Guadalajara Western Central Highlands, Mexico Travel Guide
This is the main airport serving Guadalajara, also known as Aeropuerto Internacional de Guadalajara. It ranks as Mexico's third busiest airport, handling substantial domestic and international flights. The airport is 17 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city center.
Reaching your accommodation from GDL airport finds ease with several reliable options. Inside the terminal, you find booths selling tickets for authorized airport taxis. These taxis operate on a fixed-zone pricing system, verifying fair fares.
This period sees the highest demand for flights due to pleasant weather and holiday travel. Expect higher prices. Book your flights well in advance, ideally 3-4 months ahead.
Prices tend to hold moderation during these periods. You often find better deals compared to the high season. Booking 2-3 months in advance typically yields better prices across all seasons.
This period corresponds with the rainy season, and flight prices generally fall due to reduced tourist demand. This period has the best value for airfare.
When arriving at GDL, avoid accepting rides from unofficial solicitors inside the terminal. Only use authorized airport taxi booths or reputable ride-sharing apps.
A useful step for departure involves presenting the bottom portion of your FMM tourist card to immigration authorities. You received this portion upon your arrival. Officials collect this card as you leave the country. Losing it causes delays at the airport and incurs a fine. Keep it safe throughout your trip.
For air travelers departing from Guadalajara International Airport, no separate exit fee or tax is typically charged. These fees usually stand included in your airfare, so you should not expect to pay an additional fee at the airport.
Mexico’s long-distance bus system is a prominent feature for land travel. It has extensiveness, affordability, and often delivers a high level of comfort.
Renting a car offers flexibility but comes with specific considerations in Mexico. Mexico generally does not possess an extensive passenger train network for inter-city travel.
Traffic in Guadalajara is heavy and chaotic, especially during rush hours. Driving within the city center has challenges due to narrow streets and complex layouts. Parking in the historic center finds challenge and expense. Look for public parking garages ("estacionamientos").
Mexico generally does not possess an extensive passenger train network for inter-city travel, unlike some European countries. The distinguished exception is the Tequila Express.
Guadalajara’s public transportation system, known as "Mi Movilidad," has an efficient way to travel across the city. It combines different modes to deliver comprehensive coverage.
The Mi Movilidad Card is a rechargeable smart card highly recommended for using public transport. Purchase the card and load credit onto it at Mi Tren and Mi Macro Bus stations. Some OXXO convenience stores also sell and reload these cards.
Purchase a Mi Movilidad Card soon after arrival. Use Google Maps' public transport option for accurate route planning. Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) due to crowds.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Uber, DiDi, InDriver) deliver convenient, door-to-door transportation. They present utility for longer distances or late-night travel, often proving more economical.
For travelers desiring more independence, car and bicycle rentals are available. Car rental DiscoverCars.com
The core of the city features many pedestrianized streets and wide sidewalks, ideal for walking between major landmarks and plazas. Chapultepec Avenue, a lively, tree-lined thoroughfare in Colonia Americana, has wide sidewalks, cafes, bars, and galleries, making it a popular spot for evening strolls.
Guadalajara possesses a growing network of dedicated bike lanes, notably along major avenues and in newer developments. City traffic holds heaviness and aggressiveness. Exercise caution when cycling, specifically on main roads. Wearing a Helmet gains recommendation.
The Tapatío Tour, a popular hop-on-hop-off double-decker bus, has a convenient way to see major attractions in Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque, and Zapopan. It offers different routes, permitting disembarking at points of interest and re-boarding later.
Not applicable in Guadalajara itself, as it is an inland city. However, if you take a day trip to Lake Chapala, you find boat tours or hire small boats for lake exploration.
Guadalajara does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems like those found in some other cities.
Accessibility infrastructure experiences betterment but remains limited in many historic areas due to cobblestones and uneven pavements. Newer public transport infrastructure, like Mi Tren Line 3, is generally more accessible. Always verify accessibility directly with specific attractions or accommodations when planning your trip.
