Car Hire at Guadalajara Airport, Mexico

Serving the capital of Jalisco state, Guadalajara International Airport (also known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Airport) is the main gateway to Guadalajara and western Mexico. The airport is around 20 kilometres south of the city centre and connects directly to key highways, making car hire the easiest way to explore the region.

Whether you’re heading into the historic centre, visiting the birthplace of tequila or travelling into the countryside, hiring a car at Guadalajara Airport gives you full flexibility to travel at your own pace.

Picking Up Your Hire Car at Guadalajara Airport

Car rental desks are located inside the arrivals area of both terminals, with vehicles collected from dedicated car parks nearby. Shuttle services operate for off-site rental depots.

Booking early is recommended, especially during holidays, festivals and high-travel seasons (November–April).

Why Hire a Car at Guadalajara Airport?

Freedom to explore Jalisco
With a hire car, you can easily reach the historic centre, neighbouring towns, artisan villages and agave countryside.

Visit Mexico’s Tequila region
Drive to the UNESCO agave landscape and visit distilleries in and around the town of Tequila.

Convenient for families and business trips
A rental car makes transfers simple and provides flexibility across the city and surrounding areas.

Access to scenic towns
Places like Tlaquepaque, Chapala and Ajijic are best visited by car.

Perfect for longer stays
Public transport is available but doesn’t reach many rural or scenic areas.

Car Hire with Rhino Car Hire at Guadalajara Airport

We work with trusted rental brands operating directly inside the airport to ensure an easy pick-up and drop-off experience.

What you can expect
A wide range of vehicles: compact cars, saloons, SUVs and people carriers
Clear and transparent pricing with no hidden extras
Fast airport collection
Flexible booking terms for short or extended rentals
Optional extras such as GPS, child seats, additional drivers and full insurance

Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best prices and widest selection.

Best Places to Visit by Car from Guadalajara Airport

Guadalajara Historic Centre
Around 25 minutes away. Explore colonial buildings, plazas and museums.

Tlaquepaque
A charming artisan town known for handcrafted goods, mariachi culture and traditional restaurants.

Tequila
About 1 hour away. Visit world-famous distilleries and tour the blue agave fields.

Chapala
Home to Mexico's largest freshwater lake, perfect for relaxed promenades and lakeside dining.

Ajijic
A scenic lakeside town known for its expat community, cafes and mountain views.

Guachimontones
An archaeological site featuring unique circular pyramids, around 1 hour west of the city.

Zapopan
A dynamic suburb with shopping areas, parks and historic temples.

Driving Tips for Guadalajara and Jalisco

Traffic can be busy around the city centre during peak hours
Motorways and highways are generally well maintained
Toll roads (cuotas) are often faster and safer than free routes
Speed bumps (topes) are very common in towns and villages
Use hotel or secure parking where possible in central areas
Petrol stations are widely available, though rural areas may be more spaced out
Check out our useful Driving Guide/Tips by clicking here:  Drive Smart Mexico

Distances from Guadalajara Airport

Guadalajara city centre – 12 miles
Tlaquepaque – 9 miles
Zapopan – 19 miles
Tequila – 44 miles
Chapala – 21 miles
Ajijic – 25 miles
Guachimontones – 41 miles

Guadalajara Airport Car Hire FAQs

Do I need a car at Guadalajara Airport?
A car is highly recommended if you plan to visit Tequila, Lake Chapala or surrounding countryside areas.

Is driving in Guadalajara difficult?
Main roads are easy to navigate, though traffic can be heavy at peak times. Rural drives are more relaxed.

Can I collect a rental car inside the airport?
Yes. Most major rental companies have counters in the arrivals area, with vehicles located nearby.

Are toll roads common?
Yes. Toll highways offer quicker and smoother travel between cities. Cash or card is usually accepted.

Is parking easy in Guadalajara?
Many hotels offer private parking. In the historic centre, secure car parks are recommended over street parking.

Start Your Jalisco Adventure

Hiring a car at Guadalajara Airport gives you total freedom to explore tequila country, lakeside towns, artisan villages and the vibrant heart of weste