Getting Around, Guadalajara Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)



View of the city centre from high aboveGuadalajara is home to an excellent public transport network and offers everything from romantic horse-drawn carriages to speedy metro trains, which have quickly become one of the most popular ways to travel around the city. Metro train stops in Guadalajara are easy to spot, with clear signs displaying a 'T' symbol.

The downtown area of Guadalajara is extremely walkable and lots of the city's numerous attractions lie close to each other. However, for many, the bus transport in Guadalajara is the favoured travel option and there are literally dozens of different bus routes available, linking many places of interest within both the Zona Rosa and also the Centro Historico district. Pre-train bus transport links the Juárez metro station and is especially popular with local commuters.


Exterior photo of Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) / Arriving by Air

Address: Municipio Tlajomulco de Zúniga, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 45659, Mexico
Tel: +52 33 3688 5120
Also going by the name Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Miguel Hidalgo), Guadalajara Airport is just over 15 km / 9 miles south of the downtown district and features two separate terminals. Airlines travel to around 20 different cities throughout Mexico and also serve various prominent destinations within both Canada and the USA. The main airlines at Guadalajara Airport includes Aeroméxico, Air France, American Airlines, Continental, Delta and Mexicana.

Picture of main road

Car Rental

Many car rental travel agencies are located around Guadalajara, including a number of the most notable US firms. However, the cheapest rates are often available using local companies. Many major Mexican highways converge around Guadalajara, forming the city's Periférico (ring road), which allows you to travel around the Jalisco area with relative ease.

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Image of bright red city bus

Buses and Coaches

There are two separate bus terminals in Guadalajara, with the city's long-distance bus station being known as the New Bus Terminal (Nueva Central Camionera). The terminal is located at around 9 km / 6 miles to the south-east of the city centre, on the Autopista Guadalajara Zapotlanejo and close to the Avenida Tonalá. Several different ticket desks are located within the bus station. Standing around 1.5 km / 1 mile to the south of the cathedral is the Old Bus Terminal (Antigua Central Camionera), Guadalajara's other bus station. Bus transport travels from Guadalajara to destinations all over central, northern and western parts of Mexico, with first-class, fully air-conditioned travel being available.

Bus transport in Guadalajara is extremely regular and buses travel roughly every five minutes throughout the day, between 06:00 and 22:00, often driving through the very heart of the city and along both the Avenida Hidalgo and the Avenda Vallarta. However, if you intend to use public bus transport as a means to travel around in Guadalajara, be prepared for a crowded, bumpy ride.

Trains

Only basic train transport is available in Guadalajara. Tourists always enjoy travelling on the 'Tequila Express', a popular tourist trail which travels into the neighbouring town of Tequila. Metro transport is fairly basic and comprises two subway lines, which dissect the city. Line 1 travels in a north to south direction for around 15 km / 9 miles, while line 2 travels east to west for approximately 10 km / 6 miles, beneath the Avenida Juárez and the Avenida Mina.

Taxis

Taxi transport is in good supply around central Guadalajara and all taxis now feature meters. However, you will soon discover when you choose to travel in taxis that many drivers prefer to simply quote a flat fare. Be prepared to negotiate for a better rate if you feel it is expensive, which is often the case around shopping malls. Popular taxi destinations in Guadalajara include the Antiqua Central Camionera, the Centro Magno, the Plaza del Sol, and the Tlaquepaque.