Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)
Guadalajara, MX 🇲🇽 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
MMGL
IATA
GDL
Elevation
5016 ft
Region
MX-JAL
Local Time
Loading...
Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: MMGL
Local Code: GDL
Location: 20.523342° N, -103.310108° E
Continent: North America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara
What Travelers Say
Share Your Tip
Help fellow travelers by sharing your experience at Guadalajara International Airport. Tips are reviewed before publishing.
Online Reviews Summary
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) presents a mixed experience for recent travelers, characterized by significant ongoing modernization efforts alongside persistent operational and service challenges. While many appreciate the updated facilities and amenities, issues with customs and immigration procedures remain a notable source of frustration. Overall traveler satisfaction appears to be influenced heavily by individual experiences with airport staff and processing efficiency.
What Travelers Love
- Modernization and Facilities: The airport has undergone significant renovations, including a second runway inaugurated in July 2024, contributing to its modern appearance and increased capacity. There are also new restaurants, offices, and an updated parking structure.
- Cleanliness: Travelers frequently commend the cleanliness of the airport, particularly the restrooms.
- WiFi & Charging: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and power points are conveniently located at most gates, making it easy to stay connected and charge devices.
- VIP Lounges: Several pay-per-use lounges, including Aeroméxico Salón Premier and VIP Lounges (West and East), offer comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and air conditioning for an enhanced layover experience.
- Security Checkpoint Efficiency (sometimes): Some travelers have reported quick security checks, especially at the upper-level checkpoint or with priority access.
- 24-hour Operation: GDL operates around the clock, offering various eateries and retail outlets with 24-hour service.
Common Complaints
- Customs/Immigration Corruption and Inefficiency: A recurring and significant complaint is alleged corruption and poor service from customs personnel, with travelers reporting being unfairly charged for luggage or experiencing rude staff. The "stop-light" system for baggage checks can also be a point of anxiety.
- Sleeping Conditions: Most terminal seating features armrests, making comfortable overnight stays difficult. Security guards have also been reported to prevent travelers from lying down on couches. Mosquitoes are also a reported nuisance for those attempting to sleep in the airport.
- Check-in and Gate Congestion: The check-in area can feel small and crowded, leading to long queues. There's also a lack of jet bridges, often requiring passengers to use buses to reach remote stands, which is considered inefficient for Mexico's third busiest airport.
- Parking Issues: On-site airport parking can be expensive for longer stays, and the long-term E4 Parking option is currently uncovered.
- Transportation Concerns: The presence of "pirated taxi drivers" soliciting riders is a concern, and while ride-sharing services like Uber are available, there can be friction with official airport taxis, sometimes leading to higher fares or difficulties in pick-up.
- Distance from Downtown: The airport's location is somewhat far from the city center, necessitating longer taxi rides or more planning for transportation.
Guadalajara International Airport is actively modernizing, evident in its improved facilities and recent awards for service quality. However, travelers should be prepared for potential challenges, particularly regarding customs and immigration processes, and consider pre-booking airport transfers and exploring lounge access for a more comfortable experience.
Researching traveler experiences online...
Community Tips
No community tips yet for Guadalajara International Airport.
Be the first to share a helpful tip for fellow travelers!
Current Weather Conditions
Loading weather data...
Airport Routes
Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) offers 156 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Volaris, VivaAerobus, AeroMéxico and others. Popular destinations from Guadalajara include Los Angeles Intl, Houston Bush Int'ctl, Mexico City Santa Lucía Airport, Lic. Benito Juarez Int'l and Juan Santamaria Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Los Angeles Intl (LAX) 7
- Houston Bush Int'ctl (IAH) 6
- Mexico City Santa Lucía Airport (NLU) 6
- Lic. Benito Juarez Int'l (MEX) 4
- Juan Santamaria Int'l (SJO) 4
- Los Cabos Int'l (SJD) 3
- Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Int'l (PVR) 3
- Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) 3
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) 3
- William P Hobby (HOU) 3
- Oakland Intl (OAK) 3
- San Antonio Intl (SAT) 3
Newly Discovered
- General Rodolfo Sanchez Taboada Int'l (MXL) new
- General Mariano Escobedo Int'l (MTY) new
- General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Int'l (TIJ) new
- General Guadalupe Victoria Int'l (DGO) new
- Cancun Int'l (CUN) new
- Lic. Benito Juarez Int'l (MEX) new
- Los Angeles Intl (LAX) new
- Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW) new
- Mexico City Santa Lucía Airport (NLU) new
- Salt Lake City Intl (SLC) new
- San Antonio Intl (SAT) new
- Seattle-Tacoma Intl (SEA) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Loading...
Loading routes...
|
||||||
Top Airlines
Operating at Guadalajara International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Volaris
VOI
/ Y4
|
51 | 1627 | 51 | Jan 30, 2026 |
VivaAerobus
VIV
/ VB
|
25 | 1125 | 25 | Jan 30, 2026 |
AeroMéxico
AMX
/ AM
|
7 | 346 | 7 | Jan 30, 2026 |
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
1 | 71 | 1 | Jan 30, 2026 |
United
UAL
/ UA
|
1 | 70 | 1 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Alaska Airlines
ASA
/ AS
|
2 | 42 | 2 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Cargolux Airlines International
CLX
/ CV
|
4 | 38 | 4 | Jan 26, 2026 |
Copa Airlines
CMP
/ CM
|
1 | 36 | 1 | Jan 28, 2026 |
Delta Air Lines
DAL
/ DL
|
1 | 30 | 1 | Jan 2, 2026 |
|
Mexicana
MXA
/ XN
|
2 | 30 | 2 | Jan 29, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
02/20 |
5906 ft | 98 ft | ASP | Closed |
11L/29R |
11608 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
11R/29L |
13123 ft | 197 ft | ASPH | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | GUADALAJARA APP | 119.3 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 127.9 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.9 MHz |
| TWR | GUADALAJARA TWR | 118.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
The airport uses an official, pre-paid taxi system. Passengers must purchase a ticket from an authorized kiosk inside the arrivals hall after clearing customs. Fares are fixed based on a zone system, so your destination determines the price. Present your ticket to the driver at the taxi stand outside the terminal. Ride-sharing services like Uber and DiDi also operate, but their pickup locations may be at designated points slightly away from the main arrivals curb.
Rental Cars
Major international and local car rental agencies, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, National, and Europcar, have service desks located within the terminal's arrivals area. It is advisable to book a vehicle in advance for better pricing and availability. After completing paperwork at the desk, a shuttle bus will typically transport you to a nearby lot to collect your vehicle.
Public Transportation
The most direct public transit option is the VIVAEROBUS shuttle bus, which connects the airport directly with the main bus terminal in Guadalajara (Central Nueva). This is an economical option suitable for travelers with luggage. Additionally, local public buses stop on the main highway just outside the airport grounds, offering a very cheap but less convenient alternative, not recommended if you have a lot of baggage.
Nearby Airports
Licenciado Miguel de la Madrid International Airport
Colima, MX
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
Licenciado Miguel de la Madrid International Airport
Colima, MX
Medium Airport Scheduled Service