✈️ Flight Guide: San Jose (SJC) → Guadalajara (GDL)

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is easily reachable by light rail, VTA bus lines, BART connections via Milpitas, rideshare, and airport shuttles. In November, expect slightly lighter traffic than peak summer but heavier flows during U.S. Thanksgiving week; allow 60–90 minutes from central San Jose and 90–120 minutes from San Francisco or Oakland depending on traffic. Book rideshares or airport parking in advance during holiday weekends to save money.

Nonstop SJC to GDL service is sometimes seasonal; check current schedules because carriers may add or remove direct flights for the fall/winter season. If a nonstop is unavailable in November, common one-stop connections route through Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) with total travel time typically 6–9 hours. Use fare alerts and set ‘SJC to GDL nonstop’ or ‘San Jose to Guadalajara direct flights’ alerts to catch reinstated nonstops.

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) offers lounges, dining options, free Wi-Fi, TSA PreCheck enrollment, baggage services, and rental car desks year-round. In November, many restaurants and shops run holiday promotions and extended hours around Thanksgiving, so check terminal maps and airline notices for the latest openings and lounge access policies. Consider arriving earlier if you need to check bags or visit a lounge before a long flight to Guadalajara.

For November travel, the best time to book SJC to GDL flights is generally 4–8 weeks in advance, but early October often yields the best balance of price and availability—except for demand spikes during Day of the Dead (Nov 1–2) and the Guadalajara International Book Fair later in November. Use price trackers, flexible-date searches, and mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) to find lower fares on San Jose to Guadalajara flights in November.

U.S. citizens need a valid passport for international travel from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL); permanent residents should carry a green card. There are typically no COVID entry requirements for Mexico as of November, but check airline and government advisories for last-minute changes, and always carry proof of identity and any required travel authorizations.

From Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) you'll reach Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Cruz, and Monterey easily—ideal for combining a Northern California stopover before flying to Guadalajara. Many travelers route through San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) for better flight options to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), so consider multi-city itineraries or open-jaw tickets to visit both California hubs and Jalisco attractions.

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) has two main terminals with modern arrivals halls, baggage claim, customs and immigration for international flights. In November, expect busy peak days around Day of the Dead (Nov 1–2) and the Guadalajara International Book Fair (late November), so allow extra time for customs and ground transportation on those dates.

Ground transport from Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) includes authorized airport taxis, shared shuttles, rideshare services, and rental cars. November weather is generally dry and pleasant, so transfers to Zapopan, Chapala Lake, Tequila, and Puerto Vallarta (via connecting travel) are straightforward; allow 30–45 minutes to central Guadalajara and 1–2 hours to regional towns depending on traffic.

There are no direct public rapid transit lines from Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) to Tequila or Puerto Vallarta, but you can book private shuttles, buses, or rent a car for these trips. For Tequila tours, many operators run day trips from Guadalajara year-round; in November expect cooler evenings, so book tours in advance during festival periods like Day of the Dead and the nearby tequila harvest season.