Guadalajara to Mexico City: 7 Best Ways To Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Guadalajara to Mexico City?

Most people would immediately think of taking 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 Mexico City.

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

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

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.

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

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

Why Should You Visit Mexico City?

Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico and the country’s largest city. It is a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity and should be a must-see destination on your Mexico bucket-list.

The list of things to do in Mexico City is enormous. You can go to the Zócalo and see the imposing Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, which houses Diego Rivera’s iconic murals. You can also see world class art at the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Museum of Bellas Artes.

The ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán is within the city limits at the Templo Mayor archaeological site and the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán are an easy day trip from the city.

And of course there is the amazing Mexican cuisine that you can enjoy from street vendors or from the many high end restaurants in the city. All in all, having a great time is pretty much a foregone conclusion.

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

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

1. Fly to Mexico City

If you think even briefly about how to get from Guadalajara to Mexico City, 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.

Fast Facts: Flying From Guadalajara to Mexico City

Where Do I Book A Flight To Mexico City?

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 Guadalajara To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) from Guadalajara.

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 the 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 Guadalajara International Airport for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has several options.

Private transfers will start at around US$30 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 Guadalajara, 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$10 to US$15, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Guadalajara and it’s perfectly safe to use. 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 Guadalajara to the airport should cost you around US$10, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

5. Public Transport

According to Statista, Guadalajara had a population of 5.7 million at the end of 2020, so it’s not surprising that the city has a sophisticated public transport network to help you move around.

Traveling on the light rail or on a city bus is simple enough, although you’ll need to buy a rechargeable travel card (called “Mi Movilidad“), which you can get in a Metro station and many bus stations in the city. The card will cost you 30 Mexican pesos (about US$1.50). You can find a map of the Guadalajara light rail and bus lines here.

Once you have the card, you use it to tap in when you board a train or a bus, and you can use it to pay for others too if you’re traveling as a group. When you run low on credit, you can recharge the card at machines available at the metro or city bus stations.

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.

Tip: Make sure that you have your Mexican pesos handy when you are buying your recharge card or when you’re topping it up.

FAQs: Flying To Mexico City

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Guadalajara to Mexico City 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 Mexico City?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season and it depends on how far ahead you book, but prices typically start at around US$40 from Guadalajara.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Guadalajara?

Volaris, VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly direct to Mexico City.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight starts at around 1 hour 25 minutes.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Mexico City is approximately 286 miles (around 460 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to depart and you’ll use Mexico City International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City when you arrive.

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

It’s about 6 miles from Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) to the Zócalo in the historic center of Mexico City.

How Can I Get From the Airport To My Hotel?

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

Metro

The cheapest way to travel in Mexico City is by using the metro train system. From the airport, you can take metro line 5 from Terminal Aérea Station at the airport into the city.

The fare will cost you just 5 Mexican pesos (US$0.30) and is hands down the cheapest way to get from the airport into the city. Make sure you have your Metro Card handy, which you can get at machines at most stations.

Bus

The next cheapest way to travel from the airport to your hotel is to take the public bus. Fares are 30 Mexican pesos (US$1.75) per trip.

You’ll need to use your Metro Card for the bus as well.

Taxi

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

Uber

Uber is also available in Mexico City 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$12 into the city.

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$25.

Can I Rent A Car At Benito Juárez International 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. Prices start at around US$20 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

2. Rental Car To Mexico City

A road trip from Guadalajara to Mexico City 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 Guadalajara to Mexico City

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 9 to 10 gallons to get to Mexico City.

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 Mexico City when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$300 plus gas.

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

What Is The Best Route From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The route from Guadalajara to Mexico City starts at the south of the city on highway 23, which becomes highway 90D just to the east of the city.

After around 10 miles, you’ll take highway 15D to the south-east and will follow that for nearly 300 miles until you reach highway 57D, around 50 miles to the north-west of Mexico City.

From there you take highway 57D south-east for the rest of the way into the city.

