Guadalajara to Morelia: 7 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Guadalajara to Morelia?

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 Morelia.

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

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

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 Morelia, let’s look at why you should consider visiting Morelia in the first place.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

Why Should You Visit Morelia?

Morelia is a large city of over one million people and is the capital of the state of Michoacán, Mexico. It was founded in 1542 and is known for having some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in Mexico.

Its architectural beauty comes at least in part from the very distinctive rose-colored stone called cantera used in many of its buildings. The pink stone was quarried locally and was easily cut and shaped, and historically it was often used as a building material in the city as a result.

The imposing Morelia Cathedral is the best example of both the colonial architecture and the beauty of the cantera stone. The cathedral was constructed during the late 16th and early 17th centuries and is a wonderful example of the Spanish baroque architectural style.

Another beautiful example of architecture in the city is the 18th century Morelia aqueduct. It runs for over a mile through the historic center and features 253 graceful arches and two square tower-like structures known as “water boxes”.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Morelia is also known as the food capital of Michoacán. Typical dishes that you can find in Morelia include uchepos, a type of very sweet, creamy tamales; corundas, which are cheesy triangular tamales; and gazpacho, which is a wild combination of chopped fruit, cheese and chili.

And if you want to explore a little farther afield, some of Michoacán’s “magic towns” (pueblos mágicos) like Patzcuaro are within easy reach and make a great day trip from the city.

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

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

1. Rental Car To Morelia

A road trip from Guadalajara to Morelia 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 Morelia

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 4 to 5 gallons to get to Morelia.

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 Morelia when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$325 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 Morelia?

The route from Guadalajara to Morelia 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 150 miles until you reach a town called San Agustín del Maíz, where you’ll take highway 43 south.

From there, you’ll follow highway 43 for the last 15 miles into Morelia.

What’s Great About Driving to Morelia?

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

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 Morelia

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

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

A rental car that you pick up in Guadalajara and drop off the next day in Morelia will cost around US$325. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Morelia, 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 Morelia?

The route from Guadalajara to Morelia 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 150 miles until you reach highway 43.

From there, you’ll take highway 43 south for the last 15 miles into Morelia.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Morelia?

The total distance is approximately 181 miles (292 km) from Guadalajara to Morelia.

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.

What do I need to rent a car?

You’ll need to be at least 21 years old and you’ll need to have held your driver’s licence for at least a year before you rent a car.

You’ll also need to bring a credit card in your own name and your passport.

Will I have Any Liability?

If you book through DiscoverCars, the deductible on the included insurance is usually zero for damages to bodywork from a collision.

However, sometimes not all parts of the car are covered, so check the terms of the policy before you book and consider upgrading the insurance package for greater peace of mind.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

2. Bus To Morelia

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

Fast Facts: Bus From Guadalajara to Morelia

Where Can I Book A Bus From Guadalajara to Morelia?

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Guadalajara to Morelia 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 181 miles (292 km) from Guadalajara to Morelia 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 Morelia, you’ll be dropped off close to downtown Morelia.

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 Morelia

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

How Much Is The Bus From Guadalajara to Morelia?

Prices start at around US$30 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Guadalajara to Morelia?

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 Morelia?

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

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 5 hours, depending on the time of day you’re traveling and the provider you use.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Morelia?

The bus route is approximately 181 miles (292 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 Morelia, the drop-off point is Terminal de Autobuses Morelia, 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 Guadalajara to Morelia

3. Private Transfer To Morelia

If you’re keen on a road trip from Guadalajara to Morelia 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 Morelia

Where Can You Book A Private Transfer From Guadalajara to Morelia?

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

There are different vehicle options available depending on how many people in your group will travel with you, ensuring that you’ll always be comfortable.

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 Morelia.

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 Morelia.

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.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

FAQs: Private Transfer From Guadalajara to Morelia

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

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

A private transfer starts at around US$450 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 Morelia?

The route from Guadalajara to Morelia 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 3 hours 30 minutes, 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 Morelia?

The total distance is approximately 181 miles (292 km) from Guadalajara to Morelia.

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 Morelia

4. Carshare To Morelia

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

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

Fast Facts: Carshare From Guadalajara to Morelia

Where Can You Book A Carshare From Guadalajara to Morelia?

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 Morelia

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

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

A private transfer starts at around 300 Mexican pesos (US$15) 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 Morelia?

The route from Guadalajara to Morelia 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 3 hours 30 minutes.

What is the Distance From Guadalajara to Morelia?

The total distance is approximately 181 miles (292 km) from Guadalajara to Morelia.

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 Morelia

5. Fly to Morelia

If you think even briefly about how to get from Guadalajara to Morelia, 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 a connecting flight in Mexico City.

Fast Facts: Flying From Guadalajara to Morelia

Where Do I Book A Flight To Morelia?

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 Morelia

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

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season and it depends on how far ahead you book, but prices typically start at around US$250 from Guadalajara to Morelia.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Guadalajara?

VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly to Morelia, but neither operates direct flights.

You’ll need to get a connecting flight in Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU).

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight starts at around 3 hours, including layover time.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Morelia is approximately 155 miles (around 250 km).

The actual distance flown will be much longer, as you’ll need to fly to Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) in Mexico City to get a connecting flight back to Morelia International Airport (MLM).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) to depart and you’ll use Morelia International Airport (MLM) in Morelia when you arrive.

You’ll also need to get a connecting flight in Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) in Mexico City.

