Cancún to Guadalajara: 5 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Cancún to Guadalajara?

Most people would immediately think of a commercial flight, but there are actually several options available to you.

The best way for you will depend on your budget, how long you’re going to spend in Mexico, and how quickly you need to be in Guadalajara.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Cancún to Guadalajara simply and safely in five fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

Why Should You Visit Cancún?

If you’re wondering if Cancún should be on your list of places to visit in Mexico at all, I think the answer is definitely yes. It’s often referred to as the “Mexican Las Vegas”, and the description is accurate in that you’ll have a huge range of experiences to choose from.

For beach-lovers, Cancún is right on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.  It has miles of white, sandy beaches where you can swim, snorkel, surf and do just about any other water sport you can think of.  

If you’re more interested in Mexican and Mayan culture, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the best places to experience it.  Chichén Itzá is just a few hours away and there are also several other archaeological sites within Cancún itself.

And if you’re travelling with a family, Cancún is perfect.  There are a huge amount of family-friendly activities including adventure parks within easy reach that your kids will absolutely love.   

If you’re a Mexico purist, you might find the cultural attractions of places like Oaxaca more to your liking.  But if you’re looking for sheer number of things to do, especially with children, I think Cancún is pretty close to unbeatable in Mexico.

Before we jump into getting from Cancún to Guadalajara, let’s look at why you should consider visiting Cancún in the first place.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

Why Should You Visit Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a large city of over five million people and is the capital of the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s the second-largest city in Mexico by metropolitan area, with lots of great attractions in and around its beautifully preserved historic city center.

Like all major Mexican cities, Guadalajara is home to a stunningly beautiful cathedral in its historic center, the Guadalajara Cathedral. The Guadalajara Cathedral was originally constructed during the 16th and early 17th centuries in the Spanish renaissance style. However, its two newer gothic towers that were built after the original structure was destroyed in an earthquake in the 19th century make it truly spectacular.

Nearby Tlaquepaque is a colorful Mexican “magic town” (pueblo mágico) where you can enjoy a more relaxed pace and explore some great local artisanal cafes, art studios, and street art. You can also walk down the Andador Turístico de Tlaquepaque (the “tourist walk”) and see the beautiful colorful umbrellas creating an artificial rainbow above you.

And if you’re an aficionado of tequila, you will be in heaven. The birthplace of tequila itself is just 40 miles away in the town of Tequila, where you can tour the famous Jose Cuervo Distillery and taste some of the freshest Tequila you’ll ever find. 

You can also follow the tequila trail (la ruta de tequila) through over 150 registered distilleries that, together, make 100% of the tequila in the world today.

So let’s look at how to get from Cancún to Guadalajara and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

1. Fly to Guadalajara

If you think even briefly about how to get from Cancún to Guadalajara, it won’t surprise you that flying is the quickest and most convenient option.

This is the case even when you add the time it takes to get to the airport before you fly and to get to your hotel afterward.

For those same reasons, unless you book in advance, it’s usually also one of the more expensive options.

Fast Facts: Flying From Cancún To Guadalajara

Where Do I Book A Flight To Guadalajara?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

You’l be able to see the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Cancún International Airport (CUN) from downtown Cancún.

I’ve set these out in detail below for you.

1. Rental Car

If you have a rental car already, you can usually drop it off at Cancún International Airport before you fly.

All reputable providers have kiosks at the airport, and you’ll just need to make sure that you return it to the designated parking area for rental cars.

Tip: If you didn’t book the car at the airport, you’ll need to check with your provider that you can drop it off at the airport and you may need to pay an additional one-way fee.

2. Private Transfer

Your hotel should be able to arrange a private transfer to Cancún International Airport for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has hundreds of different options.

Private transfers will start at around US$40 and will take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Tip: Check whether the transfer is shared with other passengers. If the driver needs to collect other passengers, the trip will be longer and you’ll need to allow more time.

3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Cancún, especially if you’re staying at a large hotel. I recommend that you ask the front desk to book you a taxi before you check out, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you’ve settled up.

There’s nothing to stop you hailing your own taxi, although I think letting the hotel arrange it is better so that you focus on getting packed and ready to travel.

If you do hail a taxi on the street, you’ll need to agree the fare with the driver before you go, but you can expect it to be around US$40 to US$50, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Cancún. If you don’t already have the Uber app installed on your phone, you’ll need to install it before you can call a driver using Uber.

The app works the same as it does in the US, so you’ll pay up front using a credit card and the driver will then pick you up. The app will send you the details of the driver and the vehicle picking you up ahead of its arrival.

