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

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Wondering how to get from Morelia to Guadalajara?

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 Guadalajara.

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

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Morelia to Guadalajara

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 Pátzcuaro are within easy reach and make a great day trip from the city.

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

How to Get From Morelia 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 cathedral was originally constructed during the 16th and early 17th centuries in the Spanish renaissance style but has two newer gothic towers that were built after the original structure was destroyed in an earthquake in the 19th century. The combination of architectural styles make it completely unique.

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 “Tlaquepaque 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 Morelia to Guadalajara and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Morelia to Guadalajara

1. Rental Car To Guadalajara

A road trip from Morelia 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 Morelia to Guadalajara

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 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$325 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Morelia, then you’ll pay around US$60 per day plus gas.

What Is The Best Route From Morelia to Guadalajara?

The route from Morelia to Guadalajara starts by taking highway 43 north until you reach highway 15D.

At highway 15D, you’ll turn west and follow it for about 150 miles to until you turn west on highway 90D.

From there you take highway 90D farther west for the last few miles 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 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 Morelia to Guadalajara

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

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

A rental car that you pick up in Morelia and drop off the next day in Guadalajara 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$60 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 Morelia to Guadalajara?

The route from Morelia to Guadalajara starts by heading north on highway 43 to highway 15D, about 15 miles north of the city.

Once you reach highway 15D, you take that west for 150 miles until you turn onto highway 90D, which you’ll then follow for the last few miles into Guadalajara.

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 Morelia to Guadalajara?

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

Where Do I Rent A Car In Morelia?

There are several places in Morelia where you can rent a car, including on Guillermo Prieto in the historic center and at Morelia International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

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

The car rental providers in Morelia 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 Morelia to Guadalajara

2. Bus To Guadalajara

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

Fast Facts: Bus From Morelia to Guadalajara

Where Can I Book A Bus From Morelia to Guadalajara?

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Morelia to Guadalajara 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 Morelia to Guadalajara 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 Morelia to Guadalajara, you’ll be dropped off close to downtown Guadalajara.

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 Morelia to Guadalajara

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

How Much Is The Bus From Morelia to Guadalajara?

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

Which Buses Run From Morelia to Guadalajara?

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 Morelia to Guadalajara?

Yes, there is a bus service that can take you the whole way from Morelia to Guadalajara 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.

What is the Distance From Morelia to Guadalajara?

The bus route is approximately 181 miles (292 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

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

In Guadalajara, the drop-off 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 Morelia to Guadalajara

3. Private Transfer To Guadalajara

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

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

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 three and a half hours or more is exhausting and means that you won’t be able to completely relax until you reach Guadalajara.

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 Guadalajara.

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 Morelia to Guadalajara

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

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

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 Morelia to Guadalajara?

The route from Morelia 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 at least 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on how often you want to stop.

You can include sightseeing time in your private transfer if you want to stop along the way.

What is the Distance From Morelia to Guadalajara?

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

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 Morelia to Guadalajara

4. Carshare To Guadalajara

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

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

Fast Facts: Carshare From Morelia to Guadalajara

Where Can You Book A Carshare From Morelia 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: Carshare From Morelia to Guadalajara

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

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

A carshare 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 Morelia to Guadalajara?

The route from Morelia to Guadalajara by carshare 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, depending on how often you choose to stop to do a bit of sightseeing.

What is the Distance From Morelia to Guadalajara?

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

5. Fly to Guadalajara

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

Fast Facts: Flying From Morelia 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 Morelia To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Morelia International Airport (MLM) from Morelia.

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 Morelia International Airport (MLM) for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has several options.

Private transfers will start at around US$45 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 Morelia, 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$15 to US$20, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Morelia 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 Morelia to the airport should cost you around US$15, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

5. Public Transport

According to Mexican government, Morelia had a population of 988,704 in 2020. However, unlike some of the larger cities, there’s no metro system, so you’ll need to use the public bus system.

There are buses operated by Coordinados Zinapécuaro that can take you to Morelia International Airport (MLM). You can take it on highway 43 near the Morelia Institute of Technology (Instituto Tecnológico de Morelia). You can get there by taking the orange colectivo line (naranja) on Calle de Vasco de Quiroga north.

The airport bus will cost around 27 Mexican pesos and the colectivo will cost 10 Mexican pesos.

Tip: Make sure that you have your Mexican pesos handy when you are taking the bus and the colectivo, as they usually won’t accept US dollars.

FAQs: Flying To Guadalajara

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Morelia 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$250 from Morelia.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Morelia?

VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly to Guadalajara, 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 30 minutes, including layover time.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Morelia to Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara International Airport (GDL).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Morelia International Airport (MLM) 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 International 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 Morelia to Guadalajara

6. Private Jet to Guadalajara

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

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Morelia 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 Morelia to Guadalajara route.

How Do I Get From Morelia To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Morelia International Airport (MLM) from Morelia. 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 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 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 Morelia to Guadalajara by Private Jet

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

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

If you want to fly privately from Morelia to Guadalajara, 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 Morelia to Guadalajara is approximately 155 miles (around 250 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Morelia International Airport (MLM) 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 International Airport (GDL) 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 Morelia to Guadalajara

7. Helicopter to Guadalajara

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

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Morelia to Guadalajara

Where Can I Book A Helicopter From Morelia to Guadalajara?

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 Morelia to Guadalajara route.

How Do I Get From Morelia To The Airport?

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

The options and prices for getting from downtown Morelia 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 Morelia to Guadalajara By Helicopter

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

How Much Is A Helicopter from Morelia to Guadalajara?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Guadalajara, 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 Morelia to Guadalajara is approximately 155 miles (around 250 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Morelia International Airport (MLM) 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 International Airport (GDL) 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 Morelia 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 and 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 Morelia 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 Morelia 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 Morelia to Guadalajara

What Should I Pack To Go To Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is at a high altitude, 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 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 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 Morelia to Guadalajara

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for traveling from Morelia to Guadalajara 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 Morelia 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!