The Guadalajara International Airport (Airport Code: GDL) is conveniently located 35 km north of the municipality of Chapala. With an ongoing expansion project and the recent opening of a second runway, it continues to act as an easy and safe gateway to the Lake Chapala Region. 

Getting To/From Lake Chapala From the Airport

There are several ways to get to/from the airport depending on preferences and requirements: 

Arrivals

Private Driver

There are several local businesses based in Ajijic that provide an elevated transportation option. Lake Chapala Transport offers this service starting at $750 MXN. Specific prices can be found on our service zone map. With this service, one of our friendly and knowledgeable drivers will meet you at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. The driver will also help you with your bags. We track all incoming flights to ensure we are ready to meet you at arrival. Additional services are available to purchase at the time of booking, including pre-ordering your favorite drink from Starbucks. 

Airport Taxi

Official airport taxis operate 24/7. Upon entering the arrivals area (both domestic and international), there are easy to identify booths that say “TAXI.” Prices are fixed and are paid for at the booth. After paying, you receive a ticket, which you give to an attendant at the curb of the terminal who directs you to a taxi. This service starts at $500 MXN. The majority of the time, this process is very quick and simple. Occasionally, there is an extended wait period, which can not accurately be predicted. 

Public Transportation 

There are two local bus stations that can be easily accessed from the airport terminal: one is a quick 100m walk from the terminal, one is a 1 km walk from the terminal building on the highway (carretera). The fare for the buses departing from the terminal station is $9.50 MXN and can only be paid using exact change (such as a $10 peso coin) or a prepaid metro card (not available for purchase at the airport). The fare for buses departing from the highway, the fare to the Chapala area is around $29 MXN and can only be paid for with cash. Change can be given, but large notes are not appreciated by the drivers. If you want to use this option it is advised to contact Lake Chapala Transport so we can help you with the most current and specific advice. 

Departures

Private Driver

Lake Chapala Transport offers this service starting at $550 MXN and specific prices can be found on our service zone map. This service can be booked in advance or up to 30 minutes before your desired departure time. All services are confirmed the day before, when you will be provided with the driver name and type of vehicle. 

Airport Taxi

Official airport taxis operate 24/7 and also offer services to the airport. This service starts at $500 MXN. To use this service, you must call the airport taxi dispatch. It is highly recommended to speak some Spanish if you want to use this option. 

Public Transportation

There are three primary methods for reaching the airport terminal using public transportation. All three of them begin with taking a second class bus from the Chapala area to the airport exit on the highway, which is priced around $29 MXN. From there, there are three options to get to the terminal: 1) Wait for the T13-A6 (red) bus ($9.50 MXN); 2) Walk across the pedestrian bridge and along the access road; 3) Flag down an airport taxi that is returning to the airport and they will transport you to the terminal at no charge ($20 MXN tip is common). If you want to use this option it is advised to contact Lake Chapala Transport so we can help you with the most current and specific advice.