Guanajuato International Airport Terminal (BJX)

Guanajuato International Airport officially known as the Aeropuerto Internacional de Guanajuato, is one of the busiest airports in Mexico. According to the survey by Airport Council International of North America it serves more than 100 million passengers in 2020 and 2021.

It serves as a primary hub for AeroMexico, United Airlines, VivaAerobus, Spirit Airlines, and Volaris. 

Many people fly to BJX connecting to their final destination in Mexico, this massive airport sees over 100 million passengers each year. The Guanajuato international airport, despite its reputation for being insanely busy and crowded, and difficult to navigate. Guanajuato airport is home to many chain stores that are open 24 hours a day. Airport has a variety of overnight accommodations located within the airport, and it is easy to get car or public transportation.

Basic Information of Leon Airport BJX

Airlines Operating from BJX Airport

Leon Guanajuato airport has non-stop flights scheduled to 20 destinations across the globe. Currently, the airport serves 8 domestic flights from Leon.

The longest duration flight from BJX airport is 4 hours 13 minutes direct flight to Sacramento (SMF) serves 1061 miles and is operated by the Volaris. 

Here are the following airlines that operated to and from Guanajuato airport – 

• Volaris 
• VivaAerobus
• United Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Aeromexico

Popular Destinations from Leon Mexico Airport

Below is the list of most popular destinations from Leon, based on the number of scheduled flights for this month – 

• Mexico City (MEX) – 203 flights/month
• Tijuana (TIJ) – 196 flights/month
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – 89 flights/month
• Houston (IAH) – 77 flights/month
• Cancun (CUN) – 73 flights/month
• Monterrey (MTY) – 59 flights/ month
• Ciudad Juárez (CJS) – 35 flights/month
• Chicago (ORD) – 29 flights/month
• Chicago (MDW) – 21 flights/month
• Oakland (OAK) – 17 flights/month
• Puerto Vallarta (PVR) – 17 flights/month
• Los Angeles (LAX) – 17 flights/month
• Sacramento (SMF) – 9 flights/month
• San Jose Del Cabo (SJD) – 9 flights/months
• Mexicali (MXD) – 9 flights/month
• San Antonio (SAT) – 8 flights/month
• Fresno (FAT) – 4 flights/month

International Flights from Leon Guanajuato Airport

United States is primarily connected to Leon  with 10 destinations that serve direct flights from BJX airport. 

• Direct flights to Chicago (ORD) are operated by United Airlines, Volaris, and VivaAerobus.
• Direct flights from Leon to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) are operated.
• Volaris serves non-stop flights from Leon to Fresno (FAT).
• United Airlines serves daily non-stop flights to and from Houston international airport (IAH).
• Non-stop flights from Leon to Oakland, Los Angeles, and Sacramento are operated by the Volaris. 
• VivaAerobus offers nonstop flights from León to San Antonio (SAT).
• Volaris is the only airline that flies directly to San Jose (SJC).

Domestic Flights from Guanajuato International Airport

Domestic flights departing from León arrive in a number from Mexican airports.

• VivaAerobus and Volaris offer nonstop flights to Cancun (CUN).
• VivaAerobus is the only airline that offers direct flights to Ciudad Juárex (CJS).
• Volaris offers nonstop flights from León to Mexicali (MXD).
• Aeromexico is the only airline that offers direct flights to Mexico City (MEX).
• VivaAerobus offers direct flights to Monterrey (MTY).
• Volaris offers flights to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and San José del Cabo (SJD).
• VivaAerobus or Volaris offers nonstop flights to Tijuana (TIJ).

Alternate Airports near Guanajuato International Airport

A list of nearby airports to León is provided below. The Aguascalientes (AGU) and Morelia (MLM) are the closest airports to León.

• Aguascalientes (AGU) – 73 miles
• Morelia (MLM) – 88 miles
• Querétaro (QRO) – 84 miles
• San Luis Potosi (SLP) – 94 miles
• Uruapan (UPN) – 116 miles
• Mexico city (MEX) – 237 miles

Terminals at Leon Guanajuato International Airport

Terminals at Guanajuato international airport BJX include Terminal 1 (T1). The only terminal at Leon Mexico airport has multiple gate areas. Terminal 1 serves domestic and international terminals with flights operated from A, B, C, and D gates. 

Because all gates at Terminal 1 are not connected, passengers must arrive or check-in at the correct gate to avoid having to take the shuttle bus in order to reach the different gate.

