Expo Guadalajara is one of the largest and most important exhibition and trade fair venues in Latin America. With 117,000 square meters (about 1.26 million square feet) of space, it is larger than São Paulo Expo, Riocentro Exhibition & Convention Center, Corferias in Bogotá and Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City.
Expo Guadalajara hosts some of the biggest and most important fairs, exhibitions and conventions held in Mexico. Among the best known are the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), Expo Antad, Intermoda, Expo Mueble Internacional, Expo Transporte ANPACT, Expo Ferretera and Expo Joya. Some of these events take place more than once a year.
Below is our guide to visiting Expo Guadalajara, with useful information to help you get the most out of your visit and make it a memorable one.
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Hotels Near Expo Guadalajara
Guadalajara has a wide range of hotels, and all across the city you will find places to stay for every budget and travel style. If you are attending Expo Guadalajara, though, we recommend staying at one of the many hotels in the area, which also cover every price range.
During large events such as the FIL, the area around Expo Guadalajara often gets heavy traffic. Staying at a nearby hotel lets you avoid it by walking to the venue, but since you will be at the center of the congestion, heading out to explore other parts of the city can be harder.
The hotels closest to Expo Guadalajara are The Westin, Barceló, Real Inn and Ibis, right across the street. A little farther, but still just a few minutes on foot, are Hotel Lemon Green, Ibeurohotel, Hotel Guadalajara Plaza Expo, Sheraton Guadalajara Expo, Fiesta Inn Guadalajara Expo, Hotel Villa del Sol, Hotel Celta, City Express Plus Guadalajara Expo and Holiday Inn Express Guadalajara Expo, in that order of distance.
The following options are still in the area but slightly farther away, and they probably make more sense if you have a car: Hampton by Hilton Guadalajara, One Guadalajara Expo, Hotel Indigo Guadalajara Expo, Presidente InterContinental Guadalajara, Staybridge Suites Guadalajara Expo, AC Hotel Guadalajara Expo, Holiday Inn Guadalajara Expo and Wyndham Garden Guadalajara Expo, among others.
To make your choice easier, here are the same hotels grouped by price.
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Expo Area Hotels from Under MXN $1,000 to $1,500
Expo Area Hotels from MXN $1,500 to $2,500
Expo Area Hotels from MXN $1,500 to $4,000
Expo Area Hotels from MXN $2,500 to $6,000
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Expo Guadalajara Parking
If traffic does not put you off driving to the Expo, the venue has a large covered parking garage.
Expo Guadalajara uses a flexible parking rate system based on how long you plan to stay. Here are the rates in effect as of January 2025 so you can plan your visit:
- MXN $30 for one hour
- MXN $60 for two hours
- MXN $75 for four hours
- MXN $90 for five hours
- MXN $195 for a lost ticket
For most events, the Expo Guadalajara garage has enough space for everyone. During the largest events, such as the FIL or Expo Antad, temporary parking opens in nearby lots, which are neither paved nor covered. If the main garage is already full when you arrive, Expo staff and traffic officers will direct you to the overflow lots.
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Public Transportation in Guadalajara
Thanks to its central location, getting to Expo Guadalajara by public transportation is practical and a real alternative to driving. The Guadalajara public transportation system does not always meet international standards, but it is comfortable enough for short trips, such as from your hotel to the Expo.
Unless you are staying far away, you can probably reach Expo Guadalajara or its surroundings directly without transferring, since the area is busy and served by many bus routes. Your hotel staff can tell you which route to take, and you can also plan your trip with Google Maps, which includes up-to-date information on the city’s public transportation routes.
If you would rather not take the city bus, ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Didi are widely used in Guadalajara. Your hotel front desk or concierge can also call a taxi de sitio (a taxi from an authorized stand) for you. If you want an executive transportation service in Guadalajara, you can book with companies such as Rapivan or GDLvan, which specialize in this type of service.
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Getting from the Airport to the Expo Area
Public Transportation
At the time of writing, no public transportation route goes directly from Guadalajara Airport to the Expo area. You can, however, get from the airport into Guadalajara, and to Expo Guadalajara in particular, with one transfer. From the airport, take route T13 A/6 to “El Tapatío,” then switch to route T04B-1 and get off at “Av. de Las Rosas,” right across from the main entrance of Expo Guadalajara.
