Guadalajara travel guide

Guadalajara travel guide

National Airports

Guadalajara has one major international airport and one smaller regional airport. They are:

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) – This is the main airport serving the city of Guadalajara and the surrounding region. It is located approximately 16 km south of the city center and is one of the busiest airports in Mexico. It offers direct flights to many destinations in North America, Central America, South America, and Europe.

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (LOV) – This is a smaller regional airport located in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara. It primarily serves domestic flights within Mexico, as well as a few international destinations in the United States. However, it is mostly used for private and charter flights.

It’s important to note that the airport code “LOV” is sometimes mistakenly used to refer to Guadalajara International Airport, but the correct code for that airport is “GDL.”

Trains in Guadalajara

Unfortunately, Guadalajara does not have a well-developed train system for public transportation. The city relies primarily on buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Didi for getting around.

However, there is a train station in Guadalajara that is primarily used for long-distance train travel to other parts of Mexico. The station is called Guadalajara Central Station (Estación Central de Guadalajara) and is located in the city center. From here, you can take trains to various destinations within Mexico, including Mexico City, Monterrey, and Aguascalientes.

In addition, there is a popular tourist train called the Tequila Express that operates from Guadalajara to the town of Tequila, which is about 60 km away. The train offers a scenic ride through the agave fields and includes tequila tastings, live music, and other entertainment.

Buses in Guadalajara

Buses are one of the most popular and affordable modes of transportation in Guadalajara. There are several types of buses available in the city, including local buses, rapid transit buses, and intercity buses that connect Guadalajara to other cities and towns in the region. Here are some key details about each type of bus:

Local buses: These buses operate within the city limits of Guadalajara and are the most common form of public transportation. They are relatively inexpensive and have designated routes and stops throughout the city. The fare is usually paid in cash as you board the bus, and exact change is required. Some buses may also have a prepaid card system that allows you to load credit onto a card and use it to pay for fares.

Rapid transit buses: Guadalajara has a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system called Mi Macrobus, which operates on dedicated bus lanes and offers a faster and more efficient way to travel within the city. These buses have fewer stops and can carry more passengers than local buses. The fare for Mi Macrobus is slightly higher than local buses, but still affordable.

Intercity buses: These buses operate between Guadalajara and other cities and towns in the region. They are often more comfortable and offer more amenities than local buses, such as air conditioning and onboard restrooms. There are several bus companies that operate intercity buses in Guadalajara, including Primera Plus, ETN, and Autovías.

How to get to Guadalajara

There are several ways to get to Guadalajara, depending on your location and budget. Here are some of the most common methods of transportation to reach Guadalajara:

By air: Guadalajara has an international airport called Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), which is located about 16 km south of the city center. It is served by many major airlines and offers direct flights to many destinations in North America, Central America, South America, and Europe. From the airport, you can take a taxi, Uber, or public transportation to get to your destination in the city.

By bus: Guadalajara has a well-developed bus network that connects it to other cities and towns in Mexico. There are several bus companies that operate in the region, including Primera Plus, ETN, and Autovías. Some of the major bus terminals in Guadalajara include Central Camionera de Guadalajara and Central Nueva.

By car: If you are driving to Guadalajara, there are several major highways that connect it to other cities in Mexico, including Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Monterrey. Just be aware that traffic in and around Guadalajara can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your trip accordingly.

By train: While Guadalajara does have a train station, it is primarily used for long-distance travel within Mexico. However, there is a popular tourist train called the Tequila Express that operates from Guadalajara to the town of Tequila, which is about 60 km away.

What is the best time to travel to Guadalajara

The best time to travel to Guadalajara depends on your preferences and what you plan to do while you’re there. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons in Guadalajara:

High season (November to April): This is the most popular time to visit Guadalajara because the weather is mild and sunny. Temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 18-30 Celsius), with low humidity and little rainfall. However, prices for accommodations and activities can be higher during this time, and popular tourist destinations can be crowded.

Low season (May to October): This is the off-season in Guadalajara because it is the rainy season. Temperatures can be hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings. However, prices for accommodations and activities are typically lower during this time, and there are fewer tourists, which can make it a more peaceful and relaxing time to visit.

Shoulder season (May and October): These are the months when the weather is transitioning from the rainy season to the dry season, or vice versa. The temperatures are usually warm but not too hot, and there are fewer tourists than in the high season. Prices for accommodations and activities may be lower during these months as well.

How to get around Guadalajara

There are several ways to get around Guadalajara, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the most common methods of transportation in the city:

Public transportation: Guadalajara has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, rapid transit buses, and light rail trains. The local bus system is the most extensive, with designated routes and stops throughout the city. Fares are relatively inexpensive and can be paid in cash as you board the bus or by using a prepaid card system. The rapid transit bus system, called Mi Macrobus, operates on dedicated bus lanes and offers a faster and more efficient way to travel within the city.

Taxis and ride-sharing services: Taxis are readily available in Guadalajara, and many can be hailed on the street or through a taxi stand. Uber and other ride-sharing services are also available in the city. Prices for taxis and ride-sharing services can vary depending on the time of day and distance traveled.

Biking: Guadalajara has a growing network of bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, which makes it a popular choice for locals and visitors who want to explore the city on two wheels. Some bike-sharing programs require a membership, while others allow you to rent a bike on a per-hour basis.

Walking: Guadalajara is a pedestrian-friendly city, with many of the major attractions located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s historic center and discover its charming plazas, gardens, and architecture.

Accommodations in Guadalajara

Guadalajara offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, budget hostels, and short-term apartment rentals. Here are some popular options for accommodations in Guadalajara:

Luxury hotels: Guadalajara has several luxury hotels that offer top-notch amenities, including spas, swimming pools, fitness centers, and gourmet restaurants. Some popular options include the Hotel Riu Plaza Guadalajara, the Intercontinental Presidente Guadalajara, and the Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara.

Boutique hotels: If you’re looking for a more personalized and intimate experience, Guadalajara has several boutique hotels that offer unique and stylish accommodations. Some popular options include the Villa Ganz Boutique Hotel, the Casa Pedro Loza Petit Hotel, and the Demetria Hotel.

Budget hostels: Guadalajara has several budget hostels that offer affordable and clean accommodations for backpackers and budget travelers. Some popular options include Hostal de Maria, Hostel Hospedarte Centro, and Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec.

Short-term apartment rentals: If you’re planning to stay in Guadalajara for an extended period or want more space and privacy, short-term apartment rentals are a great option. Websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com offer a wide range of apartments and homes for rent in Guadalajara.