Major Highways & Driving Tips in Guadalajara, Mexico
1. Autopista del Centro (APC)
A major highway connecting Guadalajara's downtown with the northwestern part of the city, known for its convenient access to popular destinations like Zapopan.
- High Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during peak hours
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at specific points
- Express Service: Offers express lanes for faster travel (toll-based)
2. Autopista federal 80
Connects Guadalajara with the northwestern states of Mexico, providing a crucial link to cities like Mazatlan and Tijuana.
- Long Distance Travel: Prepare for long-distance travel and plan rest stops accordingly
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at specific points along the route
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones which may cause delays
3. Autopista Lázaro Cárdenas
A major east-west highway connecting Guadalajara with the Pacific Coast and other inland cities.
- Natural Scenery: Enjoy stunning views of mountains, valleys, and coastal landscapes
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at specific points along the route
- Diverse Destinations: Provides access to popular tourist destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo
4. Carretera Jalisco-Zapopan (JAL-ZAP)
The main highway linking Guadalajara with Zapopan, the neighboring city, providing easy access to numerous commercial and entertainment areas.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic congestion during peak hours
- Toll-Free Road: Does not require payment of tolls, making it a popular choice for daily commuters
- Major Intersections: Navigate through major intersections with caution and patience
5. Autopista Tollotlán-Guadalajara (ATG)
A toll road connecting Guadalajara with the western city of Tollotlán, providing quick access to various industrial parks and commercial centers.
- Express Service: Offers express lanes for faster travel (toll-based)
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at specific points
- Industrial Areas: Provides convenient access to industrial areas for business travelers
6. Autopista Chapala-Ajijic
Connects Guadalajara with the beautiful Lake Chapala area, popular among expats and tourists.
- Scenic Route: Enjoy picturesque views of the lake and surrounding hills
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at specific points along the route
- Popular Tourist Destination: Easy access to charming towns like Ajijic and Chapala
7. Autopista Guadalajara-Tlaquepaque
A major highway connecting Guadalajara with Tlaquepaque, a famous destination for artisans and local cuisine.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic congestion during peak hours
- Toll-Free Road: Does not require payment of tolls, making it a popular choice for daily commuters
- Artisanal Market: Easy access to Tlaquepaque's famous artisanal market
8. Autopista Tonala-Periferico (ATP)
A major highway connecting the southwestern part of Guadalajara with the Periferico, providing easy access to various neighborhoods and attractions.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic congestion during peak hours
- Toll-Free Road: Does not require payment of tolls, making it a popular choice for daily commuters
- Major Intersections: Navigate through major intersections with caution and patience
9. Autopista Periferico (Periférico de Guadalajara)
A major circular highway encircling Guadalajara, connecting the city's various neighborhoods and districts.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic congestion during peak hours
- Toll-Free Road (Partial): Requires payment of tolls on specific sections, but offers toll-free sections as well
- Convenient Access: Provides easy access to various neighborhoods and attractions across Guadalajara
10. Autopista Chapala-San Juan de los Lagos
A highway connecting Guadalajara with the picturesque town of San Juan de los Lagos, popular among pilgrims and tourists.
- Scenic Route: Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at specific points along the route
- Religious Destination: Easy access to San Juan de los Lagos' famous basilica and shrine
11. Autopista Guadalajara-Puerto Vallarta
A toll road connecting Guadalajara with the beautiful Pacific Coast city of Puerto Vallarta.
- Long Distance Travel: Prepare for long-distance travel and plan rest stops accordingly
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at specific points along the route
- Picturesque Coastal Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal landscapes
12. Autopista Guadalajara-Ciudad Guzman
A major highway connecting Guadalajara with the city of Ciudad Guzmán, providing easy access to agricultural areas and rural communities.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic congestion during peak hours
- Toll-Free Road (Partial): Requires payment of tolls on specific sections, but offers toll-free sections as well
- Agricultural Areas: Provides easy access to agricultural areas for business travelers
13. Autopista Guadalajara-Colima
A major highway connecting Guadalajara with the coastal city of Colima, offering easy access to beautiful beaches and tourist destinations.
- Long Distance Travel: Prepare for long-distance travel and plan rest stops accordingly
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at specific points along the route
- Coastal Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal landscapes
14. Carretera Guadalajara-Tepatitlán
A highway connecting Guadalajara with the city of Tepatitlán, providing easy access to local attractions and rural communities.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic congestion during peak hours
- Toll-Free Road: Does not require payment of tolls, making it a popular choice for daily commuters
- Rural Attractions: Provides easy access to rural attractions and communities along the route
15. Carretera Guadalajara-Tlaquepaque-Tonala
A major highway connecting Guadalajara with Tlaquepaque and Tonala, offering easy access to artisanal markets, commercial centers, and industrial parks.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic congestion during peak hours
- Toll-Free Road (Partial): Requires payment of tolls on specific sections, but offers toll-free sections as well
- Artisanal Market: Easy access to Tlaquepaque's famous artisanal market and Tonala's pottery district