Cheap flights to Guadalajara
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Quick summary
Country
Mexico
Continent
North America
Airport
GDL
Currency
Mexican peso
Time zone
UTC-6
Deals already spotted to Guadalajara
Real flight examples detected by SniperAir, with their reference price.
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Airport and getting into town
A major airport south of the city, half an hour from the centre
Guadalajara-Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
The country's third-busiest airport lies about 16 to 18 km south of the centre, on the Chapala highway in the municipality of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga; allow about 35 minutes by car depending on traffic. It offers flights across Mexico as well as links with North America. Outside baggage claim, authorised taxis charge a zone fare paid at a booth; ride-hailing is also possible. Car rental agencies are on site.
Distances and times are indicative, taken from Wikivoyage (EN, ES, DE, FR) and Wikipedia (EN, DE); sources give 10 to 18 km depending on the route counted. Times vary with traffic.
The historic centre
Cathedral, Plaza Tapatía and Hospicio Cabañas
Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco state and one of the main cities of western Mexico. Jalisco is regarded as the cradle of mariachi, charrería and tequila. The historic centre is walkable, from the fountain squares to the Hospicio Cabañas. The Cathedral of the Assumption, whose construction began in the 1560s and took about fifty years, dominates the heart of the city with its slender spires.
Plaza Tapatía and the Hospicio Cabañas
A long reflecting pool extends the pedestrian Plaza Tapatía as far as the Hospicio Cabañas, a former hospice now a cultural centre and UNESCO World Heritage site. The walk passes the Plaza de la Liberación and its large cup-shaped fountains, with the monument to Miguel Hidalgo.
Orozco's murals
The Hospicio Cabañas houses the murals of José Clemente Orozco, a leading painter of Mexican muralism, under the vaults of the chapel and dome. The interior, with its stone arches, is one of the city's most striking places.
Expiatory Temple and monumental arches
From Gothic Revival to the city's western gate
The Expiatory Temple
The Temple of the Blessed Sacrament, known as El Expiatorio, is a finely detailed Gothic Revival church built over several decades. Its spires are lit at nightfall, making it a popular end-of-day stroll.
The Arcos Vallarta
This Romanesque-style double arch, lit in the evening, once marked the western edge of the city. It bears the inscription "Guadalajara Hospitalaria" and can be seen in passing on Avenida Vallarta.
Tlaquepaque, Tequila and Lake Chapala
Crafts, agave and villages less than two hours away
Tlaquepaque
About 30 minutes by car south-east of the centre, Tlaquepaque is a village-like district known for its crafts: pottery, glassware, art galleries and restaurants in colourful houses. The Regional Ceramics Museum pays tribute to the local pottery tradition.
Tequila and the agave fields
Tequila, about 65 km to the west, is the classic excursion from Guadalajara: distilleries run tours with tastings and routes through fields of blue agave. A second-class bus serves the town from the Central Vieja station.
Chapala and Zapopan
Lake Chapala, about 50 km to the south, is the region's main weekend destination, with the villages of Chapala and Ajijic. Zapopan, next to the city, holds the basilica of the Virgin; according to French Wikipedia, the tour of the Virgin's image visits parishes from May until 12 October, a festival that draws large crowds.
Museums
Art, city history and ceramics
The Instituto Cultural Cabañas
Housed in the former hospice, the cultural centre presents exhibitions and Orozco's murals. It is open Tuesday to Sunday according to Wikivoyage; check hours before you visit.
History and art
The City Museum tells more than 450 years of Guadalajara's history in an old building; the Regional Museum of Guadalajara, on Calle Liceo, is pleasant in the hot hours; the University of Guadalajara's Museum of the Arts (MUSA) hosts temporary exhibitions. The Army and Air Force museum rounds out the offer.
For children and enthusiasts
The Trompo Mágico, in Zapopan, is an interactive children's museum; the Regional Ceramics Museum in Tlaquepaque traces pottery styles. Many museums close on Mondays: check before you go.