Departure and Arrivals at Terminal 1

Arrivals and departures are on the bottom elevation of Terminal 1, with ground transit connecting the boarding and arrival gates. 

Shopping Mall at Terminal 1

The food court and shopping mall are on the higher/upper level. It also serves as a check-in counter, baggage drop area, and security checkpoints. 

A Gate Departure Area

Aeromexico flights depart from gates A1, A3, A6, A7, A11-A13, A14, A15, and A1-A23 in the A gate departure area. The departure area has minor duty-free shops, and eateries, with the majority of pre-security in the terminal Area. The A gates are your right when approaching the A/B security checkpoint from Terminal 1, with automated sidewalks available to assist travelers with the trek to the gates. 

B Gate Departure Area

B1, B4, B7, B10-B13, B18, B20, B22, and B24-B26 are the 17 gates in the B gate departure area. The B gates are home to United Airlines, as well as a variety of boutiques, clubs, and restaurants. Pass through the A/B security checkpoint from Terminal 1 and turn left down the corridor with horizontal escalators to reach the B gates.

C Gate Departure Area

C1-C4, C7-C12, C14, C116, and C18-C24 are the 19 gates in the C gate departure area. Passengers traveling from gates C1-C4 and C18-C24 pass through the C/D security checkpoint and use the airport car to the lower end of the terminal. The C Departure gate is home to Volaris and Spirit Airlines. 

D Gate Departure Area

With 20 gates numbered D3, D6-D9, D11, D13-D17, D20-D24, and D26-D31 in the D gate area is the largest concourse at BJX airport. The D gates serve both domestic and international flights, and the concourse features a variety of restaurants and stores, as well as a United Club Lounge. The gate area serves all the flights operated by the VivaAerobus.

Shuttle Bus Service at Guanajuato International Airport

The airport shuttle bus delivers passengers between Gate A, B, C, and D every 10 minutes. Because buses run outside of the protected zone, passengers must go through the security checkpoint when they arrive at Terminal 1. 

Buses leave from Terminal 1 on Level 0 in the main concourse area and across the pedestrian crosswalk.

The A, B, C, and D gates of Terminal 1 are joined by automated elevators. The A and B gates are near together and only a short distance apart, whereas the C and D gates are a little further away. Passengers must either travel through the C compound from the B gates or walk via the corridor close to the A/B security checkpoint to reach the C gates.

Security and Customs at BJX Airport

The Guanajuato airport 3 checkpoint in terminal 1.  The operations hours of each of them include – 

Lounges at Leon Guanajuato Airport

Guanajuato Mexico airport has 3 lounges, with all of them offering day pass access to all passengers, regardless of travel class and frequent flyer status. 

Please note: 1 MEX Lounge is reserved for active military personnel and their dependents. 

Food Outlets at BJX Airport

Starbucks, Checking Pizza, Starisland Cafe, and Guacamole Mexican Grill are just a few of the multinational brands available at airport, as they are at most airports. Other international airports have more local and international brands, Guanajuato international airport has few dining options where you can head to. 

Terminal 1, A Gate

Aeromarket

Location – Near gate A 20

Hours – 24*7 days a week

Cuisine – Locally produced vegan items

Checking Pizza

Location – Near gate A 19

Hours – 11:30 am – 11:30 pm daily.

Cuisine – Pizza and cold beverages

Terminal 1, B Gate

Grab & Go

Location – Near gate B15

Hours – 6:00 am – 11:30 pm

Cuisine – Burritos, Tacos, Mexican wraps, and veggies rice bowls.

Starbucks

Location  -Near gate B2

Hours – 24*7 a week

Cuisine – Hot and iced cappuccino, Freshly squeezed juices, healthy smoothies, and cookies.

Terminal 1, C Gate

Starisland Cafe

Location – Near gate C18

Hours – 05:30 am – 09:30 pm daily

Cuisine – Beverages, and flavourful healthy choices. 

Terminal 1, D Gate

VIP Lounge Bajio

Location – Near gate D6

Hours – 05:00 am – 10:00 pm daily

Cuisine – Bagels, Pan Asian, and bar. 

Guacamole Mexican Grill

Location – Near GATE D2

Hours – 07:00 am – 10:30 pm daily

Cuisine – Mexican food, steaks, and tropical beverages

BJX Airport Duty-Free Store

The duty-free shopping store can be found at the B gates of Terminal 1 near the B22 gate of the Leon Mexico airport. 

