San Miguel de Allende, a picturesque city in Mexico’s central highlands, is known for its thriving arts scene, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Traveling to this vibrant city requires some planning, and one of the key considerations is which airport to fly into. The closest airport to San Miguel de Allende can significantly impact your travel experience, from the cost of your flight to the time it takes to reach the city itself.
This comprehensive guide will provide an exhaustive review of the airports closest to San Miguel de Allende, detailing their pros and cons, and enabling you to make an informed decision. We will also answer a few commonly asked travel queries towards the end of this article.
Table of Contents
- 1 Three Airports Close to San Miguel de Allende
- 2 Traveling to San Miguel de Allende: Air vs. Land
- 3 Your Arrival in Mexico: What to Expect
- 4 Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider
- 5 Frequently asked questions about getting to San Miguel de Allende:
Three Airports Close to San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is serviced by three main airports: Leon/Guanajuato (BJX), Juarez International in Mexico City (MEX), and Queretaro Airport (QRO). Each of these airports offer varying benefits and drawbacks depending on your point of origin and travel preferences.
Leon/Guanajuato (BJX) Airport
As the airport closest to San Miguel de Allende for many travelers, BJX is often the most popular choice. Located roughly an hour and fifteen minutes away from San Miguel de Allende, BJX offers several flights each day on various airlines, making it highly accessible.
Services at BJX
At BJX, you’ll find international customs services and most major rental car companies. Traveling from BJX to San Miguel de Allende is convenient, thanks to the availability of taxis, group shuttles, and private shuttles. However, it’s advisable to book these services in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Cost from BJX to San Miguel de Allende
- Taxis: Approximately $100 USD
- Group Shuttles: Approximately $25 USD
- Private Drivers: Approximately $75 USD
Benito Juarez International Airport (AICM), Mexico City
Although MEX is further away than BJX—about three and a half hours from San Miguel de Allende—it offers a larger number of flights on various airlines. This makes it a feasible option, particularly for those traveling from the northern US or Canada, where cheaper fares are often available.
Services at MEX
Similar to BJX, MEX offers international customs services and houses most major rental car companies. Transportation options from MEX to San Miguel de Allende include taxis, group shuttles, and private shuttles. Remember to book these services in advance to secure your ride.
Cost from MEX to San Miguel de Allende
- Group Shuttles: Approximately $59 USD
- Private Drivers: Approximately $150 USD
Queretaro Airport (QRO)
The Queretaro Airport is another viable option when planning your trip to San Miguel de Allende. At about an hour’s distance from the city, QRO offers daily flights on a variety of airlines, making it a convenient choice.
Services at QRO
Like the other two airports, QRO also provides international customs services and hosts major rental car companies. You can choose from taxis, group shuttles, and private shuttles for transportation from QRO to San Miguel de Allende. As always, booking these services in advance is recommended.
Cost from QRO to San Miguel de Allende
- Taxis: Approximately $100 USD
- Group Shuttles: Approximately $39 USD
- Private Drivers: Approximately $75 USD
Traveling to San Miguel de Allende: Air vs. Land
While air travel is the quickest way to reach San Miguel de Allende, some travelers might prefer to drive from other areas of the country, or even from the airport. The driving time from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende is approximately 3 to 4 hours, while it’s about 1.5 hours from Leon.
You can also opt for bus services from the Leon Airport, the Mexico City airport, and just about anywhere else in Mexico to San Miguel de Allende. From the Mexico City airport, you can take the Aeroplus to Queretaro (approximately 3 hours non-stop), then take another bus to San Miguel (approximately 1 hour).
Traveling by Road: Things to Keep in Mind
If you decide to travel by road, make sure to abide by all laws and have Mexican insurance. The highways in Mexico are generally well-maintained, but it’s always best to be prepared for any eventuality. Also, keep in mind that traffic and other delays could potentially extend your travel time.
Your Arrival in Mexico: What to Expect
Upon reaching Mexico, the immigration counter will be your first stop. You’ll need to present your passport or birth certificate and get it stamped to make your arrival official. You’ll also be given a customs declaration form to fill out on the plane.
Mexico uses a “Red Light – Green Light” system for customs. If you’ve declared “Nothing to declare” on your form, you’ll be asked to push a button. A green light means you can exit without inspection, while a red light means you’ll be subject to inspection.
Remember to declare anything over and above what is allowed, paying all applicable duties. If you’re caught by a red light and haven’t declared these items, you may be subject to steep fines.
Prohibited Items in Mexico
Certain items are restricted or outright prohibited when traveling to Mexico. These include:
- Most food items, especially plants, fruits, and seeds.
- Cigars and cigarettes—over 20 packs per person may be subject to duty.
- Liquor and wine—over 2 bottles per person may be subject to duty.
- Controlled substances and drugs.
- Firearms (unless you have a permit obtained from the Mexican Consulate in advance).
Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider
When choosing the closest airport to San Miguel de Allende, consider the following factors:
- Flight availability and cost: Check which airlines fly to the airports nearest to San Miguel de Allende and compare the fares.
- Ground transportation options and costs: Look into the availability and cost of taxis, shuttles, and rental cars.
- Travel time to San Miguel de Allende: Consider the time it will take to travel from the airport to San Miguel de Allende.
- Your personal travel preferences: Some travelers might prefer a longer, more scenic drive, while others might want to reach their destination as quickly as possible.
Frequently asked questions about getting to San Miguel de Allende:
Where do you fly into for San Miguel de Allende?
You can fly into either the Leon/Guanajuato airport (BJX), the Juarez International in Mexico City (MEX), or the Queretaro airport (QRO). Each of these airports is accessible from San Miguel de Allende, with BJX being the most popular choice due to its proximity.
What is the easiest airport to San Miguel de Allende?
The easiest airport to San Miguel de Allende is typically the Leon/Guanajuato airport (BJX) as it’s the closest in terms of travel time. However, the “easiest” airport can vary depending on factors like flight availability and cost, ground transportation options, and personal travel preferences.
Is QRO or BJX closer to San Miguel de Allende?
Both the Queretaro airport (QRO) and the Leon/Guanajuato airport (BJX) are relatively close to San Miguel de Allende, with travel times of approximately one hour. However, the exact travel time can vary depending on factors like traffic and the mode of transportation used.
How much is an Uber from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende?
The cost of an Uber from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende can vary significantly depending on factors like the time of day and demand for rides. It’s best to check the Uber app for the most accurate pricing information.
Choosing the closest airport to San Miguel de Allende is a crucial part of planning your trip to this vibrant Mexican city. Whether you opt for BJX, MEX, or QRO, each option offers its own unique advantages. By considering factors like flight availability and cost, ground transportation options, and travel time, you can choose the best airport for your needs and ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to San Miguel de Allende.