$158 Cheap Flights to Chapala

Flights to Chapala at a glance

Traveling to Chapala is easy—simply explore a range of options for flights to Chapala that fit your needs. You can compare journey times and select between full-service and low-cost airlines to find the cheapest flight that aligns with your budget and plans to discover the city’s renowned sights and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Chapala: Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), Licenciado Miguel de la Madrid Airport (CLQ)
• Closest airport to Chapala: Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, GDL (around 17 miles)
• Flights per week: 2,100+ flights arriving across Chapala airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Chapala: around 20+ carriers

Popular airports near Chapala

Chapala is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, romantics, and families seeking scenic getaways. It attracts visitors with its beautiful landscapes and recreational opportunities. Travelers can conveniently reach Chapala via two major airports, including Guadalajara International Airport, making it easy to plan your trip.

• Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL): Situated in Jalisco, approximately 17 miles from Chapala, this airport provides both domestic and international flights, linking to over 35 domestic cities and 180 international destinations. Travelers have the option to upgrade to business class, premium economy class, or first class seating for enhanced comfort, varying by airline and route. Key airlines include Volaris, Aeromexico, and Viva.
• Licenciado Miguel de la Madrid Airport (CLQ): Found in Colima, around 75 miles from Chapala, this airport focuses on domestic travel, offering connections to about 2 cities nationwide. Passengers can opt for business class or premium economy service for extra comfort, depending on the airline and route. Notable airlines operating here are Volaris and Aeromexico.

Top routes to Chapala

• Los Angeles (LAX) to Chapala (GDL), with one-way flights starting at around $140
• Tijuana (TIJ) to Chapala (CLQ/GDL), with one-way fares starting at around $60
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Chapala (GDL), with one-way flight options from around $140
• Sacramento (SMF) to Chapala (GDL), with one-way flights starting at around $140
• Fresno (FAT) to Chapala (GDL), with one-way fares starting at around $120

Cheapest routes to Chapala

• Toluca (TLC) to Chapala (GDL), with low one-way fares from around $20
• Zumpango (NLU) to Chapala (CLQ/GDL), with affordable one-way prices from around $25
• Puebla (PBC) to Chapala (GDL), with budget one-way fares from around $25
• Veracruz (VER) to Chapala (GDL), with budget one-way fares from around $30
• Puerto Vallarta (PVR) to Chapala (GDL), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $30

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Chapala

• Volaris: This airline operates flights to Licenciado Miguel de la Madrid Airport (CLQ) and Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), making up about 29% of Chapala's incoming traffic. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $140.
• Aeromexico: Providing service to both Licenciado Miguel de la Madrid Airport (CLQ) and Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), Aeromexico accounts for approximately 20% of arrivals in Chapala. The average one-way ticket costs around $200, with premium cabin options like premium economy and business class available on select routes.
• Viva: Primarily flying into Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), Viva represents around 14% of arrivals to Chapala. Passengers can anticipate an average one-way fare of about $140.
• American Airlines: This carrier services Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) and is responsible for roughly 14% of arrivals to Chapala. The average one-way fare is about $340, with business class available as a premium cabin option on certain routes.
• Alaska Airlines: Operating flights to Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), Alaska Airlines contributes approximately 4% of arrivals to Chapala. The average one-way fare is around $310, with premium cabins including business class and first class offered on select routes.

Best time to fly to Chapala

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Chapala are January, February, and December, when peak temperatures in Chapala can reach up to 66.6°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 77°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $205, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? February, May, and September offer average one-way fares of around $211, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Chapala

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Chapala is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Chapala hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Chapala flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Chapala

Chapala welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Chapala efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, Periferico Sur Station, a metro station, is located about 8.5 miles away, providing convenient access for travelers heading into the city.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chapala, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Chapala is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Chapala on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in Chapala

• Ajijic: Ajijic is located in the area of Chapala and is a charming village known for its stunning outdoor scenery and romantic atmosphere. Visitors flock here to enjoy the picturesque Ajijic Malecón, perfect for leisurely strolls, or to relax by the serene waters of Lake Chapala. The local shopping mall offers a variety of options, and wellness seekers can indulge in body treatments and spa services. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat, Ajijic has something special to offer.
• San Nicolás de Ibarra: San Nicolás de Ibarra is located in the area of Chapala and is a scenic village ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic getaway. The village is home to beautiful landscapes and offers access to golf courses and private country clubs for those looking to play a round. Close to Lake Chapala, visitors can enjoy its tranquil beauty, making it an excellent spot for relaxation and sightseeing. Don’t miss the nearby Ajijic Malecón and Chapala Malecon during your visit.
• Chapala Centro: Chapala Centro is located around the area of Chapala and serves as a vibrant hub for travelers looking for outdoor experiences and romantic settings. This neighborhood features a variety of spas and body treatment options for wellness seekers, along with shopping centers for those wanting to explore local goods. The close proximity to Lake Chapala, the Ajijic Malecón, and the Chapala Malecon ensures that visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and a delightful atmosphere while soaking in the charm of the area.

Tips for short-haul flights to Chapala

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Optimize your packing by choosing mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating outfits efficiently. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Don't forget to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Chapala

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, which is generally 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may offer the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some spare time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, enjoy a coffee at a café, or unwind at your gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is typically free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to synchronize your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Chapala

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Chapala on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

April is the cheapest month to fly to Chapala. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Chapala. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Chapala, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Chapala

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Chapala in 2026 starts from $319, while one-way tickets start from from $158. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Chapala. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Chapala

Volaris, Air Canada, Aeromexico, Delta, United, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Chapala. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Chapala and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Chapala, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Chapala. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Chapala plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Chapala

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Chapala.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Chapala are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Chapala. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Chapala for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Chapala. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Chapala flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Chapala. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.