Whether you’re considering a move to Guadalajara, already live here, or are simply planning a visit, this comprehensive guide shares all the key information you’ll need for a smooth passage through GDL airport, Mexico’s third busiest overall.
Fortunately, I’m no longer a hardened road warrior like I was as a young adult. Nonetheless, since moving to Zapopan in 2022, I’ve been passing through Guadalajara’s airport an average of 8-10 times a year.
Based on first-hand experience, I’m going to share with you my top tips, insights, and hacks for GDL airport so that you can travel like a pro even if it’s your first time here.
Guadalajara (GDL) Airport — the Basics
Guadalajara airport, named for a Mexican hero of the independence movement, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, is surprisingly small given that we’re talking about Mexico’s second largest city.
Name & Airport Code: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Location: Carr. Guadalajara – Chapala Km 17.5, 45659 Jal., Mexico
Distance from Guadalajara Centro: 21 kilometers
Distance from Lake Chapala: 33 kilometers
Foreign Airlines serving GDL: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, Flair & COPA
Domestic airlines serving GDL: Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Aeroméxico & TAR Aerolineas
Getting there/away: Taxis, Uber, private car, or hotel shuttle. I’ll share more detailed advice on these options a bit later in the article.
Security checkpoints: The main checkpoint is on the ground level in the center of the terminal. If this security area is congested, I suggest heading up to level 2 (take the escalator by international arrivals) and using the second security checkpoint, which is rarely very busy.
How it’s organized:
International flights will be designated as Terminal 1 and domestic flights as Terminal 2 on your boarding pass, even though there is technically only one terminal building. As such, it’s super easy to walk from the domestic side to international, and vice versa.
There are a total of 36 gates at GDL, with international flights using 19-36 and domestic flights using 1-18. Of these, 21 gates are jet-bridge enabled, leaving 15 that still utilize the old-school walking up/down a flight of stairs to access the plane.
As a rule, international flights in Terminal 2 use jet-bridge enabled gates, while most domestic routes in Terminal 1 use gates requiring passengers to navigate walk-up stairs, or (worst case) gates accessible only by bus, followed by walk-up stairs.
Depending on how you look at air travel, this can be a romantic throwback or a dysfunctional mess. And if you get stuck behind a group of passengers who aren’t physically fit, or there’s a shortage of bus drivers to take passengers to/from their planes, my guess is that you’ll see it as the latter.
But look, this is how a lot of things work in Mexico, and it’s best to get used to it because it’s out of your control.
GDL airport map
An up-to-date map of Guadalajara airport is one of the most difficult things to get your hands on! The version below is the best one I’ve found, even if it doesn’t include all the latest changes.
Amenities at GDL Airport in 2025
The renovations we’ve seen come online in the past 3-6 months stem from a project that kicked off back in 2020, but was delayed due to the pandemic (and this being Mexico).
Dining Options
Dining in the GDL terminal isn’t terribly exciting from a culinary or economic standpoint. But sometimes you need to eat, drink, or caffeinate.
The past 6 months have brought big changes with a variety of new dining options in Domestic outside of security, opposite the arrivals area. The newest include Shake Shack, PF Chang’s, Maestro Dobel Bar & Snacks, El Farolito, Chili’s, and a sushi spot, sadly named Sushiito. (proving not everyone’s good at branding)
Dining in International inside security, two good options for Mexican food opened last Summer. The first is Cantina La Imperial, a full-service sit-down restaurant with classic dishes and a full bar, and Le Pain Quotidian for simple grab-and-go sandwiches, organic pastries, and decent coffee. Both are located near Gate B12 (used by Delta).
For some of the best coffee you’ll find in Mexico, skip Starbucks and check out Café Punta del Cielo instead. Finally, there’s Guy Fieri’s Highball Lounge, a very handsome bar I do not recommend due to its high prices and subpar service.
Hotels
The seven-story Hilton Garden Inn GDL Airport just opened its doors on March 26, 2024. As the first on-site hotel connected to the terminal, air travelers finally have a place to rest their heads with no complicated logistics to worry about. To access the Hilton, take the escalator outside of domestic arrivals (shown above) to the second floor.
A short distance off airport property and requiring a ~ 5-minute shuttle ride are two more solid options, the Hangar Inn and Hangar Inn Select. Both of these operate a free airport shuttle for guests.
Money
There are money changers in the GDL airport next to gate 9 in T1 and gate 7 in T2. The services are provided by Globo Cambio and CI Banco, but I do not recommend using them, as you will receive horrible exchange rates.
