Manzanillo Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

The coastal city of Manzanillo, a major port and popular tourist destination in the state of Colima, Mexico, is served by one primary international airport. Unlike larger metropolitan areas with multiple airports, air traffic for the region is consolidated into a single, conveniently located facility. This guide provides a clear, plain-English explanation of Manzanillo’s airport, its terminal, and how to get to and from your final destination.

Understanding the airport’s location relative to Manzanillo’s main hotel zones and the port is key to planning your transport and connection times efficiently.

Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO)

Overview: Playa de Oro International Airport (IATA: ZLO) is the sole airport serving the Manzanillo area. Located approximately 20-30 minutes northwest of downtown Manzanillo and the main hotel zones, it is a compact, single-runway airport that handles both domestic and limited international flights, primarily from the United States and Canada.

Terminal:

• Single Passenger Terminal: The airport features one integrated terminal building. It is small and easy to navigate, with arrivals and departures housed under one roof. Facilities include check-in counters, baggage claim, customs and immigration for international arrivals, car rental desks, a few snack bars/shops, and ATMs.

Getting to and from Playa de Oro Airport (ZLO):

• Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Transporte Terrestre):
  Official Airport Taxis: This is the most common and straightforward option upon arrival. Fares are fixed-zone based, not metered. Purchase your taxi ticket at the official booth inside the terminal before exiting. Prices are set for destinations like Downtown Manzanillo, the Las Hadas/Salahua area, the Miramar/Santiago Bay area, and further points. Confirm the price and destination at the booth.

  Ride-Hailing (Uber): Uber operates in the Manzanillo region and is typically available at the airport. This can sometimes be a more cost-effective alternative to official taxis. The pickup point is usually in the main parking lot.

• Private Transfer / Hotel Shuttle:
  Many hotels, resorts, and tour operators offer pre-booked private transfer services. A driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign. This is a stress-free option, especially for groups or those staying at all-inclusive resorts. Book this in advance through your hotel or a travel agent.
• Car Rental:
  Several major and local car rental companies (e.g., Hertz, Europcar, etc.) have desks inside the terminal. Renting a car is an excellent option for exploring the wider Costalegre region independently. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.
• Public Bus (For the adventurous/budget traveler):
  Local buses (camiones) run on the highway near the airport entrance. You would need to walk from the terminal to the main highway (Carretera 200) to catch one heading toward Manzanillo city center. This is not recommended for first-time visitors or those with luggage, as it can be confusing and time-consuming.

Best for: All travellers visiting Manzanillo, the Costalegre coast, and the surrounding areas of Colima. It is ideal for both vacationers heading to beach resorts and business travellers related to the port.

Which Airport Should You Choose for Manzanillo?

For travellers whose final destination is the city of Manzanillo or its immediate resort areas, Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO) is the only and obvious choice. It offers the most direct and convenient access.

Alternative Airports (for consideration in certain circumstances):

• Puerto Vallarta (Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport – PVR):
  Located about 3-4 hours’ drive north of Manzanillo. Some travellers, especially from certain international origins or seeking cheaper/better flight options, may fly into Puerto Vallarta and then drive south via rental car or private transfer along the scenic Costalegre highway. This is a viable option for a road trip but adds significant travel time.
• Guadalajara (Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport – GDL):
  Mexico’s second-largest airport is about a 3.5-4.5 hour drive inland from Manzanillo. It offers the widest range of domestic and international flights. Choosing GDL is only practical if you plan to rent a car and see inland sights (e.g., Guadalajara, Tequila, Lake Chapala) on your way to the coast, or if flight options/price to ZLO are prohibitive.

Bottom Line: For a straightforward trip to Manzanillo, always aim to fly directly into Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO). Only consider Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara airports if you have ample time, desire a road trip, or find a significantly advantageous flight deal that justifies the long ground transfer.

Airport Transfers To/From Other Regional Hubs

As Manzanillo has only one primary airport, the concept of “changing airports” within the city does not apply. However, travellers may need to understand ground transport options if they are connecting from a flight into a larger hub like Puerto Vallarta (PVR) or Guadalajara (GDL) to reach Manzanillo.

Is it safe to book separate tickets flying into PVR/GDL and then travelling to Manzanillo?
Yes, but it requires careful planning and generous buffer time. You will need to clear immigration and collect baggage at your first airport in Mexico (PVR/GDL), then proceed to ground transport. Treat the road journey as its own separate leg of the trip.

Ground Transfer Times and Options from Hubs:

• From Puerto Vallarta (PVR) to Manzanillo:
  Journey Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours by road.
  Options: Rental Car (the most flexible, drive is along Highway 200 South), Private Transfer Service (can be pre-booked, comfortable but expensive), or Long-Distance Bus (requires a taxi from PVR to the main bus terminal in Puerto Vallarta, then a Primera Plus or ETN luxury bus to Manzanillo’s main bus terminal).
• From Guadalajara (GDL) to Manzanillo:
  Journey Time: Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road.
  Options: Rental Car (drive via Highway 54/Route 80), Private Transfer, or Long-Distance Bus (taxi from GDL to Guadalajara’s Central Nueva bus station, then a direct luxury bus to Manzanillo).

Important Considerations:

• Allow a minimum of 5-6 hours total from your scheduled arrival at PVR/GDL to your expected arrival in Manzanillo to account for immigration, baggage claim, renting a car/getting transport, and the drive itself.
• If you have an onward flight from ZLO on a separate ticket, you must add the check-in time for that flight on top of the 5-6 hour transfer. This makes same-day connections extremely risky and generally not advisable.
• Road travel can be affected by traffic, weather, or road conditions.

Bottom line: For a seamless holiday, book a flight directly into Manzanillo (ZLO). If you choose to fly into a larger hub and transfer overland, treat it as a multi-day road trip or ensure you have a very long, overnight layover to make the connection stress-free.