Skip to Content

Why Visit Guadalajara?

Guadalajara, the capital city of the Mexican state of Jalisco, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and culinary delights. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the West,” Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and a dynamic urban center.

Guadalajara’s landscapes feature colonial architecture, picturesque plazas, and the iconic Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its history is intertwined with the Mexican War of Independence. Guadalajara is renowned for its traditional Mexican cuisine, including dishes like birria and tortas ahogadas, as well as the world-famous tequila, which hails from the surrounding region.

By air
Find a Flight Browse Flights

Browse Expedia.com’s robust inventory of international and domestic flight deals! We may be compensated when you book after clicking on one of our links.

How to Reach Guadalajara by Air

Flying is the most common and efficient way to reach Guadalajara, with Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) serving as the primary international gateway.

Here’s how to get to Guadalajara by air:

  • From the U.S. and Canada: Many cities in the United States and Canada offer direct flights to Guadalajara International Airport. Major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, United, and Air Canada operate regular flights to Guadalajara. Flight durations can vary based on your departure location but typically range from 2 to 5 hours.
  • From Europe: If you’re traveling from Europe, you may need to make a stopover in major European hubs like Madrid, London, or Amsterdam before reaching Guadalajara. Airlines like Iberia, British Airways, and KLM offer flights to Guadalajara with varying flight durations, typically ranging from 11 to 15 hours.
  • From Asia: Travelers from Asia can catch connecting flights to Guadalajara via major Asian hubs like Tokyo, Beijing, or Seoul. Consider airlines like Japan Airlines, Air China, or Korean Air for connecting to Mexico. Flight durations can vary, with typical total travel times ranging from 18 to 24 hours or more.
  • From South America: Guadalajara is accessible from various South American locations, with airlines offering connecting flights from cities like Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and São Paulo. Flight durations depend on your departure location and route but can range from 7 to 12 hours or more.
How Long Is the Flight to Guadalajara?

The average flight time to Guadalajara, Mexico, can vary depending on the departure city, airline, and route. Here are approximate flight times from some of the most common origins:

  • Los Angeles, USA: Around 3 hours
  • New York, USA: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
  • Mexico City, Mexico: About 1 hour
  • Dallas, USA: Around 2.5 hours
  • Chicago, USA: Approximately 4 hours
  • Houston, USA: About 2 hours
  • Toronto, Canada: Around 4.5 to 5 hours
  • Madrid, Spain: Approximately 11 to 12 hours (usually with a stopover)

These are estimated times and actual flight durations may vary based on the specific route, stopovers, and other factors. Direct flights might not be available from all locations, necessitating connections through major hubs.

Find a Flight Browse Flights

Browse Expedia.com’s robust inventory of international and domestic flight deals! We may be compensated when you book after clicking on one of our links.

By road
How to Reach Guadalajara by Road

If you’re traveling to Guadalajara by road, you can access the city via Mexico’s well-maintained highway network. Major highways, such as the Federal Highway 15, connect Guadalajara to cities like Mexico City. The drive from Mexico City to Guadalajara, for example, takes around 5 to 6 hours.

By water
How to Reach Guadalajara by Water

Guadalajara is located inland and does not have direct access to the sea. If you’re traveling to Mexico via sea, you may consider arriving at a coastal port city like Veracruz or Manzanillo and then continuing your journey to Guadalajara by road or rail.

AI Disclaimer Disclaimer: This page was created with help from AI | Reviewed by: Andrew Helling, Editor-in-Chief