Guanajuato International Airport Baggage Lost and Found

If the baggage is lost in the public areas of BJX airport, at the security checkpoints, or at boarding gates, you can contact the lost and found department. 

If you lost the checked baggage upon arrival or hand luggage on the plane, you need to contact your airlines.  

Additional Information about Guanajuato International Airport

You can avail the following facilities at Guanajuato international airport – 

Information/inquiry booths – Passengers can find information kiosks at Terminals 1 baggage areas, or you can dial 0 from the airport phone booths for all assistance.

First Aid – There is a medical facility/first aid kiosk at A Departure gate near A 15. 

Children’s Play Area – Children’s recreational zone can be found at the BJX airport at Terminal 1 in the C gate departure area on the upper level of the concourse. 

Baby facilities – The Guanajuato airport has nursing and baby feeding pods at every departure gate. 

Pet Relief Areas – TheGuanajuato Mexico airport has designated enclosed pet relief areas located at 

• A departure gate area between A10 and A12 gate.
• B departure gate area on the upper level of the open lobby area.
• C departure gate area opposite gate C11.
• D departure gate area opposite MEX Military Lounge. 

ATMs – The ATM machine is located at the concourse of the A gate departure area.

Travel to and from BJX Airport

Traveling to/from Guanajuato airport, passengers have the option to catch a bus, taxi, or organize a private or shared shuttle. 

Bus – In addition to the airports in BajioGo provides door-to-door, private, or shared transportation to the BJX Airport in addition to the airports in Querétaro, Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Morelia. Shuttles run on a set schedule 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Unebus offers service from 4:10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., connecting the airport with the cities of León, Guanajuato, and San Miguel de Allende.

Taxi – There are eight cab companies that serve the airport. Exits A1-4 gate on the west side of the baggage claim area is where you’ll find taxis at Terminal 1. Taxis are located on Level 0 of Terminal 1. For domestic passengers, there are 15 cab pickup slots on the west side of the terminal and seven on the east side for international tourists. Taxis from the airport to other parts of the city have flat pricing. They start at 10 USD for a taxi to Downtown Salio and go up to 25 USD for the CourtYard Marriott at Leon. 

Taxi Hailing Apps – Uber is permitted to pick up and drop off customers at the Guanajuato international airport BJX. Passengers can be picked up on level 0 of the Terminal 1 parking garage and the valet level of Terminal 1 near A12 Gate of the parking garage.

Car Rentals – Turn left out of the Zona de Bandas and exit via the doors. The rental counter will be 50 meters ahead if you continue straight. The rental agencies like Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz will help you secure a rental agreement and direct you to the airport’s Arrivals/Departure section.

Information on Car Parking at Guanajuato International Airport

The Guanajuato international airport has plenty of parking for passengers and visitors. There are 4-on airport parking areas for short and long-term parking. 

Short-term parking – Terminal 1 short parking is close to the Terminal 1 entrance on level 1A of the parking garage. It’s ideal for friends or families to pick up the passengers and remain for no more than 30 minutes. Maximum height clearance of 7 feet is available. The fee for short-term parking includes – 

• First 30 minutes – Free
• 30 minutes – 1 hour – 4 USD
• 1-2 hours – 8 USD
• 2-4 hours – 12 USD
• Each additional hour – 3 USD
• 24-hour parking – 32 USD

Long-term parking – Parking is available on levels 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the garage adjacent to the Terminal 1 building. International travelers should park on the west side of the garage, while domestic passengers should park on the east side. Height clearance of 6 feet 11 inches is required. The fee for long-term parking at Leon Guanajuato airport is – 

• First 30 minutes – Free
• 15 minutes – 3 hours – 20 USD
• Every additional hour – 1 USD
• Daily maximum – 25 USD

Valet parking – Valet parking is offered in the parking garages adjacent to the terminal 1 building. The service is offered on level 4 at Terminal 1. Valet parking is 25 USD per day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BJX airport is one of the busiest airports in Mexico, some planning ahead of time may be required to assure arrival at the right departure gate area. However, the gate areas are not interconnected. 

The airport cart is only accessible after passengers have passed through security and is a convenient way to board the flight or at the time of changing planes during connection. 

The airport is just a few miles away from downtown Salio and there are plenty of hotels around the area. The main city attraction is just a few miles away from the downtown area. 

Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)