An Uber from Cancún to the airport should cost you around US$40, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

One thing to be aware of is that Uber drivers aren’t allowed on hotel properties of a lot of hotels. This is because there have been cases of local taxi drivers attacking Uber drivers and damaging their vehicles. The violence is due to Uber disrupting the unionised taxi industry, even though a 2023 court ruled that Uber is allowed to operate in the city.

The end result is that you can still take an Uber, but the driver will need to pick you up on the street rather than on hotel property.

Important: there have been cases of violence against Uber drivers by local taxi drivers. While this isn’t directed at passengers, you should bear it in mind when you’re using Uber in Cancún.

5. Public Bus

According to the Mexican government, Cancún had a population of 934,189 at the end of 2020, so it’s not surprising that the city has a great public bus network to help you move around.

ADO runs a service to and from the airport, which you can catch at the downtown ADO bus station in Cancún. You can take one of the local bus routes to reach the station.

The bus station is on Avenida Uxmal and once you board, it will take around 30 minutes to reach the airport. A one way trip will cost US$8 per person.

What’s Great About Flying?

Flying has a bunch of obvious advantages.

1. Faster Trip Time

Flight time from Cancún to Guadalajara is around 2 hours 50 minutes, which is a huge time saving compared with the minimum 33 hour long bus trip.

If you’re short on time, every hour you lose travelling is time that you could spend exploring Guadalajara. I’d definitely recommend flying over driving or taking the bus if you’ve only got a few days in Mexico.

2. Great Views From The Plane

Even after years of flying, I still like to stare out the window of a plane at the city as we’re taking off and getting ready to land.

Flying will also give you the chance to see the forests, mountains and sprawling valleys of Mexico from above as you head south-west away from Cancún.

3. safest Way To Travel

Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel in the world, and this holds true in Mexico.

Since 1919, Mexico has only had 158 air travel deaths in total, an average of about 1.5 people per year. In 2022, there were around 107 million air passengers in Mexico.

That puts your chances of dying on a flight to Guadalajara at about 1 in 71 million. By comparison, the World Health Organisation suggests based on 2019 data on Mexican road deaths that the odds of dying per year were 1 in 7,813.

That means that you are more than 9,000 times safer flying than taking the bus!

How to Get From Cancún To Guadalajara

FAQs: Flying To Guadalajara

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Cancún to Guadalajara flying commercially.

But if I haven’t answered your question yet, take a look at the FAQs and their responses below.

How Much Is A Commercial Flight To Guadalajara?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season and it depends on how far ahead you book, but prices typically start at around US$50 from Cancún.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Cancún?

Volaris, VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly non-stop to Guadalajara.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight is around 2 hours 50 minutes.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Cancún is approximately 1,063 miles (1,711 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Guadalajara Airport To The City Center?

Guadalajara International Airport is about 13 miles (21 km) to the west of the historic center of Guadalajara.

How Can I Get From Guadalajara Airport To The City Center?

Guadalajara is a large city with a well-developed transportation system. You can get a taxi, a private transfer, an Uber, or the public bus to the city.

Taxi

You’ll be able to get a taxi from the airport. A taxi will cost around US$10 to US$15 and you can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you.

If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator. Prices start at around US$30.

Uber

Uber is also available in Guadalajara and works the same as it does in the US. Uber is usually a little cheaper than a taxi, and you can expect to pay around US$10 for a ride into the city.

Bus

The cheapest way to travel from the airport to your hotel is to take the public bus, and it will cost you 9.50 Mexican pesos (less than US$1.00).

You’ll need to take the Ruta T13-A bus from the airport to into the historic center of Guadalajara. The trip will take around an hour.

Can I Rent A Car At Guadalajara Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

2. Rental Car To Guadalajara

A road trip from Cancún to Guadalajara is a great option that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Cancún to Guadalajara

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 26 to 27 gallons to get to Guadalajara.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. Assuming you’re driving one way and dropping off your car in Guadalajara when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$1,300 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Cancún, then you’ll pay around US$30 per day plus gas.

What Is The Best Route From Cancún to Guadalajara?

You’ll set off west on highway 180 and stay on it as you pass through Merida, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen and Villahermosa.

About 15 miles after you cross the border from Tabasco into Veracruz, you’ll take highway 180D further east until a town called Minatitlán, where it becomes highway 145D.

From there you’ll follow highway 145D until around 30 miles before Córdoba, where you’ll need to take highway 150D until just past Puebla, where you’ll take Arco Norte in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City.

When you reach highway 15D, you’ll take it west for around 250 miles until it becomes highway 90D as it takes you into Guadalajara.

