Curious about how to get from Guadalajara to Tequila, Mexico? Look no further.
This comprehensive guide outlines all of the various options available so that you can identify the best transport option for you. The charming Jalisco pueblo magico of Tequila is one of the best day trips that you can take from Guadalajara.
As the name suggests, the little town is famous for its production of Tequila – one of Mexico’s best-loved drinks! Tequila production is similar to the production of champagne in the town of Champagne, France.
In other words, tequila is a product of designated origin and can only be produced in this part of the world. Visiting Tequila Jalisco gives you the opportunity to visit various distilleries, learn the production process of tequila, and of course, sample the products.
Even if you are not a big drinker, traveling from Guadalajara to Tequila is a nice chance to discover more about Mexican traditions and culture. There are several quaint churches and cute cobbled streets scattered throughout the town, while mariachi performers often entertain crowds of tourists and locals from the bandstand in the Plaza Principal.
The outskirts of Tequila are encompassed by gorgeous bright blue agave fields that extend as far as the eye can see. This plant is used to make tequila, but the agave fields themselves are a photographer’s dream!
How to Get from Guadalajara to Tequila
You have a couple of options available to get from Guadalajara to Tequila. There is a distance of 69km (43 miles) between the two places, and it usually takes around an hour and ten minutes to make the journey.
Arguably one of the most popular choices is to take an organized tour or to ride the Jose Cuervo tequila train. If you want to make the journey by public transport, taking the bus is the easiest and most economical option.
You don’t really need to rent a car in Mexico if you are only visiting Guadalajara. However, if you are stopping in the city as part of a wider Jalisco itinerary, it can make it easier to get to some of the pueblo magicos in the southern part of the state.
So, you may be interested to learn how best to drive from Guadalajara to Tequila. This article will look at the different options available for making the journey, so you can decipher which one is the best for you.
Take a day trip to Tequila
Several reputable local tour companies offer day trips to Tequila. Opting to do an organized tour takes some of the stress out of managing the logistics of your trip.
So, you don’t have to worry about catching buses and finding your way around Guadalajara. The tour company will pick you up and drop you off back at your hotel.
You can opt to do a private or a small group tour. The latter is a great way to meet other travelers in Mexico, particularly if you are traveling solo.
Recommended Tequila Tours
Several reputable Tequila tours are detailed below. Book them online in advance to secure your spot!
- From Guadalajara: Jose Cuervo Distillery and Tequila town tour
- From Guadalajara: Tequila trail tour with tastings
- Tequila town and cantarito-making tour from Guadalajara
- Pyramids and Jose Cuervo tequila tasting tour departing from Guadalajara
- Horse riding tour along the Tequila route, along with tastings
- Tequila, Jalisco and Toriles tour from Guadalajara
- Guadalajara, Tequila and Tlaquepaque tour from Puerto Vallarta
Take the bus from Guadalajara to Tequila
Buses from Guadalajara to Tequila depart from the Central Viaje and Zapopan bus stations in the city center. The journey should take approximately two hours.
(It is only an hour and ten minutes from Guadalajara to Tequila by road. But factoring in the traffic and the various stops on the bus route, this option takes longer).
Assuming that you are staying somewhere close to the historic center or the Zocalo, it is probably easier for you to make your way to the Central Viaje station. However, if you are staying in the western districts of Chapalita or Zapopan, you can take the bus from Zapopan.
Guadalajara is generally safe for tourists, although the neighborhood close to the Central Viaje station is a little rough around the edges. So, it is preferable to take a cab there rather than walk, particularly if traveling alone.
Three different bus companies service the Guadalajara to Tequila bus route: Quick, Rojo de los Altos and Tequila buses. All three are fine, comfortable, and convenient to use.
Buses in Mexico are generally reliable and run on time. The Tequila bus brand is distinguishable by its agave plant logo.
Like the popular Mexican ADO buses, the Tequila bus has several different classes of buses.
The standard Tequila bus is the most affordable option. The Tequila Plus is a slightly more comfortable bus with reclining seats, and the Tequila Platino is the ¨nicest¨ option – with seats with a better recline, fewer stops, and USB charging points.
All of the buses are fine. So, even if you take the most basic option, you won’t be uncomfortable. They all have bathrooms onboard, air conditioning, and some have free wifi.