What’s Great About Driving to Mexico City?

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

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 traveling 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.

FAQs: Rental Car From Guadalajara to Mexico City

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

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

A rental car that you pick up in Guadalajara and drop off the next day in Mexico City will cost around US$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 Guadalajara, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$30 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 Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The route from Guadalajara to Mexico City starts on highway 15D just to the south of the city.

Once you reach highway 15D, you follow that for nearly 300 miles until you reach highway 57D, which you’ll take the rest of the way into Mexico City.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 6 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The total distance is approximately 345 miles (554 km) from Guadalajara to Mexico City.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Guadalajara?

There are lots of places in Guadalajara where you can rent a car, including on Avenida Niños Héroes and other places downtown and at Guadalajara International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

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

The car rental providers in Guadalajara 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, traveling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

3. Bus To Mexico City

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

Fast Facts: Bus From Guadalajara to Mexico City

Where Can I Book A Bus From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Guadalajara to Mexico City are Futura and Elite Select.

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 345 miles (554 km) from Guadalajara to Mexico City through the mountains, 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 Guadalajara to Mexico City, you’ll be dropped off close to downtown Mexico City.

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

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Guadalajara to Mexico City

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

How Much Is The Bus From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

Prices start at around US$55 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

Futura and Elite Select 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 Guadalajara to Mexico City?

Yes, there is a bus service that can take you the whole way from Guadalajara to Mexico City without a stop in between.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 7 hours, depending on the time of day you’re traveling and the provider you use.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The bus route is approximately 345 miles (554 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

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

In Mexico City, the drop-off point is Central de Autobuses del Norte in Mexico City.

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 Guadalajara to Mexico City

4. Private Transfer To Mexico City

If you’re keen on a road trip from Guadalajara to Mexico City but aren’t so keen to do the driving, you can arrange a private transfer.

It’s a lot more expensive than renting a car and driving yourself, but it lets you relax and enjoy the scenery or even catch up on some sleep.

Fast Facts: Private Transfer From Guadalajara to Mexico City

Where Can You Book A Private Transfer From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The easiest way to find a reputable private transfer service is by using a platform like Viator.

There are different options available and you can add in stops along the way in interesting places like Morelia and Lake Chapala.

What’s Great About A Private Transfer?

Although it is more expensive than a rental car, there are some benefits of getting a private driver rather than driving yourself.

1. No Need To Focus On The Road

The best thing about being chauffeured is that you don’t need to worry about driving.

Watching the road for seven hours or more is exhausting and means that you won’t be able to completely relax until you reach Mexico City.

2. Great For Groups

A private transfer is great if you’re traveling as a group.

You get to share the cost and just focus on having fun and let the driver bring you to Mexico City.

3. Capped risk

The other big benefit of having a private driver is that you don’t bear the risk of having an accident and damaging the car.

Your insurance would likely cover any damage, but having a driver just avoids the risk altogether.

FAQs: Private Transfer From Guadalajara to Mexico City

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Guadalajara to Mexico City by private transfer.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

A private transfer starts at around US$350 per trip per person for a minimum of two people. 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 Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The route from Guadalajara to Mexico City 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 at least 6 to 7 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

The private transfer will usually plan for one stop to eat, unless you need to stop more often to use the bathroom or you plan stopovers in different towns.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The total distance is approximately 345 miles (554 km) from Guadalajara to Mexico City.

Are The Private transfer Cars Comfortable?

Yes, the private transfer services offered on Viator use comfortable modern vehicles.

Is It Safe To Travel By Private Transfer?

If you travel with a reputable provider such as those arranged via Viator, you will be perfectly safe traveling by private transfer.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

5. Carshare To Mexico City

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

Car-sharing is very popular on the Guadalajara to Mexico City route and it’s a great cheap way to travel while getting to know new people.

