How to Navigate Transportation in Guadalajara, Mexico

Mexico is a gem of epic proportions, with dozens of locations yet to be overrun by tourists. The city of Guadalajara is one such treasure.   

In a fast-paced and fast-growing city, figuring out how to navigate without getting lost can be daunting. But it’s easy with a bit of preparation. Plus, navigating transportation in Guadalajara is crucial to making the most of this city. 

Immerse yourself in this vibrant city by monopolizing its many public transportation options.   

Maybe you want to know if renting a car or taking public transport is better, or how to buy tickets in person. Whatever it is, the answers for how to get around Guadalajara are below. 

So, buckle up and keep reading.   

Traveling to Guadalajara by flight

First, you’ve got to get there.

Guadalajara International Airport is 12 miles southeast of the city. Direct international flights are available from loads of major cities with many airlines, including American Airlines, Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.  

If you’re already in Mexico, not surprisingly, flying is the most direct form of transportation. Domestic airports make city-hopping easy, especially for those on a more luxurious budget.   

Domestic flights arrive regularly from other major Mexican cities, including Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. 

Mexico’s biggest airline, Aeromexico, operates with an easily accessible digital check-in process. Although the airline is not always the most affordable option, flights usually include a meal or snack.   

Pro tip: It’s often easier to book flights using the airline’s app rather than the website. 

Domestic airlines flying into Guadalajara include Volaris and Viva Aerobus. Volaris typically includes the bare basics, so don’t expect any complimentary drinks or food, and the legroom is notoriously minimal. Viva Aerobus has a reputation for overbooked and delayed flights.   

These airfares are generally reasonable. However, the cheapest seats sell out ahead of time, especially during high season or Mexican school holidays and celebrations. Book during the off-season for the best deals.   

Checking luggage

Passengers can carry one piece of checked luggage up to 25kg on domestic and international flights. This usually requires paying an additional fee. 

Avoid packing any valuables, money, important documents, or electronics in your checked luggage.   

Pro tip: Double-check that the information on your baggage stub matches the name and destination of your booking, including any connecting flights.   

Getting to the city from the airport

To get to your accommodation from the airport, transfer via taxi or bus. A Guadalajara airport taxi takes about 15 minutes to get to the downtown area and costs around 300 Mexican pesos ($17.50).   

Hopping on the bus will take a little longer, at just over 30 minutes, but you’ll only part with 12 Mexican pesos ($0.70). The bus stop is at Terminal 1 and will drop you off in the city’s center. 

Traveling Guadalajara by train

If you want to avoid slower buses and savor the relief of air conditioning, then Guadalajara’s urban rail transit system is for you.     

City planners built the timetable and stations around the needs of the city’s workforce, so they do not cater to tourists. Serving the municipalities of Guadalajara, Zapopan, and San Pedro Tlaquepaque, the metro connects the city in a cross-like formation with two lines.   

Instead of mimicking Mexico City’s expansive metro network, Guadalajara built an underground light rail system that runs on three lines. They are economically called Line 1, Line 2 and Line 3.

Operating since the late 1980s, Line 1 connects Periferico Norte Station in the North Beltway to Periferico Sur Station in the South Beltway and weaves between surface and underground stations.   

Line 2 connects the eastward station of Tetlan to the downtown area. Line 3 runs from the northwest to the southeast with 18 stations. 

A fourth line is currently under construction and will run from the city center to the south. It is expected to open in 2024. 

When looking for a station, look for the “T” signs outside the entrances.

Pro tip: Some metro stations may be further from the city’s top attractions than the bus network. When planning your route, check both options.   

Buying tickets for your transportation in Guadalajara  

Navigating local transport in a new country is daunting, but buying tickets for Guadalajara’s urban rail system is easy.

Purchase your tickets at the automated machines and make sure to take your token and change.   

Drop your token in the slot at the entrance to the platform to board the train.   

Pro tip: Moovitapp is a local app built for navigating the city’s wide bus and metro network. It details various journey options and includes the price, wait times, and directions to walk instead. It will also track your journey on board and remind you when to get off. It’s a game-changer, so be sure to download it.    