Guadalajara to Tequila bus schedule
The Tequila Plus bus website displays the latest schedule information for every Tequila brand bus running along the Guadalajara to Tequila route. You can check the departure times for the Tequila bus, the Tequila plus bus, and the Tequila Platino bus here.
The first Tequila bus of the day departs Central Viaje at 6.40 am, and Zapopan at 6.50 am every day of the week. It arrives in Tequila at 7.20 am.
After that, buses depart from Guadalajara every thirty minutes between 6.40 am and 7.40 pm. (They depart at 10 minutes past, and 40 minutes past the hour every hour).
The Quick and Rojo de Los Altos buses run on less frequent schedules. There is no real price difference for purchasing a standard ticket from one company or another.
(It tends to cost around 119/120 pesos one way for all of them). So, you are better off simply buying a ticket on whatever bus is most convenient for your schedule.
Buying your Guadalajara to Tequila bus ticket
Arrive at the bus station in Guadalajara at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to purchase your ticket to Tequila. This is one of the most popular day trips from Guadalajara.
So, the bus station often gets busy with tourists setting out on day trips (particularly during the peak season in Mexico – between December and March). Still, since the buses depart every thirty minutes, you will easily find a service you can travel on.
Unfortunately, the Tequila Plus website does not allow you to purchase your tickets online in advance. You can often use Busbud to purchase bus tickets in Mexico in advance of traveling.
However, the site does charge a booking fee and often does not work for purchasing tickets in Guadalajara. You can also stop by the bus station to buy your tickets a day or two before if you like.
Drive from Guadalajara to Tequila
Driving in Mexico is not as intimidating as it may sound, and the state of Jalisco is a gorgeous place to set out on a road trip. The roads between Guadalajara and Tequila are safe and in good condition.
Not to mention, there are usually a lot of tourists and tour buses that frequent the route. (There are certain areas of Jalisco that are not safe, and areas where roads are poorly maintained and filled with potholes but that does not apply to this area).
Ride the Jose Cuervo Tequila train
One of the most fun and unique ways to get to Tequila is to ride the Tequila Express – aka the Jose Cuervo train! The old-fashioned train takes you through the jaw-dropping natural scenery of Jalisco.
As you travel, you will be served a wide range of different tequilas, tequila cocktails, and snacks. (They even have tequila ice cream!)
At the end of the journey, you will visit one of the oldest distilleries in Tequila. The day’s itinerary lasts around 11 hours in total.
This includes boarding the train in Guadalajara, the train journey itself, visiting distilleries, exploring the town, watching a cultural performance, visiting the agave fields, and returning to Guadalajara. This is not the most economical way to get to Tequila, but it is certainly one of the most memorable!
Train tickets cost between 2,590 and 3,530 pesos per person ($132 -$180 USD) depending on which carriage class you choose to travel in. (You can choose from the Express Coach, Premium Plus, Diamond, or the ultra-luxurious Elite experience).
Take a cab or a private transfer from Guadalajara to Tequila
You may be able to find an Uber in Guadalajara that is willing to take you to Tequila. Considering the length of the journey, some drivers may not be happy to do the journey.
(It is difficult for them to find a return fare). For the best chance of securing a driver, it is a good idea to pre-book your Uber in advance.
The journey should cost you between 539-731 pesos each way (circa $28 – $37 USD). You may be able to find a return Uber from Tequila back to Guadalajara as Uber does operate in Tequila too.
Uber is safer than getting into a random street cab in Mexico. There is more accountability via the app as you can see the name, reviews, and vehicle details of the person whose car you are getting into.
You should never get into a random street cab in Guadalajara as a lot of scams do exist here. At a minimum, someone may assume that as a tourist you do not know the correct going rate and so they will overcharge you.
At worst, you may be a victim of an ¨express kidnapping¨. This happens when a tourist gets into a random cab and the driver’s friends/accomplices get inside the car, hold the person at gun/knife point, and drive them around the city forcing them to hand over valuables and withdraw the maximum amount of cash at every ATM.
If you prefer not to use Uber, take a cab with a reputable local firm. Your hotel reception/concierge can help order one for you.
Final thoughts on getting from Guadalajara to Tequila
What is your preferred way of getting from Guadalajara to Tequila? Have you traveled to Jalisco state before?
If it is your first time visiting the area, you might also enjoy reading this list of things to do in Guadalajara, or this post on where to stay in Guadalajara. Have a wonderful trip!
Buen Viaje! xo