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

Morelia International Airport (formally known as General Francisco Mujica International Airport) is about 19 miles (31 km) to the north-east of the historic center of Morelia.

How Can I Get From Morelia International Airport To The City Center?

Morelia doesn’t have a metro system, but it does have an extensive public transportation system of colectivo buses.

In addition to the 70 or so colectivo routes that criss-cross the city, you can also take a taxi, a private transfer, or an Uber to the city.

Colectivo

The cheapest mode of transport from the airport to Morelia’s historic center is the colectivo.

You can get a colectivo outside the airport and prices start at 165 Mexican pesos (US$10) per person.

Taxi

You’ll also be able to get a taxi from the airport. A taxi to Morelia starts at 335 Mexican pesos (US$20).

Uber

Uber is also available in Morelia 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$15 for a ride 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$45.

Can I Rent A Car At Morelia Airport?

Yes, Hertz 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$60 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

6. Private Jet to Morelia

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

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Guadalajara to Morelia?

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 Morelia 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 Morelia 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 Morelia by Private Jet

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

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

If you want to fly privately from Guadalajara to Morelia, you’re looking at around US$4,600 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$20,000 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 30 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 Morelia is approximately 155 miles (around 250 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

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

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

Morelia International Airport is about 19 miles (31 km) to the west of the historic center of Morelia.

How Can I Get From Morelia 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 Morelia Airport?

Yes, Hertz 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$60 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

7. Helicopter to Morelia

If you would consider taking a private jet from Guadalajara to Morelia, 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 Morelia. On that basis, I definitely think it is an option that you should have on your list.

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Guadalajara to Morelia

Where Can I Book A Helicopter From Guadalajara to Morelia?

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 Morelia 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 Morelia By Helicopter

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

How Much Is A Helicopter from Guadalajara to Morelia?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Morelia, you’re looking at around US$2,000 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 1 hour 30 minutes in total.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Guadalajara to Morelia is approximately 155 miles (around 250 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

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

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

Morelia International Airport is about 19 miles (31 km) to the west of the historic center of Morelia.

How Can I Get From Morelia 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 Morelia Airport?

Yes, Hertz 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$60 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

What Are The Best Things To Do In Morelia?

Morelia is a hidden gem in Mexico with plenty of great things to do. Despite its size and its location just a few hours’ drive from Mexico City, it’s a city that few tourists think to visit.

The central point of the city is the beautiful Morelia Cathedral, and it’s a great place to start your sightseeing. The cathedral was constructed during the late 16th and early 17th centuries and was designed in the baroque style. Its interior is breathtaking, featuring arched ceilings with lavish gold decorations and enormous artworks hanging above the pews.

Another beautiful example of 18th century architecture in the city is the Morelia aqueduct. It runs for over a mile through the historic center and was constructed to bring water to the city after a brutal two-year drought.

Beyond the architectural beauty of particular buildings, the city and its streets themselves have something enchanting about them. You can easily spend a few hours visiting beautiful streets like Callejón del Romance (Romance Alley), lovely public squares like the Jardín de las Rosas (the Rose Garden) and lively markets like the Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías (the candy and crafts market).

And if you wan to explore outside the city, one of Michoacán’s “magic towns” (pueblos mágicos), Patzcuaro, is just 35 miles to the south-west. Patzcuaro dates back to around 1320 and is known for its nearby Lake Patzcuaro, which has five remarkable islands accessible only by boat. One of these, Janitzio, is known for its enormous statue of José María Morelos, one the key leaders in Mexico’s push for independence.

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

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Morelia?

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

The great news is that prices in Morelia are a lot cheaper than many other destinations, and you can find some great options for any budget.

Within the historic center, the top luxury option is Cantera 10 Hotel Boutique. It’s a beautiful luxury spa hotel with Spanish colonial architecture and a top location right across from the Morelia Cathedral.

Hotel de la Soledad is another luxury option just to the north of the Plaza de Armas. In addition to beautiful colonial architecture, it also features an absolutely stunning manicured interior courtyard garden area.

In the mid range, the NaNa Vida Hotel Morelia is a great traditional, artistic option in a great location one block to the south-west of the Plaza de Armas. Hotel Casino Morelia is another mid-range option that features rooms with cute balconies with views of the Morelia Cathedral.

For more wallet-friendly options, you can try the 3-star Hotel Morelia Callejón, which is a cute traditional Mexican hotel a few blocks south of the Plaza de Armas. Another budget option is Hotel Atilanos, a simple but quite leafy hotel just a block west of the NaNa Vida Hotel Morelia.

Regardless of your budget, you’ll find lots of great places to stay in Morelia.

How to Get From Guadalajara to Morelia

When is the Best Time to Visit Morelia?

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

Instead, in Morelia, 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.

Morelia also has an altitude of 6,299 ft (1,920 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 64°F (18°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 Guadalajara to Morelia

What Should I Pack To Go To Morelia?

Morelia is at a high altitude, which means that the temperature fluctuates quite a lot throughout the day.

In Morelia, people deal with this by dressing in layers and progressively stripping layers off as the temperature increases throughout the day. What you pack for both cities 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 Morelia will fall as low as 41°F (5°C) in the evenings and then get up to 72°F (22°C) during the day.

The wet season months are generally a little warmer. In May, which is the warmest month of the year, it gets up to 84°F (29°C) during the day and then falls to 55°F (13°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’re not going to be out too long.

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 Morelia, 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 Morelia

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for traveling from Guadalajara to Morelia 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 Morelia are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Morelia!