What’s Great About Driving to Guadalajara?

There are some great advantages to renting a car and driving to Guadalajara.

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re travelling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is book the car and pick it up whenever you’re ready to go.

This is particularly helpful if you have a family and it might take a little longer than expected to get everyone ready.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

FAQs: Rental Car From Cancún to Guadalajara

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Cancún to Guadalajara by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Cancún to Guadalajara?

A rental car that you pick up in Cancún and drop off the next day in Guadalajara will cost around US$1,300. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Cancún, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$25 per day) and you’ll just pay the daily rate and the gas.

Most providers don’t charge you per mile travelled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Cancún to Guadalajara?

The route from Cancún to Guadalajara starts off heading west on highway 180 before turning onto highway 180D shortly after crossing from Tabasco into Veracruz.

At a town called Minatitlán, highway 180D becomes highway 145D and shortly before Córdoba, it becomes highway 150D. From there, you continue until you’ve passed Puebla, where you’ll take Arco Norte in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City.

When you reach highway 15D, you’ll take it west for around 250 miles until it becomes highway 90D as you head into Guadalajara.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 20 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

There are some great places to stop along the way, including Merida, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen and Villahermosa, where you rest for a few hours or try some amazing local food.

What is the Distance From Cancún to Guadalajara?

The total distance is approximately 1,338 miles (2,154 km) from Cancún to Guadalajara.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Cancún?

There are several places in downtown Cancún where you can rent a car. There are Hertz branches on Avenida Xcaret, Avenida Yaxchilán and in the Plaza Las Americas.

You can also rent a car in the Cancún Hotel Zone and at Cancún International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Cancún. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

The car rental providers in Cancún have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, travelling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

3. Carshare To Guadalajara

Another option you can use to get from Cancún to Guadalajara is a carshare.

Car-sharing is very popular in Mexico and it’s a great cheap way to travel while getting to know new people.

Fast Facts: Carshare From Cancún to Guadalajara

Where Can You Book A Carshare From Cancún to Guadalajara?

The easiest way to find a reputable carshare service is on BlaBlaCar.

There are different options available and you can choose a ride with a verified driver with lots of positive reviews.

What’s Great About A Carshare?

Although you won’t be able to take full control like you could with a rental car, there are some benefits of using a carshare rather than driving yourself.

1. Cheap Way to Travel

Car-sharing is often much cheaper than any other option.

Similar to Uber, the car-sharing model is unregulated and costs are lower as a result.

2. Easy to Organize

Arranging a car-share is very easy through online platforms like BlaBlaCar.

You’ll be able to see the pick-up and drop-off points at the time of booking and you’ll then pay when you’re picked up.

3. No Responsibility for the Vehicle

Similar to the other options where you’re being chauffeured, you won’t be responsible for what happens to the car while you’re on the road.

You’ll only be responsible for paying the agreed price and your liability ends there.

FAQs: Private Transfer From Cancún to Guadalajara

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Cancún to Guadalajara by carshare.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Cancún to Guadalajara?

A private transfer starts at around 1,250 Mexican pesos (US$75) per trip for one person. If you book with a larger group, the price per person will usually go down.

Most services cap the number of passengers, so make sure you check this before you book.

What is the Route From Cancún to Guadalajara?

The route from Cancún to Guadalajara by private transfer will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 28 hours.

What is the Distance From Cancún to Guadalajara?

The total distance is approximately 1,338 miles (2,154 km) from Cancún to Guadalajara.

Are The Carshare Cars Comfortable?

Drivers with good reviews will have comfortable vehicles. Contact the driver ahead of agreeing to a carshare ride to confirm.

Is It Safe To Travel By Carshare?

Yes, but you should be aware that some people may try to use the platforms to run scams.

You should be able to easily avoid this by choosing drivers who have verified profiles and lots of positive reviews.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

4. Bus To Guadalajara

If you can’t or don’t want to fly and don’t want to drive yourself from Cancún to Guadalajara, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Cancún to Guadalajara

Where Can I Book A Bus From Cancún to Guadalajara?

In Mexico, different bus companies service different parts of the country.

For the route from Cancún to Mexico City, the two biggest providers of bus routes are Futura and Elite Select.

The biggest providers of bus routes from Mexico City to Guadalajara are ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) and AU (Autobuses Unidos).

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

Okay, so it’s not a private jet and never will be. Still, there are some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

Taking the bus will usually work out a little cheaper than flying.

That’s especially the case if you are planning to take a taxi to and from the airport each time.

2. Buses Take Their Time

It might seem like a strange thing to say, but buses are a bit like slow-food.

