: Authorized Taxis (fixed price tickets inside terminal, MXN 500-700+ to city center). Ride-sharing Apps (Uber/Didi) are available, pick-up points may be outside terminal. Shuttles/Vans (Colectivos) are more economical (MXN 200-300 per person).

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Flight Comparison

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Land Travel: Buses & Driving

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Buses are an excellent, efficient way to travel to Guanajuato from other Mexican cities.
Main Bus Station: Central de Autobuses de Guanajuato, located a few kilometers outside the city center.
Major Companies: ETN Turistar Lujo (premium), Primera Plus (executive), Futura/Omnibus de México (second-class).
Frequent services connect with Mexico City (4-5 hrs), Guadalajara (3-4 hrs), San Miguel de Allende (1-1.5 hrs), Querétaro (1.5-2 hrs).

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) with home country license. Mandatory Mexican liability insurance.
Road Conditions: Major highways ("cuota") are well-maintained. Secondary roads ("libre") vary.
Safety: Watch for speed bumps (topes), livestock, potholes. Avoid driving at night on unlit roads.
Parking: Difficult and expensive in historic center. Public parking garages are on the periphery. Many hotels have parking. DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

For international air travel, exit taxes are generally included in your airline ticket. You typically do not pay a separate fee at the airport.

Air Departure

Arrive at BJX airport at least 2-3 hours before scheduled international departure, 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.

Bus Departure

Arrive at the Central de Autobuses at least 30-45 minutes before bus departure. Facilities at BJX and the bus station include food and shops.

Getting to Guanajuato

Airport Transfers from BJX

The most common ways to get from Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) to Guanajuato City.

Transfer Options

Authorized Taxis: Safest option. Purchase tickets at official booths inside the terminal. Fixed prices to destination zones.
Ride-sharing (Uber/Didi): Available. Drivers pick up at designated points outside the immediate terminal area. Fares are comparable to authorized taxis.
Shuttles/Vans (Colectivos): Economical shared vans. Tickets from designated booths. Drop-off directly at hotels.

Bus Station Transfers

Connecting from Central de Autobuses de Guanajuato to the city center.

Options from Central de Autobuses

Local Bus: Cost-effective. Buses frequently connect the station to the city center.
Taxi: Readily available just outside the main exit. Agree on fare before starting.
Ride-sharing: Uber/Didi are available and generally convenient.

Booking Bus Tickets

Tickets are purchasable online via ClickBus, at bus station counters, or sometimes through hotel concierges. Booking in advance is recommended for popular routes or peak periods.

Train Services

Passenger train services are very limited in Mexico. No direct tourist train services connect to Guanajuato. The rail network mainly handles cargo.

Sea/River Arrivals

Guanajuato is an inland city. Sea or river arrivals via ferry services or cruise ports are not applicable. No significant river transportation options are available.

Departure Preparation

Airport Departure Procedures BJX

For international flights, arrive at BJX airport at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. For domestic flights, allow 1.5-2 hours. This accounts for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.

Tips for BJX

Book authorized taxi or ride-share in advance for airport transfers, especially for early morning flights.
Traffic from Guanajuato City to Silao can be unpredictable. Factor in extra time.
Ensure your FMM card is available for surrender at immigration.

Bus Station Departure Procedures

For bus travel from Central de Autobuses, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your bus departure. This time is for checking bags, confirming your platform, and finding your seat.

Tips for Bus Travel

Have your ticket ready, whether printed or on your phone.
Label your luggage clearly.
Pack snacks and water for your journey, especially for longer routes.

General Departure Advice

Exit Taxes

Exit taxes for international air travel are generally included in the airline ticket price.

Airport Facilities

BJX airport has basic facilities including food options, small shops, and restrooms.

Bus Station Facilities

The Central de Autobuses offers various food stalls, convenience shops, and comfortable waiting areas.

Departure Reminder

Allocate ample time for departure from Guanajuato, especially for flights, due to potential traffic and security procedures.

How to Get to Guanajuato