Getting around · Guadalajara · Mexico
Getting around Guadalajara
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The historic centre is walkable, but Guadalajara is a sprawling city. Light rail lines and the Mi Macro bus rapid transit cover key routes, and ride-hailing apps are widely used and affordable for everything else. Not in the city.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Walking
- Airports
- GDL
- Need a car?
- Sometimes
Ways to get around
Walking
The cathedral, Plaza Tapatía, Cabañas, the San Juan de Dios market and MUSA are all within about 20 minutes' walk of each other.
Train
The Tren Ligero light rail has three lines; Line 3 links Zapopan, the historic centre and Tlaquepaque, and is the quickest way to reach El Parián.
Buy a rechargeable card at stations to avoid queuing for single tickets.
Bus
The Mi Macro Calzada bus rapid transit runs north along Calzada Independencia to the zoo and Huentitán, and many city buses cover other routes cheaply.
Ride-hailing
Uber and DiDi are widely available and inexpensive, and are the easiest way to reach the Americana, Providencia and Zapopan at night.
Cycling
MiBici bike share has docks across the centre, the Americana and Providencia, and some avenues have cycle lanes.
Taxi
Street taxis are plentiful; use metered taxis or agree the fare before getting in.
From the airport
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) is about 20 km south of the centre; allow 30–45 minutes, longer at rush hour. Authorised taxis sell prepaid fares by zone at counters in the terminal.
Do you need a car?
Not in the city. A car helps for exploring the Tequila region, Lake Chapala and mountain towns such as Tapalpa, though buses and tours cover them too.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila | About 1–1.5 hours by road | Bus, tour, tourist train or car via Highway 15 |
| Lake Chapala and Ajijic | About 1 hour by road | Bus from the Central Vieja or car |
| Guachimontones | About 1–1.5 hours by road | Car or tour via Tala and Teuchitlán |
| Tapalpa | About 2–2.5 hours by road | Car or bus via the Colima highway |
| Tonalá | About 30 minutes by road | Taxi, ride-hailing or bus |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Guadalajara?
Not in the city. A car helps for exploring the Tequila region, Lake Chapala and mountain towns such as Tapalpa, though buses and tours cover them too.
+How do you get from the airport to Guadalajara?
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) is about 20 km south of the centre; allow 30–45 minutes, longer at rush hour. Authorised taxis sell prepaid fares by zone at counters in the terminal.
+What is the best way to get around Guadalajara?
Walking: The cathedral, Plaza Tapatía, Cabañas, the San Juan de Dios market and MUSA are all within about 20 minutes' walk of each other.