Libertador Miguel Hidalgo International Airport is the gateway to Guadalajara, with flights from many US and Mexican cities. Mexicana, AeroMexico and Aviacsa all fly here, along with American Airlines, Continental, and Delta. You can also get here by budget airlines Aerocalifornia, Interjet, and Volaris Jet from within Mexico. Facilities are so-so and include currency exchange and duty-free, but be aware that the airport gets very busy.

If you are staying at a large Guadalajara hotel you will invariably get the airport transfers thrown in. Other than that, taking a taxi is your best bet, but be sure to agree on a price beforehand. Public buses also serve the airport to the city centre, while Guadalajara-Chapala Highway provides access to town for those who hire cars.

You won’t need to make use of Guadalajara’s public transport network if you are staying near the historic centre as it is quite compact. If you do need to get about, though, the easiest way is by taxi. Taxis are metered although drivers rarely use them, and there are three tariffs—day, night, and suburban.

Buses can be confusing and there is an old and new station to boot. The most useful tourist route to remember is the TUR 706, which runs from the historic centre to the suburb of Tlaquepaque, the new bus station (Central Camionera), and Tonala. There is also an electric bus that runs between downtown and Minerva as well as the limited Tren Ligero light rail.

Getting about by car in Guadalajara can be tough, owing to criss-crossing highways, inconsiderate local drivers, confusing streets and limited parking options. Bicycle rental is available in Parque Agua Azul where there are many interesting trails, as well as in the main city squares, although riding around the town proper is not much fun due to incessant traffic.