Fast Facts: Carshare From Guadalajara to Mexico City

Where Can You Book A Carshare From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

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: Carshare From Guadalajara to Mexico City

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

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

A private transfer starts at around 500 Mexican pesos (US$25) 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 Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The route from Guadalajara to Mexico City 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 7 hours.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

The total distance is approximately 345 miles (554 km) from Guadalajara to Mexico City.

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 Guadalajara to Mexico City

6. Private Jet to Mexico City

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Guadalajara to Mexico City, even though it is a relatively short distance.

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

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Guadalajara to Mexico City

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Guadalajara to Mexico City?

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 Guadalajara to Mexico City route.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) from Guadalajara. The options and prices are broadly the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

There are obviously some big positive aspects of flying with a private jet.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Mexico City 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 traveling 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.

FAQs: Flying From Guadalajara to Mexico City by Private Jet

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

How Much Is A Private Jet To From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

If you want to fly privately from Guadalajara to Mexico City, you’re looking at around US$8,000 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$30,000 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 50 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 Guadalajara to Mexico City is approximately 286 miles (around 460 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara to depart and you’ll use Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) 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 Benito Juárez International 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 Benito Juárez International 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. Prices start at around US$20 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

7. Helicopter to Mexico City

If you would consider taking a private jet from Guadalajara to Mexico City, a similar option is to take a helicopter. Helicopter taxi services are definitely the transport of the future, so if you can afford it, why not start now?

While a helicopter is slower than a private jet and not as luxurious due to the limited space, you’ll have much more time to sightsee on your way to Mexico City. On that basis, I definitely think it is an option that you should have on your list.

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Guadalajara to Mexico City

Where Can I Book A Helicopter From Guadalajara to Mexico City?

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

I recommend starting with Patriot Aviation or Meicer Aviación, each of which can offer you a personalized quote on request for the Guadalajara to Mexico City route.

How Do I Get From Guadalajara To The Airport?

In most cases, you’ll take off from Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara when you’re flying by helicopter.

The options and prices for getting from downtown Guadalajara to the airport are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying By Helicopter?

Most of the advantages of flying privately apply to flying by helicopter as well.

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

1. Better For Sightseeing

While flying by helicopter is much faster than traveling by land in a car or a bus, it is still a lot slower than flying commercially or privately.

That might be a downside if you’re in a hurry, but if you’re not, you’ll have a much better opportunity to enjoy the scenery as you fly.

Basically, because you’ll be flying lower and slower, you’ll see more for longer.

2. Convenience

As with a private jet, if you want to travel quickly, a helicopter flight 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. Better if You Fear Flying

It might sound like an odd thing to say, but if you’re keen to fly yet have a fear of flying, a helicopter flight is likely to be a better bet than a flight on a jet.

Helicopters take off vertically so there’s no dramatic acceleration that bothers many people when flying. They also fly lower and don’t use pressurised cabins, which means that you won’t have the discomfort from the change in pressure like you do in a plane.

All in all, a helicopter flight is a “lighter” version of flying, if you like. So if you’re not really keen on flying but need to travel quickly, this is a great option for you.

FAQs: Flying From Guadalajara to Mexico City By Helicopter

If you still have questions about how to get from Guadalajara to Mexico City by helicopter, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Helicopter from Guadalajara to Mexico City?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Mexico City, you’re looking at around US$3,000 for a helicopter seating six to eight.

The price will go up for the larger, heavier models that require more crew members to pilot them.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time on a helicopter will be around an hour in total.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Mexico City is approximately 286 miles (around 460 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to depart and you’ll use Mexico City International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City when you arrive.

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

It’s about 6 miles from Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) to the Zócalo in the historic center of Mexico City.

How Can I Get From Benito Juárez International 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 Benito Juárez International 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. Prices start at around US$20 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

What Are The Best Things To Do In Mexico City?

As the largest city in Mexico, it’s shouldn’t be surprising that there are loads of great things to do in Mexico City.

I’d recommend that you start by heading over to the Zócalo, more formally known as the Plaza de la Constitución, which is the physical and cultural heart of the city.  It’s an enormous town square of the city that is used for festivals and other cultural exhibitions held throughout the year.

