Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) serves both Zihuatanejo - a well-preserved Pacific fishing town - and Ixtapa, the adjacent resort zone. The airport handles domestic flights from Mexico City and Guadalajara year-round, with a significant uptick in US charter and scheduled flights during the November–April high season from cities including Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas.
The airport is about 10–12 km from Zihuatanejo town and 12–14 km from the Ixtapa hotel strip. Ground transport is straightforward - official taxis dominate - but knowing the zone system in advance saves haggling at the curb.
From the Terminal
ZIH has a single terminal with a combined domestic and international arrivals area. On exiting baggage claim, you will find:
- Official taxi booth - inside arrivals with posted zone fares (pay at the counter)
- Car rental desks - National, Hertz, and Budget have counters inside the terminal
- Private transfer drivers - pre-booked services wait just outside arrivals with name signs
- ATM - inside the terminal near the exit
No ADO bus serves the terminal. Colectivos from town do not reach the airport.
Taxi (The Standard Option)
ZIH operates a fixed-rate taxi zone system. Pay at the official counter inside arrivals - you receive a voucher to hand to your driver. This eliminates negotiation and protects against inflated curb prices.
Approximate taxi fares from ZIH (as of 2026):
| Destination | Approx. Fare | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Zihuatanejo centro (El Centro) | ~MXN $280–360 | 15–20 min |
| Playa La Ropa | ~MXN $320–400 | 18–25 min |
| Playa Las Gatas (via La Ropa) | ~MXN $340–420 | 20–28 min |
| Ixtapa Boulevard (hotel zone) | ~MXN $330–430 | 20–25 min |
| Ixtapa north resorts | ~MXN $350–450 | 22–28 min |
| Playa Troncones (north coast) | ~MXN $550–700 | 40–55 min |
Night surcharge (after 10 pm): Expect a 15–20% surcharge on the fares above.
Colectivo (Budget Option)
Shared colectivos (minivans) do not serve the airport terminal directly, but the main highway junction - Highway 200 - is approximately 1.5 km from the terminal exit. If you are travelling light and comfortable with local transport, you can walk to the highway and flag down a passing colectivo to Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa for approximately MXN $15–20 per person. This is uncommon for international arrivals and not recommended with luggage or after dark.
From Zihuatanejo town, colectivos between Zihua and Ixtapa run frequently throughout the day along the main connecting road (approximately MXN $15 per ride, 10–12 minutes).
Private Transfer
For a fixed price confirmed before you travel, book via Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups. A private vehicle meets you in arrivals and takes you directly to your accommodation, with no shared stops or detours.
Approximate private transfer cost: MXN $450–700 for a private car to Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa, depending on vehicle type and operator. For groups of 3+, this is often comparable to the official taxi on a per-person basis - with the added benefit of flight tracking and meet-and-greet service.
Car Rental
Car rental at ZIH is useful if you plan to explore beyond Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. The Pacific coast here offers excellent day trips:
- Playa Troncones - 25 km north, a quiet surf village
- Barra de Potosí - lagoon village 18 km south-east
- Playa Larga / Playa Blanca - 12–15 km south
- Petatlán (town) - 42 km east for the Señor de Petatlán shrine
Compare car hire rates for Zihuatanejo - pre-booking is strongly recommended in high season (December–April) as airport desks sell out. A compact car costs approximately MXN $600–900 per day as of 2026. The coastal highway (Highway 200) is paved and well-maintained between Ixtapa and the surrounding villages.
ADO Bus from Zihuatanejo Town
While there is no bus from the airport, the ADO terminal in Zihuatanejo town (on Calle Morelos) connects to major Pacific coast cities:
| Route | Approx. Fare | Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Zihuatanejo → Mexico City (TAPO) | ~MXN $700–900 | 9–10 hours |
| Zihuatanejo → Acapulco | ~MXN $280–380 | 3.5–4 hours |
| Zihuatanejo → Manzanillo | ~MXN $500–650 | 5–6 hours |
| Zihuatanejo → Morelia | ~MXN $450–580 | 5–6 hours |
Taxi from town to the airport for your departure: book through your hotel or via the official radio taxi service - approximately the same fare as arrival.
Getting Around Between Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa
| Method | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Local colectivo (shared minivan) | ~MXN $15 | 10–12 min |
| Taxi | ~MXN $80–120 | 8–12 min |
| Uber | Not reliably available | - |
Colectivos depart from Zihuatanejo’s main market area (Mercado Central) and run frequently until around 9 pm.
Practical Tips
- Pay at the official counter. The fixed-zone taxi system inside arrivals protects you from variable curb pricing. Drivers outside may approach with seemingly lower prices - the official system is more transparent and regulated.
- High-season demand. December–April and US school holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas–New Year, Spring Break) see heavy traffic at ZIH. Pre-booking your transfer avoids peak-hour queues at the taxi desk.
- USD accepted. Many taxi drivers and hotel transfers in this resort corridor accept USD, though you may receive change in MXN. Having MXN $400–500 in local currency is still advised.
- Return transfer. Hotels in both Zihua and Ixtapa can arrange return transfers. Alternatively, the hotel concierge can call a registered radio taxi - expect the same zone fares as the arrival journey.
- Playa La Ropa vs La Ropa hotels. Some properties along Playa La Ropa are accessed via a steep hillside road. Confirm your exact address with the driver - “La Ropa” to the driver means the beach road, which can differ from the hillside hotel access.
Plan your trip: airport transfers · car hire · travel insurance.
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