General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport
Also known as: Zacatecas Airport, Zacatecas International Airport, ZCL Airport.
Private transfer from ZCLSee pricesSee pricesAbout General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport
General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport, known as Zacatecas International Airport (ZCL), serves the city and state of Zacatecas in north-central Mexico. It sits in Calera de Víctor Rosales, about 17 km north of Zacatecas city center, at an altitude of about 2,180 m.
Tijuana and Mexico City are the busiest routes, followed by Los Angeles, Chicago Midway and Dallas/Fort Worth. Volaris flies to Tijuana, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, Chicago Midway and San Jose, California; Aeroméxico flies to Mexico City; and American Airlines flies to Dallas/Fort Worth.
The airport has one passenger terminal with domestic and international check-in, a VIP lounge, car rental, taxi stands and a departure concourse of four gates that open directly onto the apron. An international wing was added in 2010. A separate terminal handles general and executive aviation.
From the airport, travelers head into Zacatecas's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cathedral, the El Edén mine and the cable car over the city.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte (OMA)
- Runway
One runway in use, 02/20, 3,000 m
- Passengers per year
About 424,000 in 2025
- Elevation
About 2,177 m above sea level
- Busiest route
Tijuana, about 60,000 passengers in 2025
Arrival tips for General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport
Zacatecas has one passenger terminal, and its gates open directly onto the apron, so you walk between the aircraft and the building.
If you arrive on an international flight, such as from Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth or San Jose, you clear immigration first in the terminal's international wing. Have your passport and your flight details ready; visitors from many countries do not need a visa, but check the rules for your passport before you travel. After immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs.
Domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim and then into the arrivals area.
The car rental counters and the taxi stands are at the terminal. Plan your ride into the city before you land: a pre-booked transfer, a taxi or a rental car. If you booked a transfer, your driver waits for you as you leave the arrivals area. Zacatecas sits at about 2,180 m, so take it easy on your first day.
Ground transportation
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Book a transfer from ZCLPrivate transfer
A pre-booked driver meets you at arrivals and takes you to your hotel in Zacatecas's historic center. It suits families and anyone with luggage.
Taxi from Zacatecas airport
Taxis wait at the stands at the terminal. Confirm the destination before you set off.
Rental car
Rental counters are at the terminal. Useful for trips to towns around the state.
Terminals
Main terminal
The only passenger terminal, used by every airline, with an international wing added in 2010 and four gates that open directly onto the apron.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Volaris
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Check-in
Domestic and international check-in in the main terminal.
Car rental
Rental counters at the terminal.
Taxi stands
At the terminal, on the arrivals side.
Departure gates
Four gates with direct access to the apron.
VIP lounge
In the terminal; see Airport lounges.
General aviation terminal
A separate terminal for private, executive and training flights.
Airport lounges
VIP lounge (main terminal)
The terminal has one VIP lounge. Access depends on your ticket, airline status or card, so check before you fly.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through your airline when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly.
Reduced mobility
The gates open onto the apron and there are no jet bridges, so boarding is by stairs. Tell your airline in advance if you need help getting on or off the aircraft.
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 area.
Parking
Airport parking
Parking is available at the terminal for drop-offs, pickups and longer stays.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Zacatecas airport from the city?
Zacatecas International Airport is about 17 km north of Zacatecas city center, in the municipality of Calera de Víctor Rosales. Most travelers reach the historic center and its hotels by pre-booked transfer, taxi from the stands at the terminal or rental car.
Which airlines fly to Zacatecas airport?
Three airlines serve Zacatecas. Volaris flies to Tijuana, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, Chicago Midway and San Jose, California; Aeroméxico flies to Mexico City; and American Airlines flies to Dallas/Fort Worth. Tijuana and Mexico City were the busiest routes in 2025.
Are there flights from the US to Zacatecas?
Yes. Volaris flies to Zacatecas from Los Angeles, Chicago Midway and San Jose, California, and American Airlines flies from Dallas/Fort Worth. Los Angeles was the airport's busiest international route in 2025. International passengers clear immigration and customs in the terminal's international wing.
How many terminals does Zacatecas airport have?
Zacatecas airport has one passenger terminal for domestic and international flights, with an international wing added in 2010, a VIP lounge, car rental, taxi stands and four gates that open directly onto the apron. A separate terminal serves private and executive aviation.
What time zone is Zacatecas airport in?
Zacatecas airport uses Central Standard Time (UTC−6) all year, the same as Mexico City. Mexico no longer observes daylight saving time in this region, so the time difference with Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas changes when the United States moves its clocks.