As you travel the approximately 1,338 miles (2,154 km) from Cancún to Guadalajara through the forests, mountains and valleys, you’ll get to soak in the diverse natural beauty of Mexico.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off In The City Center

If you take the bus from Cancún to Guadalajara, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Guadalajara.

When you get off the bus, if you’re staying in the town center, you can walk the few blocks to your hotel or take a short taxi ride.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Cancún to Guadalajara

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Cancún to Guadalajara by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Cancún to Guadalajara?

Prices start at around US$150 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Cancún to Guadalajara?

ADO and AU are the two largest operators.

I recommend using ClickBus or Busbud to check availability for your dates and to find the best deal.

Is There a direct Bus from Cancún to Guadalajara?

No, there is no bus service that can take you the whole way from Cancún to Guadalajara without a stop in between.

Most of the buses will stop in Mexico City, although you can also find buses that make a stop in other places like Puebla if you would prefer to stop over there.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 33 hours, depending on the time of day you’re travelling and the provider you use.

What is the Distance From Cancún to Guadalajara?

The bus route is approximately 1,338 miles (2,154 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Cancún, the pick-up point is ADO Terminal in downtown Cancún on Avenida Uxmal for all services.

In Mexico City, you’ll usually be dropped off at TAPO, just to the east of the city. The connecting bus to Guadalajara departs from Central de Autobuses del Norte, in the north of the city, but you can easily reach it with a quick ride on the Metro.

The stop next to Central de Autobuses del Norte is called Autobuses del Norte on Línea 5, and the stop next to TAPO is called San Lázaro on Línea B. You’ll need to change lines at Oceanía.

In Guadalajara, the pick-up point is Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara, just a few miles south-east of the historic center.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

You will be perfectly safe provided you take basic precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

5. Private Jet to Guadalajara

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Cancún to Guadalajara.

And yes, it is monstrously expensive, but can’t be beaten for comfort and convenience.

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Cancún to Guadalajara

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Cancún To Guadalajara?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend taking a look at AlbaJet, which sets out various options for the Cancún to Guadalajara route.

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Cancún International Airport (CUN) from Cancún.

The options and prices are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

Most of the advantages of flying commercially apply to flying privately as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a private jet below.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Guadalajara than in a private jet.

If you want to feel like a rockstar when you arrive, there’s no better way to do it.

2. Convenience

If you need to travel urgently on short notice, flying on a private jet is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Special Occasions

If you’re travelling as a group for a wedding or for a stag or hens night, a private jet is a great way to ensure that everyone arrives at the same time.

With a large group, the prices per person aren’t quite so eye-watering, although your wallet will still take a good beating.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

FAQs: Flying From Cancún to Guadalajara by Private Jet

If you still have questions about how to get from Cancún to Guadalajara by private jet, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Private Jet To From Cancún to Guadalajara?

If you want to fly privately from Cancún to Guadalajara, you’re looking at around US$18,000 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$49,000 for a larger jet seating up to 16 people.

Extremely glamorous and wonderfully convenient, but not for those of us with weak wallets.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a private jet is around 2 hours 45 minutes.

You’ll also get through security faster and will be able to board and get off more quickly than on a commercial flight.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Cancún to Guadalajara is approximately 1,063 miles (1,711 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Guadalajara Airport To The City Center?

Guadalajara International Airport is about 13 miles (21 km) to the west of the historic center of Guadalajara.

How Can I Get From Guadalajara Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Guadalajara Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún To Guadalajara

What Are The Best Things To Do In Guadalajara?

Although it may not be the first Mexican destination that you think of, other than Mexico City itself, there’s no bigger city in Mexico than Guadalajara. Unsurprisingly, it’s full of Mexican history and culture and there are plenty of things to see and do.

The heart of the historic center of Guadalajara is the Plaza de Armas, also known as the zócalo of the city. It’s a great place to start your exploration of the city, because it’s very close to lots of great attractions.

Guadalajara’s stunningly beautiful cathedral is the most obvious of these and it’s right opposite the zócalo. It’s a blend of early 17th century Spanish renaissance architecture, but with two distinctive yellow neo-Gothic spires constructed after an earthquake that make the cathedral truly unique.

Just a few blocks east of the zócalo, you can visit the 19th century Degollado Theater (Teatro Degollado) designed by Jacobo Gálvez with classical Corinthian columns, marble sculptures and extensive murals. It’s home to the state philharmonic orchestra (Filarmónica de Jalisco) and you can also see regular opera and ballet performances in its 1,027 visitor capacity.