Food and drink
Birria, tortas ahogadas, tequila and mariachi
Local specialities
Birria, a spiced meat stew, and the torta ahogada, a sandwich "drowned" in a spicy sauce, are two Guadalajara specialities. People also drink tejuino, a chilled fermented corn drink, and of course tequila.
Markets
The Libertad market, known as San Juan de Dios, is the city's big popular market, open daily, where you can eat and find almost anything. The districts of Tlaquepaque and Zapopan hold many newer restaurants.
Mariachi
The Plaza de los Mariachis, a small triangular square in the San Juan de Dios district, is where mariachi bands gather. An international mariachi and charrería conference takes place every year in late August and early September.
Getting around
Light rail, Macrobús, bike share and taxis
Public transport
A light-rail system, called Mi Tren, has three lines, two of which meet at the west edge of the historic centre; the Macrobús (Mi Macro) is a bus rapid transit line in dedicated lanes, often twice as fast as an ordinary bus. Regular buses also run and cost little. A bike-share system operates in busy areas.
Taxis and excursions
Taxis and ride-hailing are common; for Tequila, Chapala or Tlaquepaque, choose a second-class bus, a taxi or an organised tour. The main long-distance bus station is in Tlaquepaque.
Staying careful
As in any large city, keep an eye on your belongings and check the official travel advice of your country of residence before departure for up-to-date information on Guadalajara and the region.
Budget
An affordable to mid-range budget compared with Europe
Guadalajara is affordable to mid-range compared with European capitals: market and neighbourhood meals, urban transport and most museums cost little, while accommodation and restaurants in some districts can cost more. We give no figures, because prices change with the season and the exchange rate: check official websites.
The plane ticket remains the most variable part of a trip. SniperAir watches fares to GDL and compares them with the route's price history.
When to go
When to go to Guadalajara?
Spring
March to May: the driest and hottest period, sometimes above 35 °C in May.
Summer
June to September: rainy season, with frequent afternoon storms and possible hail in late August or September.
Autumn
October and November: the rains ease, giving way to sunny days.
Winter
December to February: about 25 °C by day in January, cool nights around 10 °C, with rare frosts on the outskirts.
The climate is temperate, with a mean annual temperature of about 18 °C. From November to April days are generally dry and sunny: the most pleasant period to visit. Rains are concentrated from May or June to October. The September and December festivities, such as Las Posadas, and the pilgrimage of the Virgin of Zapopan in October draw large crowds.
By length of stay
What to do in Guadalajara depending on how long you stay
The essentials
Cathedral and Plaza Tapatía, Hospicio Cabañas, a market, an evening of mariachi.
Going deeper
Add Tlaquepaque and its craft shops, the Expiatory Temple and a museum.
The surroundings
A day in Tequila with its agave fields and distilleries, or at Lake Chapala.
In pictures
Guadalajara in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Guadalajara
How do I get from Guadalajara airport to the centre?
Guadalajara airport (GDL) is about 16 to 18 km south of the centre, roughly 35 minutes by car. Authorised taxis charge a zone fare paid at a booth outside; ride-hailing is also possible.
When is the best time to visit Guadalajara?
From November to April, when days are dry and sunny. Spring is the hottest, with peaks above 35 °C in May; from June to September storms often break in the afternoon.
Is Guadalajara expensive?
It is affordable to mid-range compared with Europe: market meals, transport and most museums cost little, accommodation and some restaurants more. Prices vary with the season.
How many days do I need in Guadalajara?
Two to three days cover the historic centre, the Hospicio Cabañas and a market. Add a day for Tlaquepaque and another for Tequila.
How do I get around Guadalajara?
The centre is walkable; the light rail (Mi Tren), the Macrobús and taxis or ride-hailing complete the picture. For Tequila or Chapala, take a bus, a taxi or an organised tour.
Which dishes should I not miss in Guadalajara?
Birria and the torta ahogada, at a market or a small canteen; to drink, tejuino and tequila.
How much does a flight to Guadalajara usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the period and the booking date. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices already detected by SniperAir for this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Guadalajara drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Guadalajara as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching fare is detected.
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