Your Guide to Airports Near San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a charming colonial city located in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico that attracts many visitors from around the world. If you’re planning a trip there, you’ll want to know the closest airports so you can get to this picturesque destination with ease. In this article, I’ll provide details on the two primary airports near San Miguel de Allende and help answer all of your airport-related questions.
Querétaro International Airport (QRO)
The closest major international airport to San Miguel de Allende is Querétaro International Airport, commonly referred to as QRO. It’s located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from the city.
From my experience traveling to and from QRO, it’s a modern airport that offers flights from various domestic locations within Mexico as well as direct international routes from cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Most major airlines like Aeromexico, Delta, and United have service here.
When flying into QRO, you’ll want to arrange ground transportation from the airport to San Miguel in advance. Popular options include shuttles, private drivers, and rideshares like Uber or Didi. Shuttle services can cost -30 USD depending on the number of passengers. Private transfers are more expensive, usually $50-80 for a private car depending on day/time.
Because it’s over an hour away, I usually don’t rent a car at QRO airport unless I have multiple days in San Miguel as part of a longer trip. The drive is scenic but it adds significant time if you need to return a vehicle afterwards.
León Airport (BJX)
A smaller, less convenient option is León Airport (BJX), located approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes south of San Miguel de Allende in the city of León.
BJX has limited domestic service within Mexico on airlines like Aeromar and Volaris. However, flight options are much more limited than at QRO. It’s really only worth considering BJX if you’re already in the León area and don’t want to drive the extra distance to QRO.
Ground transportation from BJX to San Miguel runs around $50-70 USD for a private transfer. Public transportation like buses are also available but take much longer. Again, I don’t recommend renting a car unless staying multiple days due to the long distance involved.
Transportation Comparison
To help summarize the transportation options from each airport, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Shuttle from QRO to San Miguel: $20-30 USD
- Private transfer from QRO to San Miguel: $50-80 USD
- Private transfer from BJX to San Miguel: $50-70 USD
As you can see, while QRO is farther away distance-wise, the extensive flight options make it the best choice in most cases. BJX may work for some, but the hourly drive each way significantly cuts into time spent exploring San Miguel.
Ground Transportation Tips
When arranging ground transportation from either airport, here are some recommendations based on my experiences:
- Book in advance: Especially for private transfers, it’s best to book 1-2 weeks ahead of time.
- Use a reputable company: Look for companies with many good reviews to ensure a reliable service.
- Confirm pickup details: Get flight/arrival time, driver name, and vehicle info to expedite the meeting process.
Planning ahead will help you get to your San Miguel lodging or starting point with minimum hassle after your flight. Arriving smoothly is key for enjoying the rest of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on commonly asked questions I’ve encountered, here are answers to some additional airport queries:
Which airport is generally recommended?
In most cases, Querétaro International Airport (QRO) is the best option due to far superior flight service compared to León.
How can I get from the airport to my hotel?
Booking a private transfer arranged through your hotel or a shuttle service provides convenient door-to-door transportation without hassles.
Is it safe to take taxis or rideshares?
While public options exist, I’d recommend prearranged private transportation for safety and reliability, especially if traveling alone or with luggage.
When is the best time to fly into each airport?
QRO generally has flights throughout the day, but BJX schedules are sparser. Early afternoon is a good target window to allow time reaching your destination.
How far in advance should domestic flights be booked?
Since domestic Mexican routes sometimes see schedule changes or delays, give yourself a generous booking window of 4-6 weeks to be safe.
I hope this guide has answered all of your questions about accessing San Miguel de Allende via the nearest airports. Please let me know if any other aspects require clarification! Safe and happy travels.
Closest Airports to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
| Airport | Distance from San Miguel de Allende | Car Rental Available | Average Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Querétaro International Airport (QRO) | 120 km | Yes | 35 minutes |
| León/Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) | 160 km | Yes | 50 minutes |
| Toluca International Airport (TLC) | 180 km | Yes | 1 hour |
| Mexico City International Airport (MEX) | 210 km | Yes | 1.5 hours |
FAQ
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What’s the closest major airport to San Miguel de Allende?
The nearest major airport is Querétaro International Airport, located about a 1 hour 15 minute drive from San Miguel de Allende.
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Are there any airports closer than Querétaro?
Yep, there is a smaller airport called Del Bajío International Airport located in nearby León, Guanajuato. It’s basically a 30 minute drive from SMA and offers some domestic flights. The selection ain’t as good as Querétaro though.
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What’s the best way to get from the airports to San Miguel?
Most folks take a shuttle or taxi. Shuttles tend to be cheaper but you gotta wait for others. Taxis are pricier but you go straight there. Maybe look into renting a car too if you’re staying a while.
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Is it difficult to find transportation after landing?
Kinda depends. At Querétaro you can usually find taxis and shuttles without too much trouble outside the terminal. Del Bajío be smaller so choices may be slimmer. Either way I’d check shuttle schedules in advance so as to not get stranded at the airport!
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What companies offer airport shuttle services?
Trusty names offering shuttles include San Miguel Shuttles, Allende Transportation, and Bajio Airport Shuttle. Usually you preorder online and they pick you up based on flight arrival times. Amazing if it all runs smoothly!
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Is Uber or Lyft available for airport pickups?
On the other hand, rideshares like Uber and Lyft are sadly not super reliable for airport pickups in Mexico just yet. Taxis and shuttles tend to be your best options. Maybe someday the rideshare scene will improve down there!
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What should I budget for transportation from the airports?
A taxi from Querétaro to SMA will set you back around 1,000 pesos (~$50 USD). Shuttles usually run 600-800 pesos. And from Del Bajío figure 300-500 pesos. But who knows, perhaps with a good sales pitch you can get the driver to knock off a few pesos! Always worth a try.
So in summary, while Querétaro has more flight options it’s farther. Del Bajío airport in León is closer but with limited schedules. Best strategies are usually shuttles or taxis. Hopefully this helps answer any questions about airport transportation to beautiful San Miguel de Allende!