Guadalajara Airport: Which City Does It Serve?

Guadalajara International Airport, officially known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport, is located 16-17km from Guadalajara, the second-largest city in Mexico. It is one of the country's busiest airports, ranking third in passenger traffic, aircraft operations, and cargo volume. The airport offers a range of amenities and transportation options for passengers, including bus services, taxis, and car rentals, making it a convenient gateway to the city of Guadalajara and beyond.

Guadalajara Airport is 16-17km from Guadalajara city

Guadalajara International Airport, officially known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (IATA: GDL, ICAO: MMGL), is located 16-17km from Guadalajara, the second-largest city in Mexico. The airport is situated in Tiajomulco de Zuñiga, Jalisco, and is the third busiest airport in Mexico, serving as a hub for Volaris and Aeroméxico, and a focus city for VivaAerobus.

The airport is easily accessible from Guadalajara, with Highway 23 leading directly to the airport from the city. Various transport options are available to and from the airport, including bus services, taxi services, and car rental agencies. The airport shuttle service, for example, provides hourly transfers to and from the city centre, with a journey time of approximately 35 minutes.

Guadalajara International Airport offers a range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. The airport features a single terminal with two storeys, facilitating both domestic and international flights. The ground floor houses arrival amenities such as baggage claim carousels, check-in sections, and a commercial corridor with various shops and kiosks. The upper floor is dedicated to departures, boasting food courts, restaurants, and 43 gates distributed across four concourses.

The airport also provides essential services such as ATMs, currency exchange booths, a pharmacy, and travel agencies. For added convenience, there are several shops and duty-free outlets within the terminal, as well as a selection of dining options, including restaurants and fast food outlets. Additionally, Guadalajara International Airport accommodates VIP lounges, meeting facilities, and nearby hotel accommodations for those seeking a more exclusive experience.

With direct connections to numerous international destinations, Guadalajara International Airport plays a pivotal role in Mexican aviation. Its proximity to Guadalajara, approximately 16-17km, makes it a convenient gateway to the city, contributing to its status as one of the most visited airports in the country.

It is Mexico's third-busiest airport

Guadalajara Airport, officially known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport, is Mexico's third-busiest airport. It is located in Tlajomulco de Zuñiga, Jalisco, 17 kilometres south of Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city.

Guadalajara Airport handled over 17.7 million passengers in 2023, offering flights across Mexico, the Americas, and Europe. It is a significant hub for airlines such as Volaris, Viva, and Aeroméxico, providing direct connections to numerous international destinations. The airport's single terminal building spans 89,300 square metres and features two storeys, facilitating both domestic and international flights.

The ground floor of the terminal caters to arrivals, with baggage claim carousels, check-in sections, and a commercial corridor offering various amenities, including snack kiosks, banks, and shops. The upper floor is dedicated to departures, with a lengthy departures area featuring food courts, restaurants, and 43 gates distributed across four concourses.

Guadalajara Airport provides a range of services and amenities for passenger convenience. These include ATMs, currency exchange booths, duty-free stores, shops, restaurants, and a pharmacy. Additionally, the airport offers car rental services, bus transportation to the city centre, and taxi services for those travelling to and from the airport.

The airport has played a pivotal role in addressing congestion at Mexico City International Airport, accommodating additional routes and frequencies. It is named after Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a pivotal figure in the Mexican War of Independence, and is operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP).

The airport is named after a key figure in the Mexican War of Independence

Guadalajara International Airport is located in the city of Tlajomulco, near Chapala, 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of downtown Guadalajara. It is the third most active airport in Mexico, after Mexico City and Cancun, and it serves as the main gateway to the United States for the airline Volaris. The airport is officially named after Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a key figure in the Mexican War of Independence.

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was an independence leader who established Mexico's first revolutionary government in Guadalajara in 1810. On November 25, 1810, Hidalgo entered San Pedro (now Tlaquepaque), and the next day he was greeted in Guadalajara. The city's workers were living in poor conditions, and Hidalgo's promises of lower taxes and the abolition of slavery swayed them to his cause. Despite a violent welcome from the rebel army towards city residents, especially royalists, Hidalgo kept his promise, and on December 6, 1810, slavery was abolished in Guadalajara. This proclamation has been honoured since the end of the war.

During this time, Hidalgo also founded a newspaper called 'El Despertador Americano', dedicated to the insurgent cause. In January 1811, royalist forces marched to Guadalajara, arriving with nearly 6,000 men. Insurgents wanted to concentrate their forces in the city and plan an escape route, but Hidalgo rejected this idea.

Guadalajara Airport was inaugurated on March 1, 1951, and has undergone significant expansions since its early days. It is operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) and serves as a hub for Volaris, Viva, and Aeroméxico. The airport has a wide array of amenities, including ATMs, dining options, currency exchange, duty-free stores, shops, and restaurants.

It has a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and currency exchange

Guadalajara Airport, officially known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), is located in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico. Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful architecture.

The airport offers a range of amenities to cater to the needs of travellers, including shops, restaurants, and currency exchange services. Passengers can find various shops and duty-free stores within the airport, offering a variety of products, including local souvenirs, fashion, and accessories. There is also a pharmacy available for any last-minute health and wellness needs.

When it comes to dining options, Guadalajara Airport provides a selection of restaurants and food establishments. Whether you're looking for a quick bite before your flight or a sit-down meal, you'll find different cuisines and options to suit your taste and budget. The airport also features VIP lounges, providing a more exclusive and comfortable dining experience for eligible passengers.

Currency exchange is an important service offered at Guadalajara Airport. The company Globo Cambios operates several booths throughout the airport, allowing travellers to conveniently exchange their currency. It is recommended to make a reservation on the Globo Cambios website to ensure the availability of your desired currency. Additionally, there are exchange houses located outside the airport that often offer more favourable rates. ATMs are also available within the airport for easy access to local currency.

Overall, Guadalajara Airport is well-equipped to meet the needs of travellers with its range of shops, restaurants, and other amenities. The airport aims to provide a comfortable and convenient experience for passengers passing through Guadalajara, whether they are arriving, departing, or simply connecting to another destination.

The airport offers transport options, including bus and taxi services

Guadalajara Airport, also known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), is located in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, 17 km (approximately 11 miles) south of Guadalajara city centre. It is the third busiest airport in Mexico, serving as a hub for Aeroméxico and Volaris and a focus city for VivaAerobus.

For those seeking a more private transfer, Guadalajara Airport offers a range of options, including shared shuttle vans, private cars, and private SUVs. These services can be booked in advance, providing a convenient and comfortable journey to and from the airport. Private transfers can accommodate different group sizes, with options for up to 10 passengers, and offer additional benefits such as flight monitoring, luggage assistance, and door-to-door service.

Additionally, car rental services are available at Guadalajara Airport, allowing travellers to explore the city and surrounding areas at their own pace. Weekly rentals start at $10 USD per day with unlimited mileage, providing a cost-effective option for those who prefer the flexibility of having their own vehicle.

Frequently asked questions