General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport
Also known as: Acapulco Airport, Acapulco International Airport, ACA Airport.
Private transfer from ACASee pricesSee pricesAbout General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport
General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport (ACA), known to most travelers as Acapulco International Airport, serves Acapulco and the Pacific coast of Guerrero, Mexico. It sits southeast of the city in Plan de los Amates, between Tres Palos Lagoon and the ocean, and is run by Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte (OMA).
Most flights are domestic. Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva Aerobus and Mexicana connect Acapulco with Mexico City (both Benito Juárez and Felipe Ángeles), Tijuana, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Querétaro and Cancún. International service is seasonal and concentrated in winter, with flights from Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and Montréal.
Everything runs through a single two-level terminal: arrivals, immigration and customs on the ground floor, and security, the departure lounge and the six gates upstairs.
Acapulco Diamante, home to the resorts on Revolcadero Beach and the bay of Puerto Marqués, is the closest area to the airport, usually 15 to 25 minutes away. The Costera Miguel Alemán, the city's main hotel strip along Acapulco Bay, is about 23 to 26 km by road over the Carretera Escénica, typically a 30 to 45 minute drive. Pie de la Cuesta, on the far side of the city, takes about an hour or more.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte (OMA)
- Runways
Two: 10/28 (3,302 m) and 06/24 (1,700 m)
- Passengers per year
About 684,000 in 2025
- Gates
Six, three with jet bridges
Arrival tips for General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport
International passengers clear immigration first, on the ground floor of the terminal. Have your passport ready and keep the entry record the officer gives you until you leave Mexico. Domestic arrivals skip this step and go straight to baggage claim.
After collecting your bags, international travelers pass through customs: hand in your declaration and press the button on the random inspection system. A green light means you walk straight out; a red light means a quick bag check.
The arrivals hall is where you'll find the authorized taxi counter, car rental desks, snack bars and shops. On the way out you may be approached by people offering taxis, tours or timeshare presentations. If you have a transfer booked, keep walking and meet your driver outside the terminal at the point given in your confirmation.
Acapulco keeps Central Time (UTC−6) all year, with no daylight saving time, so check your watch if you're arriving from the US or Canada.
Ground transportation
For most travelers with luggage, a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer is the simplest way to reach the hotels.
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Book a transfer from ACAPrivate transfer from Acapulco airport
Booked ahead, with the driver meeting you outside the terminal after customs. About 30 to 45 minutes to the Costera and less to Acapulco Diamante; one vehicle for your party and bags, but it has to be booked in advance.
Taxi from Acapulco airport
Authorized airport taxis are sold at a counter in the arrivals hall, with fares set by zone. No booking needed, though there can be a line at the counter when several flights land together.
Shared shuttle (colectivo)
Shared vans leave from arrivals once they fill up and drop passengers hotel by hotel. Cheaper per seat, but the wait and the extra stops can add a lot of time.
Car rental at Acapulco airport
The rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. Useful if you plan to explore the coast, less so if you're staying on the Costera, where traffic and parking are a hassle.
Terminals
Passenger terminal
Acapulco's only terminal, handling all domestic and international flights. Arrivals, immigration and customs are on the ground floor; security, the departure lounge and the gates are on the upper floor.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aeroméxico, Air Transat, American Airlines, Mexicana, United Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Currency exchange
An exchange office in the terminal; opening hours are limited, so don't count on it for late arrivals.
ATMs
Cash machines in the terminal, handy for withdrawing Mexican pesos for tips and small purchases.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi in the terminal.
Restaurants and cafés
Snack bars, cafés and bars on both levels, with a food court in the departure lounge upstairs.
Duty free
Duty-free shopping in the departure lounge on the upper floor, after security.
Shops
Crafts, souvenirs, sweets, newspapers and magazines, fashion and jewelry, in arrivals and in the departure lounge.
Luggage wrapping
Protective bag wrapping in front of the check-in counters.
Airport lounges
OMA Premium Lounge
In the departure area on the upper floor, after security. Open to Priority Pass, LoungeClub and Diners Club members, or by paying at the door; check current hours and access before you fly.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline for a wheelchair or an escort when you book, and confirm it again at check-in.
Reduced mobility
Elevators, escalators, ramps and handrails connect the ground floor and the upper departure level. Three of the six gates have jet bridges.
Hearing and visual support
Tactile guide strips and accessible signage run through the terminal.
Service animals
Rules for service and emotional support animals are set by each airline, so check with yours before you travel and carry the required documents.
Assistance on arrival
Airline staff meet passengers who requested assistance at the aircraft and accompany them through immigration, baggage claim and customs to the arrivals hall.
Parking
Terminal car park
Public parking directly in front of the terminal, with reserved spaces for passengers with reduced mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Acapulco airport from the Costera hotel zone?
The Costera Miguel Alemán, Acapulco's main hotel strip, is about 23 to 26 km from the airport by road, usually a 30 to 45 minute drive over the Carretera Escénica. Traffic along the Costera can add time at busy hours, on weekends and in high season.
Is Acapulco airport close to Acapulco Diamante?
Yes. Acapulco Diamante, with the resorts on Revolcadero Beach and around Puerto Marqués, is the area nearest the airport, usually 15 to 25 minutes away by car. It's the first part of Acapulco you reach on the road from the terminal toward the bay.
How many terminals does Acapulco airport have?
One. Acapulco International Airport has a single two-level terminal for both domestic and international flights. Arrivals, immigration and customs are on the ground floor, and security, the departure lounge and the six gates are on the upper floor, so there's no terminal to choose or change between.
Which airlines fly to Acapulco?
Domestic flights are run by Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva Aerobus and Mexicana, mainly to Mexico City, Tijuana, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Querétaro and Cancún. International flights are seasonal: United from Houston, American from Dallas/Fort Worth and Air Transat from Montréal. Schedules change by season, so check with your airline.
Can I get a taxi at Acapulco airport?
Yes. Authorized airport taxis are sold at a counter in the arrivals hall, with fares set by zone (Diamante, the Costera and beyond). Buy your ticket at the counter rather than accepting a ride from someone approaching you in the terminal. At busy times expect a short line.
Is there a lounge at Acapulco airport?
Yes. The OMA Premium Lounge is on the upper floor, after security. Priority Pass, LoungeClub and Diners Club members can use it, and other travelers can usually pay at the door. Hours and access rules can change, so check before you fly.