Car Rental in Guadalajara

✓ No Hidden Costs ✓ 24/7 Support ✓ Free Cancellation

Pick-up location

Guadalajara, Mexico

Return car in same location

Pick-up date

Drop-off date

Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65

700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Guadalajara Italia Providencia

Mini

Volkswagen Polo or similar

5
1
4
A/C
Auto.

per day

Guadalajara Airport

Economy

Renault Kwid or similar

5
3
2
A/C
Man.

per day

Guadalajara Airport

Compact

Chevrolet Aveo or similar

5
1
4
A/C
Auto.

per day

Guadalajara Airport

Intermediate

Nissan Versa or similar

5
2
4
A/C
Man.

per day

Travel Information

Languages

Spanish, Mayan

Currency

MXN

Drive on

Right-hand side

Country code

+52

Average car rental price

$32 per day

Average car rental length

7 days

Speed limit within town

30 - 50 km/h or 19 - 31 mph

Speed limit out of town

80 - 120 km/h or 50 - 75 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.08%

Rating

9.5 / 10

Average gas price

$1.21 per liter or $4.59 per gallon

Lowest gas price

$1.14 per liter or $4.30 per gallon

Highest gas price

$1.29 per liter or $4.87 per gallon

Why rent a car in Guadalajara?

One of the largest cities in Mexico, Guadalajara has become an attractive travel destination. With a mix of colonial and independence-era architecture, the city is one of the nicest places in Mexico for sightseeing. The birthplace of Mariachi music and Tequila, it is also one of the best urban areas in the country to experience traditional Mexican culture. Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco which is known for its mild weather, Pacific beaches, and delicious cuisine, like the famous tortas ahogadas (drowned sandwiches) and birria tacos (shredded meat).

One-Way Car Rentals in Guadalajara

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Guadalajara and drop off in another city include:

From Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta - 166 offers from $36.50 per day
From Guadalajara to Aguascalientes - 48 offers from $31.23 per day
From Guadalajara to Tijuana - 47 offers from $91.77 per day
From Guadalajara to Mexico City - 148 offers from $40.05 per day
From Guadalajara to Cancun - 32 offers from $85.58 per day

Top ways to enter Guadalajara

Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Also known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Airport, it handled more than 12 million travelers in 2021, according to Wikipedia The airport is a large hub for the Mexican low-cost airlines VivaAerobús and Volaris and serves many domestic destinations, as well as air routes to the United States and Central America. Located about 18km (12 miles) southeast of the city center, the airport can be reached in about 30 minutes.
Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR): Serving the popular resort town of the same name, Puerto Vallarta Airport handles about 2.5 million travelers annually. The airport is served by around 20 airlines, providing flights to destinations across the Americas and even some in Europe. Situated 330km (205 miles) west of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta is about a five-hour drive from Guadalajara.
Mexico City Airport (MEX): By far the busiest in the country, Mexico City Airport is the main port of entry for many foreign visitors as it hosts flights to and from destinations from around the globe. The trip from the capital to Guadalajara takes about six hours.

Top sights and activities

Museums. Guadalajara has a long and proud indigenous and colonial past, so it’s no surprise that the city is home to many interesting museums. Some of the highlights include the Regional Museum of Guadalajara (sometimes called the Anthropology Museum), Archaeological Museum of Western Mexico, Ibero-American Library, and the surprisingly diverse Regional Museum with impressive exhibits like a full skeleton of a mammoth.
Hospicio Cabañas. A vast and impressive hospital complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hospice and orphanage of Cabañas is one of Guadalajara’s most visited landmarks. Built in the 18th century, it is notable for its exterior, chapel, and courtyards, as well as the monumental frescoes by the artist José Clemente Orozco, one of the most famous Mexican artists of all time.
Guadalajara Cathedral. Another notable building, Guadalajara Cathedral is one of the most impressive churches in all of Mexico. First built in the 16th century not long after the arrival of the Spanish, it features a mixture of Spanish Renaissance and Neo-Gothic styles. The ornate altars inside the church are as impressive as the facade. It is the most iconic landmark in Guadalajara.
Arcos de Guadalajara. Instantly recognizable for its bluish shade and featured in many a tourism video, the Arch of Guadalajara is one of the most famous architectural landmarks of Mexico’s second city. Dating back to the 1930s, it was built to celebrate the opening of the highway that connects Guadalajara and Mexico City. Driving through the arch at least once is practically mandatory for any tourist who has rented a car during their trip to the city. The arch is just one block from the roundabout and statue of Minerva, another famous element of the local traffic.
Degollado Theater. Speaking of iconic architecture, another landmark not to be missed is the Teatro Degollado. Built in the late 19th century to please the country’s blooming theater scene, it has remained an important performance venue ever since and is instantly recognizable for its neoclassical facade, as well as its equally impressive interior.

