The airport is 17 km south of Guadalajara city center along the Carretera a Chapala highway.

About Guadalajara City Center

Guadalajara's Centro Histórico is the cultural heart of Jalisco state, anchored by the twin-spired Guadalajara Cathedral (built 1561-1618) and the surrounding network of four beautiful plazas. The Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses stunning murals by José Clemente Orozco, while the Degollado Theater hosts the Ballet Folklórico.

The city center extends along the Calzada Independencia to the Mercado San Juan de Dios (Mercado Libertad), one of Latin America's largest indoor markets. Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, famous artisan neighborhoods specializing in pottery, glass, and furniture, are short drives southeast. The city is the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, with the Tequila Express train departing from nearby.

Guadalajara's broader metro area is Mexico's second largest, with the Chapultepec Avenue corridor offering trendy restaurants, bars, and nightlife that rival Mexico City's Roma-Condesa scene.

Nearby Landmarks

Guadalajara Cathedral Hospicio Cabañas Plaza de Armas Mercado San Juan de Dios

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $15-22 (MXN 300-440)
Time 25-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $8-14 (MXN 160-280)
Time 25-40 min

Designated pickup zone in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking areas

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Macrobus route from outside the airport to the Periferico station, then change to Line 3 toward Centro Historico

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $15-22 (MXN 300-440) 25-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $8-14 (MXN 160-280) 25-40 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Official airport taxis and private transfers operate 24/7. A late-night taxi to the city center costs MXN 400-500 ($22-28). Uber works at GDL airport (pickup in the designated rideshare area). The city center is quiet after midnight except on weekends. There is no public bus from the airport at night.

Luggage Tips

Airport taxis are sedans or SUVs with trunk space. If taking a bus from the city center onward, the main bus terminal (Central de Autobuses) has luggage storage. Centro Histórico streets are flat but some are cobblestoned near the cathedral. Rolling luggage works on main streets.

Accessibility

Guadalajara Airport has wheelchair assistance (request through your airline). Airport taxis can accommodate folded wheelchairs. The city center has uneven sidewalks in places, but the main plazas and pedestrian zones around the cathedral are accessible. The Macrobús BRT system has level boarding at stations.