Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), also referred to as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, is situated 10 miles (16 km) south of the city center of bustling Guadalajara. With almost 7 million passengers in 2010, it is Mexico’s third-busiest airport. Flights to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport come in from Mexico and the US.
In 2007 the airport underwent major expansion and renovation, including the construction of an additional terminal concourse, four new taxiways and a multi-level parking complex; all of which have doubled the airport’s handling capacity and improved operations on all levels. Long queues are still common, but developments are set to resolve the issue.
Guadalajara International is a relatively efficient airport with friendly and helpful staff and, with renovations taking place, it’s going from strength to strength. Travellers may look forward to seeing it compete with top international airports in the not-too-distant future.
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Guadalajara Airport comprises one terminal for domestic flights and another for international flights. They are in close proximity to each other and accessible by foot.
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Taxi: Only authorized taxis are represented at the airport; the fare is approximately MXN 220 (£11) for a trip into Guadalajara City.
Bus: An airport minibus transports passengers to the center of town every hour; tickets can be purchased at the counter outside arrivals. A bus stops outside Terminal 1 and travels to the historic center of Guadalajara. Travel time is around 35-40 minutes and fare is MXN 6 (£0.30).
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Airport parking is available adjacent to the airport hotel. Fare is MXN 25 (£1.25) for one hour, MXN 48 (£2.40) for two hours, MXN 94 (nearly £5) for four hours, MXN 140 (£7) for six hours, MXN 16 (£0.80) for each additional hour up to 18 hours, and MXN 7 (£0.35) per additional hour up to a maximum of MXN 374 (nearly £19) for 24 hours.
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Money and communications: ATMs, currency exchange, postal service and Internet and fax facilities.
Luggage: There are no left-luggage or lost-luggage facilities at Guadalajara International; however, there is a baggage-wrapping service.
Conference and business: Mexicana Airlines has a lounge with fax facilities on the lower level of the main terminal building, and another with Wi-Fi, fax, phones and photocopying facilities on the upper level. Hotel Casa Grande, accessible via a walkway, features a business center equipped with computers, Internet, fax, photocopiers and secretarial services, in addition to eight conference rooms that can accommodate up to 600 people. There’s also a small lounge in the terminal building that can be used for meetings.
Other facilities: Facilities include a massage parlor, travel agent and a VIP lounge for American Express cardholders.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is limited to three hotspots, namely Starbucks, Wings and Burger King. Users are required to make a purchase in order to acquire access; the code is printed on their receipt.
Shopping: Shops at Guadalajara Airport include Hola Mexico, Puerta, Cero and Stanza, as well as Duty Free.
Food and drink: Guadalajara International features a combination of 14 restaurants, snack bars and fast food outlets, the most popular being Medas, La Pausa, Starbucks, Burger King and Chili's Too.
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