Across the road from the Zócalo to the north is the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral, which was built over a period of 250 years between 1573 and 1813. On the east side of the Zócalo is the National Palace, which was built on the site of the previous palace of Montezuma II and is currently being used as the presidential palace.

Next to the Metropolitan Cathedral is a ruined Aztec temple known as the Templo Mayor de Mexico-Tenochtitlan, which was believed to have been constructed in the 14th century.  The temple was destroyed by the Spanish in the early 16th century and records of its exact location was lost. Parts of it were discovered in the early 20th century, but it was only fully excavated in the 1980s after demolishing several buildings that had been built on the ruins.

If you want some fresh air, you can visit Chapultepec Castle, which is a beautiful 18th century building originally constructed as a governor’s mansion for the Spanish viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez. The castle is set on a hill surrounded by Chapultepec Forest, which is a large wooded area just outside the city center in the west of the city.

For art lovers, the Frida Kahlo museum is to the south of the city in the Coyoacán neighbourhood.  The museum is situated in the distinctive cobalt-blue house built in 1904 and in which she lived, worked and ultimately died. It gets more than 25,000 visitors each year, and you can see the room where she painted, as well as her easel and her lovely garden.

Outside the city, there are lots of attractions you can reach easily on day-trips.  High on your list should be visit Teotihuacán, which is the site of an enormous ruined pre-Columbian city and is just 30 miles north-east of Mexico City.  Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, it was a thriving city, and you can wall down the mile-long and 150 ft wide Avenue of the Dead connecting the Temple of Quetzalcoatl to the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.  

Mexico City really is full of amazing things to do and you’ll have no trouble filling the hours.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Mexico City?

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

Mexico City is geographically large with lots of different neighbourhoods around the historic center.  If you’re not keen on staying right in the historic center, the Juárez and Roma neighbourhoods are great options and are still close to everything. 

Within the historic center, there are lots of great places to stay.  The Gran Hotel Ciudad de México is a top luxury hotel right across the road from the Zócalo.  If you’re looking for something a little more casual but still very modern, the City Centro by Marriott is just a few blocks south-west from the Zócalo and has a great rooftop pool and breakfast area. 

If you’re looking for a more boutique option, you can also try the Casa de la Luz.  For hostels, take a look at Selina Mexico City.

In Juarez, you’ve got a lot of high-end luxury hotels including Four Seasons Mexico City, Sofitel Mexico City (pictured above) and St Regis Mexico City.  Casa Emilia is also a great boutique option.

For Roma, I would recommend NaNa Vida CDMX if you’re looking for a boutique hotel. The Maison Celeste is also a great boutique option.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Mexico City

When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City?

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

Instead, in Mexico City, 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.

Mexico City also has an altitude of 7,350 ft (2,240 m), which is higher than Denver, Colorado. Its climate is a subtropical highland climate, and because of the high altitude, its temperature can fluctuate daily by more than 28°F (15°C). You’ll get cold nights and warm days, with the extremes in the temperature depending on the season.

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 Guadalajara to Mexico City

What Should I Pack To Go To Mexico City?

Mexico City is at a higher altitude than Guadalajara, which means that the temperature fluctuates throughout the day like in Guadalajara between a colder minimum and maximum.

As in Guadalajara, in Mexico City, 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 the city.

During the cooler dry season months of November to March, temperatures are cool enough that you’ll need a warm coat or jacket in the evenings. At its coolest in January, the temperature in Mexico City will fall as low as 44°F (6.5°C) in the evenings and then get up to 71°F (21.6°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 80°F (26.7°C) during the day and only falls to 56°F (13.2°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 Mexico City, 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 Guadalajara to Mexico City

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for traveling from Guadalajara to Mexico City beyond just renting a car or taking the bus.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with those options, and frankly they’re 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 Guadalajara to Mexico City are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Mexico City!