Traveling Guadalajara by bus   

Getting to Guadalajara by bus   

For travelers heading to Guadalajara from within Mexico, the bus is a great option to get there in relative comfort.   

Several bus companies take locals and tourists directly to the city from places like Mexico City, Queretaro, Patzcuaro, and Acaponeta.   

Level up your journey by booking a deluxe or first-class bus with companies like ADO, ETN, or Primera Plus. All have Wi-Fi, fully reclining seats, air-conditioning, individual TV screens, and free snacks and drinks.   

When traveling from other major cities in Mexico, calculate the costs to determine if a flight is cheaper after factoring in extra food costs and time spent traveling.   

Pro tip: The deluxe lines often offer discounts when buying tickets directly from the company, either online or in person. Brush up on your Spanish to sweet-talk your way into the best deals. 

Bus routes in Guadalajara   

With close to 200 routes, buses are the best public transport for visitors to Guadalajara. The city’s bus networks are individually owned.   

Buy detailed guides for the routes at magazine kiosks, but don’t expect a precise schedule. Expect buses to be available from sunrise until about 10 p.m. every night. Some routes operate on reduced service during local holidays.   

Some routes also connect to surrounding towns like Tonala and San Pedro Tlaquepaque, making affordable day trips easily accessible.   

Pro tip: Learn key Spanish phrases to make buying your tickets and asking for directions easier. Locals are friendly, but they’ll be more helpful if you make an effort to speak their language.   

Bus etiquette in Guadalajara   

While in the city, don’t expect the bus to stop for you without hailing it. Make sure you get to the stop early and keep your waving arm at the ready. Even then, it may take a few tries before a bus chooses to stop for you instead of chasing a yellow light at the next intersection.   

Don’t be surprised if the driver stops en route for a snack or a chat, so leave earlier than planned if your journey is time-sensitive.   

Malfunctions are not uncommon on Guadalajara’s buses. If something happens, you’ll board another bus along the same route. The new driver will not charge you again as long as you present your original ticket.   

The local protocol is to sit in the aisle if it’s empty, and then the next passenger will sit in the window seat.   

Press the stop button with lots of warning. Always check both ways before stepping onto the street, as motorcycles use the bus lanes, too.   

Pro tip: Stops do not have clear markings, and drivers do not announce them. Ask the driver to indicate your stop or ask another traveler for some assistance. Or, follow the route closely on your navigation app.   

Buying bus tickets   

Traveling by bus in Guadalajara is the most affordable way to navigate the city.   

The city’s public bus transit system is run by Guadalajara Mi Macro, formerly Macrobus. It runs on two lines — Mi Macro Calzada and Mi Macro Periferico — covering nearly 70 stations. 

A single journey costs approximately 6 pesos ($0.35). The aqua-colored TUR express buses cost 12 pesos ($0.70) per trip.   

If the bus has air conditioning and upholstered seats, it’s probably a luxury bus, which will cost more.   

Pay fares in cash on the bus directly to the driver. Most buses will have change, but try to bring exact change if you’re on a tight budget. You don’t want to risk losing any precious pesos to a driver without change.  

You can buy transit cards from stations, like Antigua Central Camionera, for the local services targeted at working residents or Nueva Central Camionera for non-commuter bus journeys.   

Always keep hold of your ticket until the journey is over because auditors will sometimes board to check tickets.   

Pro tip: Buses in Guadalajara do not have a transfer system. You must pay for a new ticket when boarding a new bus.   

Traveling Guadalajara by rental car, motorcycle, or taxi   

Cars and motorcycles   

If you are just seeing the top attractions in Guadalajara, do not hire a car or motorcycle. The well-connected public transportation system has everything you need. Plus, like in most cities, parking is a nightmare. 

However, a motorcycle or car can be a good option for exploring further afield.    

There are lots of rental companies based at the airport and throughout the city. Stick to renting from major companies with positive reviews to avoid being overcharged by unscrupulous agents.   