Traffic and parking

Mexico has a program called Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) which provides trucks that patrol the tolled highways to assist drivers of broken down vehicles. The operators of these trucks can fix basic problems or tow your vehicle and will do it for free. You can call the Green Angels toll-free at 01-800-987-8224 or dial 078 in an emergency. Do be sure to keep your receipt from the tolls, as this program is funded through the tolls.

Toll roads

Mexico has an extensive system of toll roads due to a government program started in the 1980s to update the country’s road system. The Mexican toll road system is called Cuota. Toll booths are located along the highways at the end of sections of the road, therefore, on a long ride, you can pass through multiple toll booths. While credit cards used to be accepted, drivers can now only pay with either cash or an electronic tag placed on the car’s windshield. The electronic tags may be available from your rental car provider but usually comes with a fee. However, the fee is usually just a one-time fee for the tag, not a daily fee as in other places like many places in the United States. ATMs are few and far between along the highways, so be sure to keep plenty of cash to pay for the tolls. Keep in mind these tolls only accept Mexican pesos and no foreign money.

Compared to other countries, Mexico’s tolls can seem rather expensive. It is possible, however, to avoid most toll roads as Libre (or free) roads usually go alongside them, though they are much slower to travel on due to going through many villages along the way. This may make for more scenic travel on short trips but would certainly hinder progress on any long trips. Libre roads are often considered less safe than Couta roads, so opt for the paid roads if you can.

Ideas for day trips

Chapala. Popular with locals, expats, and tourists, Chapala is one of the most visited destinations around Guadalajara. Located on the north shore of the lake of the same name, this cozy town is notable for its beaches, restaurants, and even an art gallery inside an old train station. Located some 50km (31 miles) south of Guadalajara, Chapala can be reached in about one hour.
The Guachimontones. Like the rest of Mexico, the state of Jalisco is home to a number of pre-Columbian sites. Having already been abandoned for about 1,000 years before the Spanish arrived, Los Guachimontones nonetheless offers a fascinating insight into the lives of some of Mexico’s earliest cultures. The main attractions are the many circular pyramids, but ancient pieces of art are also on display. Located about 65km (40 miles) west of Guadalajara, the Guachimontones can be reached in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tequila. Sometimes called the most famous small town in Mexico, Tequila is known as the birthplace of the national Mexican drink. A number of local distilleries offer tours that are fascinating to visit even if you are driving and cannot try the beverage. Should you like to taste some tequila, though, there are a number of hotels and guest houses in and around the town, so you can stay for the night. Located about 68km (42 miles) northwest of Guadalajara, Tequila can be reached in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Tlaquepaque. Located only about 8km (5 miles) from downtown Guadalajara, most visitors will also check out the small town of Tlaquepaque while in town. It is known as an artistic town, with many cool art shops and lots of great street art. Tlaquepaque is one of the Mexico pueblos magicos, or magic towns.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Guadalajara is the Renault Kwid, followed by the Hyundai Creta and the Volkswagen Vento. The most popular rental car types are compact, mini, and intermediate.

Car rental prices in Guadalajara

Station wagons - from $25 per day
Large cars - from $13 per day
Medium cars - from $13 per day
Vans - from $58 per day
Premium cars - from $40 per day
Small cars - from $12 per day
SUVs - from $24 per day

Money-saving and other tips

These are some good methods to save money on your rental car:

Compare the rates of different rental car providers
Book your rental car well in advance
Plan your route before you go
Know your fuel and mileage requirements
Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Guadalajara is the cheapest in May when renting a car is a whole 80% cheaper than the yearly average. However, May is also the hottest month of the year, and often rainy, so with lower prices, you may also experience less-than-ideal weather.

This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Fact checked by

Shelley Marmor

Article reviewed and updated by Shelley, a former Miami travel magazine editor who ditched the office for the world. She settled down in Mexico in 2018, and now helps travelers plan the Mexico trip of their dreams through her various Mexico websites: Travel Mexico Solo, Travel To Merida, Travel To Oaxaca and Tulum Travel Secrets, and coaches travel bloggers on her Travel Blogging 101 site.

