Getting to Acapulco
Acapulco's Alvarez International Airport is a busy facility, providing flights to and from the United States, but also from Europe and Canada. Many flights connect through Mexico City or Guadalajara, both not far from Acapulco. The airport is 26kms southeast of the city centre and there are shuttle buses that will take arriving travellers into the city.
Acapulco has two major first-class long-distance bus companies. Both offer frequent services to Mexico City and other major cities in the country, from where you can board cross-border buses. Many car rental companies hire out jeeps as well as cars. Several have offices at the airport as well as in the city and some offer free door-to-door delivery. Acapulco is one of Mexico's busiest ports, and visitors can also arrive by cruise ship.
By car
Travelling via Highway 95, a four-to-six lane toll highway, takes 3 hours, 30 minutes from Mexico City and there is a steep toll charge. If time is not of importance but you are looking to save money, Highway 95D, a route that parallels Highway 95, is free, but journeys on this route take 6 hours from Mexico City due to its glut of continuous curves. Highway 200 drifts into Acapulco from both the north and south. Be careful when driving from the south, as theses routes have a history of robberies.
By bus
Buses run all day from Mexico City's Terminal Sur to Acapulco's Central Camionera Station, north of downtown. The travel distance is about 290kms and the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours. Buses have varying degrees of luxury and comfort, so make sure you know what you’re getting before buying your ticket.
By air
Acapulco’s General Juan N Alvarez International Airport (ACA) is located 26kms east of the centre of the city and is a modern facility offering daily scheduled flights to and from a large number of US, Canadian and European destinations. An airport minibus service (Servicio Colectivo) goes regularly to the city centre, dropping passengers off on request. Authorised taxis are available outside Arrivals; they take around 30 minutes to reach the beach area hotels. The airport offers good passenger facilities including a post office, bureaux de change and information desks.
Acapulco Airport
Acapulco Airport operates two terminals, Terminal 1 and the Airterminal, which is a state-of-the-art concourse, offering eight boarding gates. Flights operate daily to cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles and Houston. Flights from Europe connect through Mexico City. There are shops, bars and restaurants on hand at the airport. Other facilities include banks, currency exchange, a post office, a tourist information kiosk and business facilities including fax and internet. Disabled persons’ facilities are good; those with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance.
Acapulco airport transportation
Private taxis are banned from servicing passengers from the airport, so look for the Transportes Terrestres booths near the Baggage Claim area. The trip into town takes 25 to 30 minutes. Several private operators offer online booking forms for those wishing to arrange their transportation from the airport in advance.
By ferry
Acapulco is the second largest port in Mexico after Cozumel, receiving an average of 140 calls a year. The Maritime Terminal is undergoing major renovation. Several splendid international cruise liners cast ashore here.