Pro tip: Costs vary, but you will get a better price when renting from a place in town instead of the airport, which adds an 18% airport tax to the bill. Renting for a week instead of days at a time will reduce the daily rate significantly.   

Although the US State Department’s website warns of potential carjackings in states like Tamaulipas, Guadalajara is a relatively safe city to drive in. Heed warnings to stay out of more dangerous areas of the town and obey the rules of the road.   

Taxis and Uber

Although taxis from the airport to central Guadalajara operate at a fixed price, it’s cheaper to take a bus into the downtown area.   

Travelers can hail a taxi almost anywhere in the city, but it’s safer to stick to a known company recommended by a local, like Taxi Bambino, which offers rides with car seats for little ones. 

Pro tip: Always agree on a rate before setting off. Fares inflate by 25% between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and sometimes at the driver’s will. 

Uber also operates in Guadalajara and is a great way to book rides with highly-reviewed drivers with fixed rates. 

Traveling in Guadalajara on foot   

With attractions like the Guada Cathedral and the Degollado Theater in the city center, Guadalajara is best navigated on foot. It’s always the best way to truly experience a city face-to-face. The city center is especially pedestrian-friendly, so visitors can take in the city at a leisurely pace. 

Alternatively, you can hire a horse-drawn carriage to tour the sights in the historical center.

Safety first     

Mexico is safer for tourists than it was a decade or two ago, but it’s still important to exercise caution. These tips are suitable for anywhere in the world. Remember:   

• Keep all valuables in a safe at your accommodation or in a bag that is inaccessible from behind.   
• Avoid traveling alone at night, even in a taxi. There is safety in numbers. Opt for Uber instead because you can check the driver’s reviews and send someone your tracking details for peace of mind.   
• Learn some basic Spanish to help you stay aware of your surroundings and people’s intentions.   
• Befriend the locals. They’ll help you see the best of the city and offer advice on which areas to avoid.   
• Check in with your hotel staff for recommendations of great places to eat, areas to avoid, and the best locations for (safe) nightlife.     

Weather in Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara, Mexico, sees a mixture of beautiful dry months and a heavier rainy season in the summer. However, the city is generally an accessible destination year-round.   

The average yearly temperature is 82.4°F (28°C), usually ranging from 77°F (25°C) in January to 91.4°F (33°C) in May.   

Peak travel season is in the autumn, between October and December. Excellent sunny weather makes it the perfect season to attend the vibrant festivals in Guadalajara, like the Jalisco Jazz Festival or the month-long Fiestas de Octubre. 

The climate is mostly clear and sunny between January and May. Do not visit between July and September to avoid being plagued by heavy rains.   

Map of Guadalajara and how to get there 

Getting to Guadalajara is fairly easy from wherever you are in the country.   

From the west, travel via bus from Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, or Tepic. When arriving from the east, fly directly from Mexico City or Cancun.   

Packing list essentials for Guadalajara

Save on extra fees for checked baggage and stick to the basics when traveling to Guadalajara. Don’t forget to pack:   

• Sunglasses. The sun shines brightly in Mexico, and it’s important to keep your eyes fresh to soak up all the sights.   
• Sunscreen. It’s more expensive than at home; bringing your own will save some hassle.   
• A thief-proof bag. Avoid carrying a backpack easily opened from behind. Buy a cross-body bag or bumbag to keep everything close at hand.   
• Comfortable trainers or walking shoes. Because Guadalajara is a great walking city, you’ll want to protect your feet along the way.     
• Lots of layers. Temperatures can drop slightly in the evening, so you’ll need an extra jumper to keep warm on your evening wanderings.   
• A jumper when visiting in the winter. Temperatures drop a little in the winter, and the air can get frosty.  

Relax, get informed, and you’ll be fine!

Figuring out safe travel in a new city is only as overwhelming as you let it become.   

Do your research, listen to the locals, and learn some basic Spanish. You’ll soon find that transportation in Guadalajara is easy to figure out.   

When you are ready to travel on from Guadalajara, check out our Mexico itinerary for the next place to hang your hat.

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