General Rafael Buelna International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (MZT)

How to get to General Rafael Buelna International Airport

Mazatlán city center is approximately 19 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 20-25 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Driving to the city center of Mazatlán takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

By Train

The airport is not connected to the railway network.

By Bus

Public connections are scarce, and taxi remains the most commonly used option.

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Tips Mazatlán is also a port for ferries to La Paz, in Baja California Sur: if you are combining both destinations, verify the times of maritime connections.

Average travel time to MZT

TrainNot available

Shuttle busLimited service

Taxi / Private hire20-25 minutes (400-500 pesos)

Parking near General Rafael Buelna International Airport

The parking, not extensive, occupies space in front of the terminal.

Rates are in line with standards of a Mexican beach destination.

How to get to Mazatlán from MZT

By Train

The airport remains outside the rail network.

By Bus

Public transport lines to the airport are few, which is why taxis are often preferred.

By Taxi

A taxi to the city center costs approximately 400-500 pesos for a journey of about 20-25 minutes.

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Car rental at General Rafael Buelna International Airport

Not all car rental companies are represented: only some have a desk here.

The agency typically requires driver's license, passport, credit card, and an International Driving License.

Hotels near General Rafael Buelna International Airport

Mazatlán airport sits about 20 km south of the city, with a 25-35 minute transfer to any tourist area: there is therefore no "at the airport" option for short layovers. Those who want beaches and nightlife should aim for the Zona Dorada, the best-known resort strip; those who prefer golf courses, a marina and a more residential atmosphere find more choice in Marina Mazatlán, a few minutes further north. The historic centre, with the Malecón and the Plazuela Machado, remains instead the base for those who want to walk among colonial buildings and theatres rather than stay on the beach all day.

Neighbourhood

Zona Dorada

About 30-35 minutes by car from the airport (20 km); the southern end of the Zona Dorada is also about 8 minutes on foot from the Malecón leading to the historic centre.

Best for: Those who want the beach, restaurants and nightlife of Mazatlán's best-known tourist strip.

Pros

Beach and restaurants of the tourist strip within walking distance of the room
Malecón and the historic centre a few minutes on foot from the southern end of the area

Cons

One of the longest transfers in this guide, along with Marina Mazatlán
Very touristy area, with higher prices than the historic centre

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Marina Mazatlán

About 25-30 minutes by car from the airport (23-29 km depending on the source); the Zona Dorada is about 15 minutes further south.

Best for: Those who want a more residential and quiet area, with a golf course and marina, accepting a taxi ride to reach the Zona Dorada beach.

Pros

A quieter, more residential neighbourhood, away from the traffic of the Zona Dorada
Golf course and marina with restaurants a few minutes on foot

Cons

No beach directly here: for the sea you need a taxi to the Zona Dorada
More a shopping-centre area than a tourist one, with little evening life within walking distance

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Historic Centre

About 35-40 minutes by car from the airport, the longest stretch in this guide for Mazatlán; the bus terminal is about 15 minutes on foot.

Best for: Those who want the Malecón, the Plazuela Machado and the colonial buildings within walking distance, more than the beach as a priority.

Pros

Plazuela Machado, the Angela Peralta theatre and museums within walking distance of the room
Olas Altas beach right in front of the hotel, on the oldest stretch of the Malecón

Cons

The longest transfer from the airport in this whole guide
The Zona Dorada and its wider beaches remain 15-20 minutes away by taxi

Recommended hotels

Best Western Posada Freeman Historic building on the Olas Altas Malecón, in the heart of the historic centre; rooftop pool with bay views, two minutes on foot from the beach. Watch out for the duplicate listing with the wrong area sometimes found on aggregators under the name "Zona Dorada": the real address is the historic centre. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport serves Mazatlán, a historic port city on Mexico's Pacific coast, with domestic flights and some direct routes from the United States.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers tequila and local handicrafts.

Lounges & relaxation

Business travelers and frequent flyer cardholders will find some dedicated lounges.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The terminal offers Wi-Fi coverage in its public areas.

Families & Children

Families with small children find play spaces and organized family assistance.

Terminal guide

The terminal is appropriately sized for the city's seasonal tourism traffic.

An advance of 2.5 hours is the standard recommendation for flights.

Map of General Rafael Buelna International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Mazatlán connected to La Paz by ferry?

Yes, it's a ferry port to La Paz, in Baja California Sur: check the schedules if you're combining the two destinations.

Q. What is Mazatlán's Malecón?

The city's seafront promenade, one of the longest in Mexico, running alongside the beaches and the colonial old town.

Q. Is Mazatlán safe for tourists?

The tourist areas (Zona Dorada, the Malecón, the historic center) are generally considered safe with the usual precautions, but the state of Sinaloa includes areas subject to stricter travel advisories: always check your government's official updates before venturing beyond the tourist circuits.