Getting There and Away

A vibrant aerial view of Guanajuato City showcasing colorful architecture and mountainous backdrop.
Daniel Fabian, Pexels

Guanajuato's main air gateway is Del Bajío International Airport (BJX), situated in Silao, and the city also features a central bus station for ground travel.

By Air:

  • Flights arrive at Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) in Silao, which handles both domestic and international routes, including direct connections from the United States and major Mexican cities.
  • Airlines such as Aeromexico, American Airlines, United, Volaris, Delta, and Viva Aerobus serve BJX.
  • Direct flights from Mexico City to BJX typically take about one hour, with round-trip fares starting from approximately $250.00 USD, or one-way from around MX$1,618 (approximately $90 USD).
  • From BJX, the most direct way to Guanajuato City is by taxi, costing around 400 pesos (approximately $25 USD) and taking about 40 minutes. A taxi to the central bus station in Guanajuato City may cost between $25-$30 USD or 500 pesos and take 15-20 minutes.

By Bus:

  • The city's central bus station is situated about 6 kilometers (3.75 miles) southwest of downtown Guanajuato.
  • Express bus services from Mexico City's Terminal Norte typically take approximately 5 hours to reach Guanajuato.
  • Major bus companies operating these routes include Primera Plus, ETN, and Estrella Blanca Group, with ETN offering more comfortable, super-deluxe options.
  • Bus fares from Mexico City to Guanajuato can start from around $57 USD.
  • From the Guanajuato bus station, local buses to the city center cost about 5-6 pesos, or taxis are available for around 40 pesos. It is advisable to avoid night buses due to safety concerns in certain regions.

By Car:

  • Renting a car is an option, with several rental agencies available at Del Bajío International Airport (BJX), including Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
  • Daily car rental rates in the León/Guanajuato area can range from approximately $5 to $92 USD, with averages around $30 USD for a weekend rental.
  • Driving from Mexico City to Guanajuato typically takes about 4.5 hours via toll roads.
  • Navigating Guanajuato's narrow, winding, and often one-way streets can be challenging, and parking within the city center is limited; it is often recommended to park outside the immediate core and use other local transportation.