Airport Taxis
If you are traveling with luggage or would rather avoid public transportation for any other reason, you can use the airport taxis. Both the domestic and international arrivals areas have ticket booths where you can buy your fare. Currently, a taxi from the airport to the Expo costs around MXN $450 in a compact sedan. The service from the official airport taxis is generally good, but at certain times of day the wait to board a taxi can be as long as two hours.
Private Transfers
Many companies offer private transfers from Guadalajara Airport to anywhere in the metro area and to destinations inside and outside Jalisco. These services use higher-quality vehicles and offer an executive experience, which justifies a slightly higher price. One of the main advantages is that you do not have to wait: your driver is ready to go as soon as you are, for an efficient, personalized ride. It is a good fit for travelers who want a higher level of service than a regular taxi.
Car Rental
Renting a car is one of the most practical ways to get around a city, especially when you are attending an exhibition, trade fair or convention and also want to see some local sights. Many people skip this option because they assume it costs more, but once you add up airport transfers in both directions and trips around the city, renting a car can be more convenient than it seems.
Some rental companies use unclear pricing that often ends in a final bill higher than expected, but others offer clear, affordable rates with no hidden fees. For example, at Veico Car Rental you can rent a car at Guadalajara Airport from MXN $850 per day, with all required insurance, taxes and fees included in the price.
Restaurants Near Expo Guadalajara
Expo Guadalajara no longer has sit-down restaurants inside as it did in past years, but you will find fast-food stands and coffee shops with snacks and light options during events. If you want a proper restaurant nearby, the hotels across the street have options for everyone, such as Grill & Vine at The Westin, Los Vitrales at the Barceló and Stock Café at the Real Inn.
Options within walking distance are limited. The standout is Las Hermanas Coraje SABY, a modest restaurant that is popular for its carne asada, beef tongue in green salsa and oxtail soup. Other options include Little Caesars and La Pitaya, although the latter gets mixed reviews.
If you are willing to walk a bit farther, Plaza del Sol, 1 km (0.6 miles) away, has more choices, such as Chili’s, Sanborns and Café Chai, plus fast food like KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King and Carl’s Jr.
For a wider and more upscale selection, head to the Chapalita dining corridor (Corredor Gastronómico Chapalita), about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from Expo Guadalajara. It is one of the city’s main dining areas, with restaurants for every taste. Some of the best known:
- La Moresca, La Pasteria, Fornino and Pinocchio, serving Italian food.
- La Morenita del Santuario and La Gorda, serving antojitos mexicanos (Mexican street-style snacks).
- La Bocha and El Tango, specializing in Argentine food.
- Campomar and El Cokin, known for seafood.
You can walk to the Chapalita dining corridor in about 30 minutes. If you prefer not to walk, a taxi or ride-hailing app will get you there quickly. If you drive, keep in mind that parking in the area can be limited, although most restaurants offer valet parking.
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Is the Expo Area Safe?
Safety is one of the main concerns for anyone visiting a Mexican city, Guadalajara included. Crime has clearly risen in some regions of the country compared with past decades, but tourists are rarely victims, especially when they stay in the safe parts of the city and stay away from illegal activities.
The Expo area is statistically one of the safest parts of the Guadalajara metro area. You can walk from your hotel to the Expo without worry, and even explore places a bit farther away, such as Plaza del Sol, Plaza La Perla or the Chapalita dining corridor.
As anywhere, it is wise to follow basic safety precautions and use common sense. Avoid showing valuables such as jewelry or large amounts of cash in public, and choose reliable transportation, such as registered taxis or well-known apps.
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Attractions Near Expo Guadalajara
Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s richest cities in culture and the birthplace of icons of Mexican identity such as mariachi music, charrería (Mexican rodeo) and tequila. Even if your main reason for coming is an event at Expo Guadalajara, it would be a shame not to see some of its top sights.
One of the must-sees is the historic center of Guadalajara, home to architectural and cultural landmarks such as the Hospicio Cabañas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Teatro Degollado and the Templo Expiatorio. Each of these places connects you with the history and grandeur of the city.
Another essential stop is Tlaquepaque, a Pueblo Mágico (a town with official “magical town” status), where you can enjoy tree-lined plazas, grand churches and lively pedestrian streets. It is full of art galleries, craft workshops, jewelry shops and restaurants that capture the feel of traditional Mexico.
If your schedule allows, a visit to the town of Tequila or a tour along the famous Tequila Route is an experience like no other. You can learn the history of this iconic drink, see how it is made and, of course, join a tasting to discover the distinct flavors and aromas of tequila.
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