Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) Information
(Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
Although this hub has the long title of the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, most people simply call it Guadalajara International Airport. Located directly south of downtown Guadalajara, this tidy, mid-size air facility handles scheduled flights to around 20 Mexican destinations and a handful of cities in
North America.
Using the Mexican carriers Aeromexico, Interjet, VivaAerobus or Volaris, passengers can fly between Guadalajara and most of the country's major cities. A small number of American carriers, such as Delta, US Airways, United, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, all offer a good range of direct flights to many
US cities, from coast to coast.
More than seven million passengers fly through this airport annually, making it Mexico's third-busiest air hub. The two terminals have been recently overhauled and now offer travellers a more pleasant environment while waiting for their flight. All of the usual amenities are on hand in both terminals, while transport into Guadalajara is provided by taxis, shuttle buses and rental cars.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Address: Municipio Tlajomulco de Zúniga, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 45659, Mexico
Tel: +52 33 3688 5120
Guadalajara International Airport is located just 15 km / 9 miles from the city centre, which is easily accessible by car via National Highway 23 (Carretera Federal 44 / Mexico 44). The two terminals have a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of services for passengers, with taxis and shuttle buses on hand for those who don't opt for car hire at the airport.
Facilities:
- Three banks, several ATMs and currency exchange booths are located at both terminals
- A selection of cafés and snack bars including Natural Break, Starbucks and Wings, with at least one outlet open 24 hours
- Duty free shopping is available airside in International Departures
- The Puerta Cero shopping mall is on hand for gifts and travel sundries
- A post office and a travel agency can be found in both terminals
- Several global chain and local car rental companies in Arrivals, including Avis, National and Alamo
- The Hotel Casa Grande is directly connected to the terminals by a covered walkway
- The airport is equipped for disabled travellers
- A VIP lounge is on hand for American Express card holders
- Parking is adjacent to the terminal, with ample space
Taxis
The official taxis at Guadalajara International Airport handle most of the transport needs of arriving passengers. Tickets for taxis can be purchased from the taxi counter outside of the Baggage Claim area. Fares are fixed according to zone, meaning that there is no need to haggle over the price.
Cars
Car hire is another option, with several international chains and a few Mexican car rental firms in operation at Arrivals. Driving into Guadalajara is straightforward, as National Highway 23 runs directly between the airport and the city, and is well-signed. The drive by car takes about 20 minutes. As you drive northwards, you will pass by various suburbs and districts, such as La Piedrera, Las Pintitas, Guadalupe Montenegro, Ermita, La Capilla and Las Pintas de Arriba.
Buses
There are special airport minibuses called Servicio Colectivo that meet every flight. They are cheaper than taxis, but take about 35 minutes to reach the centre of Guadalajara, from where you will need to grab a taxi to your next destination, in most cases. These buses depart from outside the main terminal once each hour. Passengers can purchase minibus tickets at the special booth next to the Arrivals area.