A better way to get pesos (if you have a bank debit card) is via the ATMs located just inside the terminal on the domestic side. If you decline the Mexican bank’s conversion rate while withdrawing funds, you will get a decent deal.
The following banks have ATMs available by the domestic side terminal entrance (conveniently clustered together):
- Banorte
- Santander
- Citibanamex
- Scotiabank
- HSBC
If you don’t have an account with any of them, I recommend using Banorte or Santander due to their lower transaction fees. If you bank at BBVA (like me), you’ll need to find another solution because they still have no airport presence.
On the second floor of the terminal (directly above the ATMs), there is also a full branch of HSBC bank, reachable via the escalator.
GDL Airport Lounges
Aeromexico Salon Premier: Located in Terminal 1, opposite gate 11. Open from 5 AM – 9 PM daily. Amenities include Wi-Fi, snacks, alcohol, TVs, newspapers, etc. Access granted to Aeromexico and SkyTeam (Delta, Air France) customers, including those flying First or Business Class, or holding specific frequent flyer statuses or credit cards.
VIP Lounge (East & West, both in Terminal 1): Inside security checks. East is open 24 hours. West is open 7 AM – 10 PM daily. Amenities include Wi-Fi, premium food, alcoholic drinks, free wifi, telephones, printers, magazines & newspapers, conference rooms. Access via Priority Pass or LoungeKey membership. Day passes are available for approximately $30 USD.
Salon Beyond CitiBanamex: Travelers must have a Citibanamex Beyond/Prestige/Platinum credit card to enter. Amenities include comfortable spaces for working or relaxing, snacks, fruit and juices, alcoholic beverages (after 11 AM), spa area, exclusive wi-fi, magazines & newspapers.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Charging
Even if you cannot access a private lounge, wi-fi service is available free of charge throughout the GDL airport. Hallelujah!
There are also mobile charging stations by most gates, which are compatible with North American Plus (NACS) plugs and USB connectors.
Airport Shopping
GDL offers duty-free (in Terminal 2 for international travelers) and regular shopping, both inside and outside of security. Most shops are open from 6 AM to 9 PM.
Options have expanded significantly in the past year. Popular items include fine tequila, artisanal crafts and other gift items, sunglasses, beachwear, Marisa baked goods, clothing, fine jewelry, Tumi luggage and travel accessories, grab and go snacks, and of course — books and magazines.
Benavides Pharmacy is located right outside of the main security checkpoint, as well as near Gate 15, to pick up any essential stuff you forgot to pack. The location outside of security is now open 24 hours.
Buying a SIM Card
The best place to get a Mexican SIM card for your mobile device is the brand-new OXXO store located next to the terminal building. Exiting from the domestic arrivals area to the street, turn right and walk about 1 minute to OXXO.
Information Desk
There is a small (and often overlooked) information desk wedged in between two shops on the international arrivals side of the airport, close to the entrance.
On-Site Parking
The GDL on-site airport parking garage sits directly across the street from the international terminal, making it a breeze to walk over if you are meeting someone flying in.
The recently completed parking structure expansion increased capacity to 1,367 spaces. A new entrance and exit have improved terminal access for visitors who need on-site parking and for those driving up to the terminal.
Things GDL Airport Does NOT Have
- Luggage storage. Several companies reportedly store luggage nearby, but I have not vetted or verified this information.
- Workout/gym facilities.
- Shower facilities. I’ve heard that one of the new VIP lounges mentioned above has a shower, but I’ve not been able to confirm it. The Aeromexico and Citibanamex lounges definitely don’t.
Steps Legal Foreign Residents Must Take When Entering or Leaving from GDL
BEFORE DEPARTING: Get a Stamp from Immigration
An important step for all legal foreign residents of Mexico is a stop at the INM (immigration) office before leaving the country. You must show your residency card and get a stamp in your passport to keep your immigration status in good standing. Do this before checking in with the airline you are flying.
Keep in mind that the INM office at GDL airport is staffed at all hours by a single person. I have noticed that early morning, when the discount carriers operate a LOT of flights, this line can be tremendously long and slow-moving, requiring at least 45 minutes to get your stamp. So, plan accordingly.
On the other hand, when departing later in the day, INM can be virtually empty with little to no wait time.