Top 20 cities near Guadalajara

Colima from $58.52 per day

141.3 km / 87.8 miles away
Aguascalientes from $29.56 per day

166.1 km / 103.2 miles away
Leon from $26.22 per day

197 km / 122.4 miles away
Manzanillo from $43.14 per day

201.8 km / 125.4 miles away
Puerto Vallarta from $10.60 per day

202.8 km / 126 miles away
Morelia from $37.48 per day

249.6 km / 155.1 miles away
Zacatecas from $37.51 per day

271.8 km / 168.9 miles away
San Luis Potosi from $23.69 per day

312.1 km / 193.9 miles away
Queretaro from $14.91 per day

324.9 km / 201.9 miles away
Ixtapa from $28.35 per day

378.2 km / 235 miles away
Durango from $31.04 per day

420 km / 261 miles away
Mazatlan from $18.22 per day

423.6 km / 263.2 miles away
Mexico City from $15.00 per day

458.9 km / 285.1 miles away
Puebla from $29.41 per day

538 km / 334.3 miles away
Acapulco from $60.76 per day

561.2 km / 348.7 miles away
Tampico from $31.46 per day

596.5 km / 370.6 miles away
Culiacan from $21.86 per day

636.3 km / 395.4 miles away
Monterrey from $10.76 per day

669.3 km / 415.9 miles away
San Jose del Cabo from $16.04 per day

722.8 km / 449.1 miles away
Veracruz from $15.20 per day

760.4 km / 472.5 miles away

Top 20 locations near Guadalajara

Guadalajara Airport from $13.56 per day
Colima Airport from $58.52 per day

141.3 km / 87.8 miles away
Aguascalientes Airport from $29.56 per day

166.1 km / 103.2 miles away
Manzanillo Airport from $43.14 per day

201.8 km / 125.4 miles away
Puerto Vallarta Airport from $10.60 per day

202.8 km / 126 miles away
Zacatecas International Airport from $37.51 per day

271.8 km / 168.9 miles away
San Luis Potosi International Airport from $30.65 per day

312.1 km / 193.9 miles away
Queretaro Airport from $14.91 per day

324.9 km / 201.9 miles away
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport from $58.80 per day

378.2 km / 235 miles away
Mexico - Santa Fe from $37.69 per day

441.8 km / 274.5 miles away
Felipe Angeles International Airport(NLU) from $22.20 per day

456.9 km / 283.9 miles away
Mexico City International Airport from $15.00 per day

458.9 km / 285.1 miles away
Puebla International Airport from $29.41 per day

538 km / 334.3 miles away
Acapulco Airport from $60.76 per day

561.2 km / 348.7 miles away
Culiacan Airport from $21.86 per day

636.3 km / 395.4 miles away
Monterrey Airport from $10.76 per day

669.3 km / 415.9 miles away
Los Cabos Int. Airport from $16.04 per day

722.8 km / 449.1 miles away
Veracruz Airport from $15.20 per day

760.4 km / 472.5 miles away
La Paz Airport from $18.71 per day

826.1 km / 513.3 miles away
Puerto Escondido Airport from $32.09 per day

835.6 km / 519.2 miles away

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Guadalajara?

Car rental prices in Guadalajara vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.

Average rental costs per day in Guadalajara

$24.78

January

$22.32

February

$29.78

March

$27.07

April

$34.63

May

$51.18

June

$40.09

July

$32.23

August

$37.90

September

$32.14

October

$36.04

November

$36.14

December

The cheapest month to rent a car in Guadalajara is February (when prices average $22.32 per day). This is 34% cheaper than the yearly average and 56% cheaper than renting in June (when prices average $51.18).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Guadalajara?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in April, the average renter keeps their car for 8 days, and in February, they keep their car for 6 days.

Average number of rental days in Guadalajara

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Guadalajara?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Guadalajara is December, and the least popular is August.

Monthly searches in Guadalajara by pick-up date relative to the average

145%

January

135%

February

83%

March

78%

April

99%

May

64%

June

69%

July

51%

August

70%

September

84%

October

89%

November

233%

December

Car rental information

Car rental locations	10
Airport locations	1
Popular suppliers	MEX RENT A CAR, Avis, NUCarrentals, Europcar, Keddy
Popular car categories	Large cars, SUVs, Small cars, Medium cars
Lowest price	$12 per day
Cheapest supplier	MEX RENT A CAR

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
MEX RENT A CAR	MG 5	5	2	Large cars
MEX RENT A CAR	Kia Rio	4	1	Small cars
MEX RENT A CAR	Volkswagen Polo	4	1	Small cars
MEX RENT A CAR	Kia Forte	4	3	Large cars
Avis	Nissan Kicks	5	2	SUVs
MEX RENT A CAR	Nissan X-Trail	5	3	SUVs
Thrifty	Renault Stepway	5	3	SUVs
Keddy	Chevrolet Aveo	5	2	Large cars
Europcar	Chevrolet Aveo	5	2	Large cars
SIXT	Hyundai i10	4	1	Small cars

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Mexico

Chevrolet Aveo

3/1/24

Educating ourselves in preparation for relocating within Mexico

United States of America (USA)

Hyundai Accent

12/2/18

hello if you need to save headaches and time wasting go to this professional Alamo car rental company, they made our trip to Mexico extremely pleasant and making it possible due to their excellent service first i was skeptical about the whole situation , cause our last bad experience same night reservation, but they did an excellent job getting us a nice car and short period of time. both of my kids and myself are very grateful of your excellent service.