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About GDL
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), officially Aeropuerto Internacional de Guadalajara Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, is Mexico's third-busiest airport and the main gateway to western Mexico and the state of Jalisco. Located about 17 km south of Guadalajara city center, GDL has two terminals connected by a free shuttle bus. The airport serves as a major connection point for flights to the US and Canada, with a large diaspora community generating significant traffic. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights while Terminal 2 serves international routes.
Hub For
Volaris (focus city)
Terminals
Terminal 1 (Domestic)
Handles domestic flights and some transborder services. Recently renovated with expanded food court and retail area. Connected to Terminal 2 by free shuttle bus (10 min).
Terminal 2 (International)
Handles all international flights and some domestic services. Modern facility with duty-free shopping and international food options. Opened in 2018 expansion.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at GDL
VivaAerobus
Terminal 1 (Domestic)
Volaris
Terminal 1 (Domestic)
Aeromexico
Terminal 2 (International)
Air Canada
Air Transat
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Terminal 2 (International)
Copa Airlines
Terminal 2 (International)Showing 8 of 15 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Macrobús (BRT), taxis, ride-hailing (Uber, DiDi), hotel shuttles, public buses
Taxi
$15-22
25-40 min to city center
Public Transport
$0.50-1
50-70 min to city center
Popular Destinations
Parking at GDL
Covered parking at both terminals. Terminal 1 has multi-story parking, Terminal 2 has surface and covered lots....
Terminal 1 Covered Parking
Terminal 2 Parking
Economy Lot
Airport Lounges
VIP Lounge Terminal 2
Terminal 2 (International)
International terminal lounge with runway views, hot and cold buffet featuring Mexican dishes, tequila bar, and workspace areas. Better equipped than the T1 lounge.
VIP Lounge Terminal 1
Terminal 1 (Domestic)
Domestic terminal lounge offering a buffet with Mexican and international snacks, alcoholic beverages, and comfortable seating. Compact but well-maintained.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
Holiday Inn Guadalajara Airport
Adjacent to airport, 3-minute drive
Convenient airport hotel with free shuttle service. Features restaurant, bar, fitness center, and outdoor pool. Day rooms available for layover passengers.
Hilton Guadalajara Midtown
Midtown Guadalajara, 15-minute drive
Upscale hotel halfway between airport and city center. Multiple restaurants, rooftop pool, spa, and modern rooms.
Food & Dining
Oxxo Grab & Go
Convenience/Snacks
Terminal 1 (Domestic) (Landside)
Mexico's ubiquitous convenience store chain selling sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and basic essentials. Great for cheap water and snacks.
24/7
La Tequila
Mexican/Jaliscense
Terminal 1 (Domestic) (Airside)
Branch of the famous Guadalajara restaurant featuring traditional Jalisco cuisine — birria, tortas ahogadas, and an impressive tequila selection. A taste of Guadalajara before departure.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Carl's Jr.
Fast Food/American
Terminal 2 (International) (Airside)
American burger chain with consistent quality. Popular with US-bound travelers for a quick meal before the flight.
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Car Rental
National Car Rental
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Counters in both terminals. Mexican car insurance is mandatory — confirm it is included in your rate. Good for trips to Tequila, Lake Chapala, or Puerto Vallarta.
Europcar
Arrivals Hall, Terminal 2
Located in T2 arrivals. Free km included on most rentals. Toll roads (cuota) in Jalisco are excellent but add up.
What to Do During a Layover
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Tlaquepaque Arts District
Charming colonial town known for its artisan workshops, galleries, blown glass, pottery, and tequila bars. Just 15 minutes from the airport — perfect for a short layover.
Guadalajara Historic Center
Explore the colonial heart of Mexico's second-largest city: the Cathedral, Hospicio Cabanas (UNESCO site) with Orozco murals, Mercado Libertad, and the Degollado Theater.
Tequila Town Day Trip
Visit the town of Tequila (1 hour drive), a UNESCO World Heritage agave landscape. Tour a distillery, sample tequila varieties, and learn about the production process.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type A/B (US-style), USB charging stations
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $5-10/day
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Exchange: Exchange counters in arrivals and departures of both terminals
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Airport exchange rates have large spreads. ATMs in the arrivals hall (Banamex, HSBC) offer much better rates. Avoid exchanging large amounts at airport counters.
Smoking Areas
Outdoor areas only, no indoor smoking facilities
Insider Tips
Uber and DiDi work at the airport but pickups must be from designated zones (parking areas). Official airport taxis have fixed rates posted at booths in arrivals — pay at the booth before exiting. The Macrobús BRT is a cheap way to reach downtown but requires a transfer. Guadalajara's altitude (1,500m) means cooler temperatures than coastal Mexico.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, chapel, duty-free shops, currency exchange, medical services, children play area, left luggage, SIM card kiosks, ATMs, food courts, business center
Official Website
Phone
+52-33-3688-5248