Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
02/08/2025
Wiper México, Wikimedia Commons
Zihuatanejo is served by the Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH) and a primary bus terminal, El Central de Autobuses, located approximately 1.5 miles from downtown.
By Air:
Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH) is located about 15 minutes by car from the town.
Direct flights are available from Canada and the U.S., particularly during the peak season from December to April. Major carriers include Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeroméxico, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Volaris, and WestJet.
Flights from Mexico City (MEX) to ZIH typically take around 1 hour.
One-way flights from Los Angeles (LAX) can range from approximately $119 (nonstop, 3h 44m) to $149.
One-way flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) can be found for around $112 (one stop, 8h 32m).
Round-trip flights from the United Kingdom (e.g., London Heathrow) average approximately £1,992, with an average flight time of 20 hours 27 minutes.
By Bus:
The main bus terminal, El Central de Autobuses, connects Zihuatanejo with various cities across Mexico. Reliable bus lines include Estrella de Oro, Estrella Blanca, Primera Plus, Parhikuni, and Autovías.
Bus travel from Mexico City to Zihuatanejo averages 10 hours 55 minutes, with ticket prices typically ranging from $57 to $78.
Local bus (combi/urvan) services between Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo usually take around 20 minutes and cost approximately $5 to $7. Within Zihuatanejo and to nearby communities, local buses cost about $12 to $20 MXN pesos.
Car Rental:
Car rental services are available directly at Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH) from companies such as Alamo, Europcar, Thrifty, Fox Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and Dollar.
Daily rental rates can start as low as $5.58, with compact cars being a popular rental type.
It is recommended to compare prices through aggregate booking sites like Discover Cars. Travelers should exercise caution and clarify insurance requirements with rental agencies, as some past reviews have noted issues with unexpected charges.
Taxis and Shuttles:
From Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH) to the city center, a public mini-bus (combi) typically costs between 15 and 20 MXN pesos.
Local taxis within Zihuatanejo have fares ranging from approximately $2.00 to $3.50 USD.
Taxis between Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo generally cost around $5.00 USD.
Taxi fares are fixed, and it is advisable to confirm the price with the driver before beginning the journey, as meters are not used. A 40% surcharge may be applied if air conditioning is requested, and a 50% surcharge is applied for night rates between midnight and 5: 00 AM.
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