A few miles south-east of Guadalajara’s historic center is a colorful area called Tlaquepaque. It was designated as a Jalisco magic town (pueblo mágico) in 2018. You can walk down the colorful Calle de la Independencia, watch a mariachi show with a tequila cazuela in El Parían, or admire the locally produced pottery, clothing and glass products in the many unique shops.

And if you’re an aficionado of tequila, you will be in heaven. The birthplace of tequila itself is just 40 miles away in the town of Tequila, where you can tour the famous Jose Cuervo Distillery and taste some of the freshest Tequila you’ll ever find.  You can also follow the tequila trail (la ruta de tequila) through over 150 registered distilleries that, together, make 100% of the tequila in the world today.

All in all, Guadalajara is loaded with great things to do and you can easily keep yourself entertained over a few days.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Guadalajara?

When you make it to Guadalajara, the next obvious question will be where do you stay?

The city is geographically huge and you can choose to stay in the historic center or in neighbouring areas like Chapalita. Wherever you decide to stay, there are lots of great options.

Within the historic center, Hotel de Mendoza is a beautiful luxury option a stone’s throw from the Teatro Degollado. If you’re looking for something a little easier on the wallet, Hotel Frances is a beautiful hotel in a building dating back to the early 17th century and One Guadalajara is right opposite the Guadalajara Cathedral.

In Chapalita, which is just a few miles to the south-west of the historic center, I’d recommend Hotel Boutique La Mansión Guadalajara. It’s a beautiful hotel with some real Mexican character with a pool, onsite restaurant and even a squash court. If you’re looking for something more traditionally modern, then the Riu Plaza or Becquer Hotel are also great options.

If you’re looking for hostels, Hostel Hospedarte Centro is just a few blocks to the south-east of the Guadalajara Cathedral. Art House Hostel is another great option with beautifully painted murals just a few blocks to the north-east of the historic center.

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

When is the Best Time to Visit Guadalajara?

If you live in northern latitudes, you’re probably used to four defined seasons.  However, the more equatorial parts of the world like Guadalajara don’t really follow this model. 

Instead, in Guadalajara, there are really only two distinctive seasons, which are a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from November to the end of April and is cooler except for March and April, where the maximum temperature is quite high. The rainy season runs from May through to October, which are all warm months.

Guadalajara also has an altitude of 5,138 ft (1,566 m), which is about as high as Denver, Colorado. Its climate is a subtropical highland climate, and because of the high altitude, its temperature can fluctuate daily by more than 61°F (16°C). You’ll get cold nights and warm days, with the extremes in the temperature depending on part of the season in which you’re visiting.

The dry season is the most popular time for tourists, although there are also some spikes at other times such as the end of October during the Day of the Dead festival. The greater demand during the tourist season means that prices of flights and hotels increase as well.

The rainy season typically has fewer tourists, meaning that prices are lower, so its definitely the time to travel if you’re on a budget. Most of the time, it only rains in the afternoons, so if you plan to explore in the mornings, you can still have a great trip during the rainy season. 

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

What Should I Pack To Go To Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is at an altitude of 5,100 feet (1,550 metres), which means that the temperature fluctuates quite a lot throughout the day.

In Guadalajara, people deal with this by dressing in layers and progressively stripping layers off as the temperature increases throughout the day. What you pack depends a little on when you’re expecting to visit.

During the cooler dry season months of November to March, temperatures are cool enough that you might want a warm jacket in the evenings. At its coolest in January, the temperature in Guadalajara will fall as low as 54°F (12°C) in the evenings and then get up to 77°F (25°C) during the day.

The wet season months are generally warmer. In May, which is the warmest month of the year, it gets up to 91°F (33°C) during the day and only falls to 63°F (17°C) in the evenings. You’ll still need warm clothes in the evening, but you can get away with warm jumpers rather than needing coats.

If you travel during the rainy season, you’ll want to bring a light, waterproof jacket or buy a fold-up umbrella when you arrive.  The run isn’t usually too extreme, but you should also have a few more changes of clothes in case you get caught in a downpour.

Even though the public transport system is great, you’ll still do a lot of walking in Guadalajara, so bring or buy a comfortable pair of walking shoes. A hat for protection against the sun is also a good idea if you’re visiting in the late part of the dry season or in the wet season. 

How to Get From Cancún to Guadalajara

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for travelling from Cancún to Guadalajara beyond just taking a commercial flight.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with doing that, and it’s frankly probably your best bet most of the time. But I think it’s helpful to understand the other options so that you don’t miss out on a great experience you wish you’d had.

Your options to get from Cancún to Guadalajara are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Guadalajara!