⚽ Guadalajara - Akron Stadium
Home of CD Guadalajara (Chivas), the most popular team in Mexico. Known for its iconic volcano-shaped design and impressive architecture. Located in Zapopan, a metropolitan municipality of Guadalajara. It hosted the 2011 Pan American Games and features excellent sports and entertainment facilities.
⚽Match schedule
TBD (Group E) vs TBD (Group E)
Group Stage • Group E
Mexico vs South Korea
Group Stage • Group A
TBD vs TBD
Group Stage
🛬How to get there from the airport
Compare transport options from each airport to the stadium
Miguel Hidalgo International Airport (GDL)
Southeast of the city, in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga. Estadio Akron is northwest (in Zapopan), so opposite ends of the metro — 40-60 min without traffic.
Uber / DiDi
Most practical — the GDL-Zapopan trip is long and public transit indirect. Tracked ride and digital payment.
💡 Official Uber zone at terminal exit. High surge pricing on match days. Book 30+ min in advance.
Authorized airport taxi
Official taxi stand with fixed zone rates. Pay at counter before leaving the international area.
💡 Look for the red 'Taxi Autorizado' counter INSIDE the terminal. Don't accept offers from people outside.
ETN / Turibús bus to downtown
Comfortable A/C service from terminal to downtown/Zapopan. Every 30 min. Good if you're not in a hurry.
💡 Buy ticket at counters inside the airport. For the stadium you'll need Uber from downtown/Zapopan.
FIFA / hotel shuttle
Several hotels in Providencia, Zapopan and downtown offer free airport shuttles. FIFA will run official shuttles on match days.
💡 Check at booking if your hotel includes it. FIFA shuttle bookable at FIFA.com/tickets.
🚗Getting around the city
Options to get around, color-coded by safety level
Uber / DiDi
Safest and most practical option for foreigners. A/C, tracked ride, digital payment. Ideal in June with 30-35°C.
💡 Confirm plate before boarding. On match Sundays there's high surge pricing near the stadium.
Mi Macro (articulated BRT)
Two BRT lines: Mi Macro Calzada (south-center) and Mi Macro Periférico (ring). Modern, clean and with A/C.
💡 Buy 'Mi Movilidad' card at stations ($15 MXN + balance). Works for light rail and MiBici too.
Light Rail (SITEUR)
3 lines covering key areas. Line 3 goes toward Zapopan, passing near the stadium ('Periférico Belenes' station).
💡 Clean and safe by day. From Belenes you need FIFA shuttle or a short Uber to the stadium.
MiBici (public bikeshare)
Public bike system with 300+ stations in central area. Guadalajara has decent bike lanes in Chapultepec and Providencia.
💡 3-day tourist pass $365 MXN. Great for Avenida Chapultepec or Providencia. Don't try to bike to the stadium.
Sitio taxi (yellow-white)
Sitio taxis (with visible number) are acceptable. Street taxis are risky. Demand the meter or negotiate fare beforehand.
💡 Ask at your hotel or restaurant. For the airport, use the authorized taxi inside the terminal, not street ones.
Urban buses
Extensive but chaotic network; routes hard to navigate without Spanish. Most have no A/C.
💡 Only use for short, well-referenced trips. For comfortable travel, Uber or Mi Macro.
Walking
Centro Histórico, Chapultepec, Providencia, Americana and Tlaquepaque are very walkable and safe by day. Guadalajara is more temperate than Monterrey.
💡 June temps of 25-32°C are manageable. Carry an umbrella for afternoon rain (rainy season).
🗺️Zones: where to walk, what to avoid
Neighborhood-by-neighborhood advice. Green = safe, yellow = caution, red = avoid
Colonia Americana, Chapultepec, Providencia
Colonia Americana was named 'the coolest neighborhood in the world' by Time Out in 2022. Avenida Chapultepec has the best bars and restaurants. Safe day and night.
💡 The best base to stay. 20-25 min to the stadium by Uber.
Zapopan center and Andares
Zapopan is the municipality where the stadium is located. Zapopan Center has the Basilica, plazas and restaurants. Andares is the upscale area with hotels, malls and nightlife.
💡 Staying in Andares puts you 15 min from the stadium, the closest comfortable option.
Tlaquepaque (Pueblo Mágico)
Artisan town within the metro area. Pedestrian center with ceramics, traditional cantinas, live mariachi. Very touristy and very safe.
💡 Perfect for an afternoon between matches. Go by Uber (25 min from Providencia).
Historic Center (night)
The Cathedral, Teatro Degollado and Rotonda area is safe by day with plenty of tourist police. At night some outlying streets empty out — stick to lit areas.
💡 Walk by day, dine in Plaza Tapatía or Av. Chapultepec and return by Uber.
Around Estadio Akron (Belenes)
Residential Zapopan area with fast roads. Heavy security during matches; off-match it isn't tourist or pedestrian territory.
💡 Arrive directly by Uber/shuttle. After the match be patient — 46,000 people leaving at once.
San Juan de Dios Market (Libertad)
The largest covered market in Latin America. By day it's a must-visit for food and crafts, but watch your bag and wallet. Not at night.
💡 Go early (9am-noon), eat at upstairs stalls (birria, tortas ahogadas), and leave before sunset.
Oblatos and eastern neighborhoods at night
Working-class neighborhoods east of the city. High crime rates at night, no tourist value. Avoid as a tourist.