WHEN RETURNING: How to Clear Customs
For expats who are legal foreign residents of Mexico, one recent change has been tripping up some travelers returning to GDL. A few months ago, the airport installed new automated self-service machines to improve wait times with Customs in the arrivals hall.
These self-serve machines are meant for foreign tourists and business travelers only (not Mexican citizens or legal foreign residents), but airport staff — who have no idea about the legal distinction — often attempt to herd all foreigners through the kiosks to alleviate long lines, even when legal foreign residents object to using them.
If you (legal resident) use the kiosk by accident and get processed by one of Mexican Customs’ self-serve machines as a tourist, it automatically cancels your residency status. To get it reinstated involves paperwork, fees, and visits to INM, not to mention a big headache.
Do not let this happen to you!!
If you hold a valid residency card (temporary or permanent), insist on using the lane marked for Mexican nationals/citizens. When you speak to the Customs official, show them your passport and residence card. Do this every single time you return to Mexico.
As a side note, there is no signage in the GDL airport guiding legal foreign residents through Mexican Customs. You just have to know what you’re doing! Sigh.
Transportation to and from GDL Airport
Getting to GDL airport requires an Uber, a taxi, a private vehicle, or a hotel shuttle. There is, sadly, no light rail access connecting the city of Guadalajara to GDL airport.
Travel time ranges widely depending on traffic and time of day. Plan on the trip taking anywhere from 40 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on your point of origin in the metro area.
From personal experience, I recommend taking Uber when traveling to the airport as an economical, safe, and convenient option.
Leaving GDL airport is a different story. In this direction, I recommend skipping Uber and grabbing an official airport taxi instead.
Why?
Because Ubers aren’t allowed access to the terminal to pick up riders, and have no designated area away from the terminal either. As such, they’re hard to find and may involve walking ~ 600 meters to the nearby Pemex gas station on a road not exactly pedestrian-friendly. Besides that, Uber prices fluctuate based on demand and time of day.
To take an official taxi… Pay inside the airport at the counter adjacent to international arrivals. You will see it on the right after exiting the customs area. The price to your destination is fixed, with cash or credit cards accepted.
Plan on paying around $450-475 pesos (USD $23-24) to most neighborhoods in Guadalajara and $500-550 pesos (USD $25-28) for Zapopan, especially if you’re going far north or west. If you’re headed to Lake Chapala, expect to pay around $600 pesos (USD $31).
Next, head outside to the taxi line. When it’s your turn, they’ll ask you to present the voucher you received inside after payment. Give it to your driver, who will clear it with the taxi dispatcher. Then you’ll be on your way.
This is not to say that using official airport taxis is a seamless experience. As of April 2025, there are two companies servicing GDL airport (Atasa and ATTA) with 600 cars, which fall well short of the need at peak hours.
Local Mexican newspaper El Mural recently surveyed arriving GDL passengers on their taxi wait times from the terminal, finding that more than 60% waited 35 minutes to over an hour, with the other 40% waiting 0-30 minutes.
Thankfully, GDL airport management is searching for a third official taxi provider and hopes to have them on board by July 2025.
Unofficial taxis, which are not allowed to pull up to the terminal to pick up passengers, also hustle fares from the above-mentioned Pemex station to alleviate bottlenecks. At times of high demand (evenings from 7-10 PM can be especially bad), these taxis may offer the fastest escape option.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to walk about 600 meters to the gas station to make it work. Additionally, I advise single female travelers to avoid private taxis for security reasons.
Private car services. Numerous companies serve the GDL airport with comfortable private cars. One such option is Aerotaxi.
Car rental companies. You can rent a car at Guadalajara airport from Enterprise, Alamo, National, Mex Rent a Car, Avis, Hertz, MÁS, and a few others. Some of the bigger ones have counters inside the terminal next to baggage claim, while others are located only in the rental car area.
Let’s end with a bit of historical trivia… Did you know that Guadalajara airport was the scene of a brutal battle between the Tijuana and Sinaloa Cartels in May of 1993?
Hitmen affiliated with the Tijuana Cartel came to the airport looking to ambush Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman as he arrived to take a flight. In the parking lot, the assassins allegedly botched the job, mistaking the white Grand Marquis sedan of Catholic archbishop Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo for Guzman’s, killing the cardinal along with five others.
For conspiracy theorists out there, this version of events is disputed by the Vatican, which believes Ocampo was always the intended target. Whatever happened back then, GDL airport in 2025 is very secure, with a robust National Guard presence. Passengers and visitors should feel very safe when visiting.