Whether by train, plane, automobile or horse & carriage … welcome to Mexico.
The Lake Chapala area is served by the Guadalajara International Airport, (GDL) also known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Int’l Airport, located 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Guadalajara, and a short 35 minute drive from Lakeside.
You’ll find the airport to be modern, clean and easy to navigate … there’s a Starbuck’s, as well as several shops, bars and restaurants. Other facilities include ATM’s, banks, bureau de change, a post office, business facilities (fax & Internet), hotel reservations & tourist information.
Disabled facilities are relatively good; those with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance.
GDL offers numerous international carriers (American, Delta, US Air, Continental, Aeromexico, Volaris, etc.), with many non-stop or direct flights to U.S. hubs like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, and more.
Flights to and from Canada must make a stop in either Mexico City or any other U.S. hub, depending on the airline.
Taxis, Rental Cars, Currency Exchange & ATM Instructions in English
From the airport you can reach Lakeside by rental car or taxi, with the fare around $35 USD for a taxi to Ajijic. Regular taxis are not allowed to pick passengers up at the airport.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth situated outside the terminal exit.
I’ve provided a link at the top of the page for information on rental cars.