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Guadalajara Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Layover Guide (GDL)

What are you looking for in GDL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Guadalajara Airport (GDL) is an international airport located in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco. It’s about 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Guadalajara. The airport officially opened in 1966. Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and a cultural hub known for its rich history, mariachi music, and tequila heritage. The city offers a vibrant lifestyle, colonial architecture, and diverse culinary experiences, making it a dynamic destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Guadalajara Airport (GDL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During an international layover at Guadalajara Airport you may exit the terminal if you hold valid entry authorization. Nationals of visa-exempt countries can obtain a free electronic FMM tourist permit immediately on arrival; other travelers must secure an appropriate Mexico transit or visitor visa in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Hospicio Cabañas A stunning UNESCO‐listed former hospital featuring José Clemente Orozco’s famous murals, and elegant Neoclassical architecture. A cultural must‐see in Guadalajara’s Historic Centre. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or take bus 47 to Plaza Tapatía.)
• Centro Histórico Walking Tour Stroll the vibrant heart of Guadalajara, discovering colonial plazas, street musicians, and iconic landmarks like the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or SITREN bus to Plaza González Gallo.)
• Mercado Libertad “San Juan de Dios” One of Latin America’s largest indoor markets, offering crafts, souvenirs, local snacks and mariachi recordings. Dive into authentic Jalisco flavors. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or bus 624 to Juárez & Mezquitán.)
• Tequila Tasting at La Capilla Sample premium tequilas in an iconic cantina founded in 1795, learning about production and Jalisco traditions. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min.)
• Cabañas Cultural Institute Café Relax in the charming on-site café of Hospicio Cabañas, savoring artisanal pastries and local coffee before or after exploring the murals. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min.)
• Tlaquepaque Artisan Quarter Wander cobblestone streets lined with galleries, pottery shops, and colorful façades. Enjoy street performances and local handicrafts. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or bus 370 to Jardines de la Patria.)
• Teatro Degollado Admire the grand 19th-century neoclassical theater renowned for its ornate interior, frescoed ceiling and classical performances. Guided visits available. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus 47 to Teatro Degollado.)
• Mercado Corona Explore this gourmet market for local produce, artisanal cheeses, pastries and regional dishes in a charming Art Deco setting. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or bus 624 to Corona & Lafayette.)

Things to Do in Guadalajara Airport (GDL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Two VIP lounges in Terminal 1 offer 24-hour refuge with Wi-Fi, premium snacks, TVs and alcohol. The Salón Premier Aeroméxico opens 05:00–21:00 with internet terminals, newspapers and a smoking area. Priority Pass, Lounge Key or day-pass entry grants up to three hours of comfort and quiet before departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
The on-site Hilton Garden Inn sits inside Terminal 1 past baggage claim, with 180 sound-proofed rooms, runway views and 24-hour dining, fitness and meeting facilities. Nearby off-airport options include Hangar Inn, City Express by Marriott and Hampton Inn, many offering free shuttle service and flexible rates for short stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Seating throughout the 24-hour terminal is mostly arm-rested, though orange-and-gray couches in Concourse C provide nap-friendly spots under constant light. Mosquitoes can be an issue overnight; bring repellent. For privacy and beds, travelers often opt for paid lounge access or adjacent hotels with shuttle links.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi (“GAP FREE”) covers Terminal 1 at gates and common areas. Simply connect to the network—no purchase required. Some cafés like Starbucks also offer free connections with a minimum order, and lounges provide high-speed access for day-pass holders.

SIM/eSIM Card: In arrivals you’ll find Telcel, AT&T and Movistar kiosks and OXXO convenience stores selling pay-as-you-go SIMs. For eSIMs, Airalo, Holafly and Maya offer instant digital profiles online, valid across Mexico with up to 10 GB data packages—buy before landing to avoid roaming fees. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Guadalajara Airport (GDL) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Prepaid taxis operate from a booth in the arrivals hall; pay upfront for a fixed fare to downtown Guadalajara (∼20 min/≈MXN 300). Authorized companies include ATASA Taxi, offering executive vehicles and guided services. Ride-hail apps like Uber and DiDi also serve the airport’s ground transport zone.

Train: There is no direct rail link at GDL. Guadalajara’s electric light-rail and feeder SITREN buses begin within the city, not at the airport. Passengers must transfer via bus or taxi to downtown stations for access to urban rail lines.

Bus: From the ground transport center, public coaches run every 30–60 minutes to downtown Guadalajara and other regional hubs. Companies like Primera Plus and VivaBus connect to the central bus station; the ATASA Aero service shuttles hourly to Colonia Moderna in about 45 minutes. (more info)

Shuttle: Many airport‐area hotels (City Express, Hampton Inn, Hangar Inn) provide complimentary round-trip shuttles. Private transfer operators and shared-van services can be booked online or at terminal kiosks for door-to-door convenience across Guadalajara and surrounding suburbs.

Car rentals: Rental counters (Avis, Hertz, Mobix, Veico and Autu Car) line the arrivals hall with kiosks and desks in Terminal 1. Vehicles include economy, SUV and luxury options; 24-hour returns go through the ground-level car rental center, with shuttle access back to the terminal. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term lots flank both sides of Terminal 1. Options include covered and open-air spaces managed by iPark, One Minute Park and cheap-cost operators, with hourly rates from MXN 25 and weekly promotions around MXN 800. Valet service is available curbside.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The airport does not offer official luggage storage or locker facilities. Travelers must keep baggage with them or arrange third-party solutions in Guadalajara city center; some lounges offer temporary storage for day-pass customers. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Guadalajara Airport (GDL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks