Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), also called Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, is the gateway to western Mexico and the country’s third busiest airport. If you’re heading to hot spots like Puerto Vallarta or the tequila-producing Jalisco region, you’re likely to pass through here. These expert tips will help you navigate this modern Mexican hub with ease.
How early to arrive at GDL
I generally believe that you don’t really need to be at most airports two hours ahead of a flight, but Guadalajara International Airport is one of the exceptions. The airport is large and modern, but it’s often crowded and considerable lines can form at both airline check-in counters and security checkpoints. Plus, there are no TSA PreCheck lanes to expedite the process.
Keeping all this in mind, while you may breeze through the airport in 30 minutes some days, I recommend arriving at GDL at least two hours before your flight, and three hours if you’re not a fast walker, are newer to travel, or are a travel-worrier. In all these cases, having that extra hour will help you stay calm and make fewer mistakes.
Traveling to and from GDL by public transportation
The Autotransportes Guadalajara Chapala (Chapala Plus) bus service is your one reliable public transportation option between GDL and downtown Guadalajara. It’s worth noting that this is not an airport express bus, it’s a regular bus that happens to stop at the airport, so don’t expect a lot of space for luggage.
The bus is very inexpensive and generally takes a little over an hour to reach what is otherwise about 20 minutes away by car. To find it, just exit Terminal 1 from baggage claim and follow the signs to the bus station, a quick three-minute walk. Buses run daily from approximately 6:00 am to 9:35 pm.
I recommend this option for more seasoned travelers who are transportation savvy and don’t mind a little extra legwork. As I travel to Mexico regularly, this is an easy and affordable option for me, but if you want the most stress-free and convenient experience, you’d be better off taking one of the car options.
Getting to and from GDL by car
Of the car options available, taking a taxi offers the quickest and most convenient drive from Guadalajara International Airport. To get one, look for the taxi counter inside the arrivals hall near baggage claim. You’ll give them your destination and get a ticket with a fixed, no-haggle rate. It’s the most straightforward way to reach the city center – alternatively, you can try to score a bit of a deal through a rideshare.
You can usually save a few bucks by ordering an Uber. It takes an extra minute, but I find the savings are worth it. On your way back to the airport, both taxis and rideshares will drop you right at the curb.
If you’re staying within the main neighborhoods of the city, you don’t need your own car in Guadalajara. I rely on walking and rideshares for these short distances, avoiding parking, buying gas, and local traffic customs. But if you’ll be heading onward to Jalisco, Lake Chapala, or other destinations beyond the city limits, consider picking up a rental at the airport.
There are more than a dozen car rental agencies offering services at GDL, and most of them will be familiar to you. Online quotes may seem inexpensive, but here’s the catch: Mexican rentals always require Mexican insurance, which is rarely quoted online, even by brands you trust in the US.
Your bill on arrival will be much higher than you were quoted. To avoid surprises, I ask my hotel to connect me with a reputable local car service. You get an accurate price upfront and a driver, which is a win-win.
Genuine culture and amazing art at GDL
Guadalajara’s art program is almost entirely centered on the cultural heritage of the region, and its mural collection alone is well worth exploring. You’ll find these throughout the airport, from check-in through terminals and into baggage claim, where both of my favorites are.
My two favorites are in the arrivals area. In the main hall, look for “Flight of Quetzalcoatl,” a vibrant mural depicting the mythical feathered serpent deity. Then at baggage claim, you can’t miss “Tequila Sunrise,” a beautiful piece that pays homage to Jalisco’s signature export. Keep an eye out for the intricate Huichol art too, made with thousands of tiny, colorful beads or yarn by the region’s indigenous people.
Lounges at GDL
GDL has two VIP lounges: VIP Lounge Guadalajara Nacional for domestic departures and VIP Lounge Guadalajara Internacional for international departures. Both accept Priority Pass and LoungeKey memberships for entry. You’ll find the domestic lounge before gate D30 and the international one before gate B13.
For airline-specific lounges, SkyTeam Elite Plus members and passengers traveling in International First or Business Class on a SkyTeam member flight can head to the AeroMexico Salon Premier before gate 5. I’ve found it to be clean and comfortable with a nice selection of food and drinks. It’s on the smaller side, but it’s one of the better AeroMexico lounges in my opinion.
If you don’t have access, all three lounges typically sell day passes if space is available. If you have a choice, I’d go for the VIP East lounge (domestic). It has plenty to offer and rarely feels packed.
What to do with a long layover at GDL
If you have a layover of around four or more hours and your second flight is domestic (within Mexico), hire a rideshare and head to Tlaquepaque. It’s one of my favorite “Pueblos Mágicos” (Magic Towns) in Mexico, just a 30-minute ride away. The streets are alive with artisan shops, galleries, and fantastic cafes and restaurants.
A word of caution: I only recommend this if you’ve already cleared immigration and are connecting to another flight within Mexico. Immigration lines at GDL can take up to two hours, and it’s not worth risking your connection. If you have to stay at the airport, the good news is that several restaurants are open 24/7, so you’ll never go hungry.
Free Wi-Fi at GDL
Even if you don’t have an international phone plan, major US carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon include talk, text, and data roaming in Mexico and Canada on eligible unlimited plans at no extra cost. If not, you’ll find Wi-Fi available throughout the terminals. I’ve also never had trouble finding an open outlet to keep my devices charged while waiting for a flight.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