💱Currency exchange (USD, EUR and more)
Where to exchange your foreign money with good rates and safety
Guadalajara has banks on every corner — BBVA, Banorte, Santander and Citibanamex ATMs offer good rates. Exchange houses in Providencia and Chapultepec are competitive. Avoid airport and San Juan de Dios market exchanges.
BBVA / Banorte / Santander (ATMs)
Branches throughout the metro area
🕒 24/7
Use ATMs INSIDE branches. International fee $30-50 MXN. Best rate guaranteed.
Intercam
Providencia, Andares, Chapultepec
🕒 Lun-Vie 9-18, Sáb 10-14
Reliable exchange house. Accepts USD, EUR, CAD, GBP. Branches in the areas where you'll likely stay.
CIBanco
Centro, Plaza del Sol, Andares
🕒 Lun-Vie 9-17
Wide branch network, good rates. Fast service for medium exchanges ($200 USD+).
Citibanamex / HSBC (ATMs)
Throughout the city
🕒 24/7
Banks with international presence. If your bank is an affiliate (Citi Global, HSBC Premier), no international fee.
Casas de cambio del aeropuerto GDL
Domestic and international arrivals
🕒 24/7
WORST rates in the city (up to 15% less). Use only for $50-100 USD emergency cash for transport.
📍What's nearby the stadium
Make the most of days between matches
Tlaquepaque (Pueblo Mágico)
Crafts / Mariachi
Artisan heart of Jalisco. Pedestrian streets with ceramics, blown glass, leatherwork and El Parián — a cantina courtyard with live mariachi every afternoon.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Tequila (Pueblo Mágico)
Full day / Distilleries
The birthplace of tequila. Distillery tours (Jose Cuervo, Herradura, Sauza), agave field walks, the José Cuervo Express train from Guadalajara. UNESCO Heritage.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Historic Center: Cathedral and Teatro Degollado
Architecture / Culture
The Cathedral, Teatro Degollado, Rotonda of Illustrious Jaliscans and Hospicio Cabañas (UNESCO Heritage with Orozco murals). All walkable.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Lake Chapala and Ajijic
Nature / Full day
Mexico's largest lake. The town of Ajijic on its shore is famous for its expat community and artistic vibe. Ideal on a Sunday without a match.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Basilica of Zapopan
Religious / Cultural
Sanctuary of the Virgin of Zapopan. Zapopan Center is pedestrian-friendly with cafés, restaurants and village vibe within the metro. Very close to the stadium.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Huentitán Canyon
Nature / Viewpoint
600m-deep canyon with cable car, hiking and spectacular viewpoints. Best at sunrise or sunset.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Avenida Chapultepec (nightlife)
Bars / Restaurants
The heart of tapatío nightlife. Bars, rooftops, signature food and outdoor parties on weekends. Colonia Americana surrounds this avenue.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
Tortas ahogadas and birria (tapatío food)
Local cuisine
The torta ahogada (birote roll drowned in spicy tomato sauce with carnitas) and beef/goat birria are must-tries. Try 'La Mexicana', 'Tortas Toño' or birrierías at Mercado Libertad.
🗺️ View on Google Maps →
🏨Where to stay
The best areas to stay are: Centro Histórico and Chapultepec (30 min to the stadium, vibrant atmosphere with bars, restaurants, and nightlife), Zona Expo/Minerva (20 min, upscale hotels and elegant shopping area), and downtown Zapopan (10 min, the closest option to the stadium with good hotel selection). Book in advance as demand will be extremely high.
Search hotels🎉Fan Zones & atmosphere
The main Fan Fest will be at Plaza de la Liberación in downtown Guadalajara, with giant screens and entertainment. The Chapultepec neighborhood will be the nightlife epicenter with its bars and restaurants. Av. Vallarta will also have activations and entertainment. Guadalajara is the land of tequila and mariachi, so expect tequila tastings and mariachi music throughout the city.
💡Match day tips
1Suburban location - plan your return
Estadio Akron is in a suburban area of Zapopan without much late-night public transportation. BEFORE going to the match, make sure you have a return plan: book an Uber/DiDi in advance, coordinate with your group, or identify FIFA shuttle stops. After the match the area gets saturated and finding transportation can take over an hour.
2Pleasant weather with occasional rain
Guadalajara's weather in June is warm but pleasant (25-30°C / 77-86°F), much more bearable than Monterrey. However, sudden afternoon rain showers can occur. Bring a light waterproof jacket just in case, but overall you'll enjoy very comfortable weather for football.
3Tequila country
Guadalajara is the gateway to the magical town of Tequila, just 1 hour away by car. On non-match days, visit the tequila distilleries (José Cuervo, Herradura, Casa Noble) and enjoy a unique experience. You can also take the Tequila Train, a tourist experience with tasting included.
4Chapultepec nightlife
The Chapultepec neighborhood is Guadalajara's most popular nightlife area and is completely walkable. You'll find craft beer bars, mezcalerías, upscale restaurants, and clubs. It's the perfect place to celebrate after a Mexico match. Av. Chapultepec comes alive every night.
5Official vs. counterfeit merchandise
Buy official FIFA merchandise at Fan Fests or authorized stores. Near the stadium, there will be plenty of counterfeit low-quality merchandise vendors. Official merchandise has authenticity holograms and is better quality. Fan Fests usually have the best deals on official products.
Match day budget
$3,000 — $8,000
Includes transport, food and ticket
Products for your trip
Mercado LibrePurchasing through these links helps us maintain the site
Want to explore more about Guadalajara?