Colima Airport (CLQ) – Complete Travel Guide 2026

Colima Airport quick facts

Colima Airport (CLQ) serves as a modest yet vital gateway to the state capital and the surrounding volcanic highlands. With just one terminal, the airport caters to around 212,000 passengers annually on domestic routes. Here is what you need to know:

• Location: Carretera Colima – Guadalajara Km 22, Cuauhtémoc, Colima, Mexico, 28500
• Website: www.aeropuertosasa.mx/CLQ
• Airlines: Serves domestic carriers Aeroméxico Connect and Volaris
• Terminals: 1 single terminal handling all arrivals and departures

Colima Airport Terminal Map and Layout

Colima Airport features a single, compact passenger terminal building that is exceptionally easy to navigate. The layout is linear and straightforward, meaning you will never get lost walking from the check-in counters to the boarding gates. Because there is only one terminal, concepts like connected post-security walkways, moving walkways, or inter-terminal shuttles simply do not apply to this airport. Everything is housed under one roof on a single floor.

The walking distance from the main entrance to the farthest boarding gate is roughly 100 meters, taking no more than a two-minute stroll. For travelers connecting between flights, you will simply deplane, walk through the arrivals hall, and head back through the single security checkpoint to re-enter the departure lounge. It is a swift and stress-free process.

Navigating Colima Airport Terminals

Single Terminal

• Airlines that check in at this terminal: Aeroméxico Connect and Volaris operate all their check-in counters inside this building.
• Key features and renovations: The terminal is operated by Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) and was officially incorporated into the ASA network in 1987. It has one asphalt runway (07/25) that is 2,300 meters long, suitable for handling Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft . The airport has recently been upgraded to international status, though it predominantly handles domestic flights at present .
• Dining and shopping highlights: Inside the departure lounge, you will find a small restaurant offering local snacks and beverages, plus a souvenir shop for last-minute gifts. There is also a basic currency exchange booth.

Transportation to and from Colima Airport

Getting to and from the airport requires some planning, as public transport infrastructure is minimal. The airport is located approximately 22 kilometers from downtown Colima city center, a drive that typically takes between 20 and 25 minutes along a well-maintained highway .

Getting to and from Colima Airport by Car

Driving is the most popular and practical method for reaching the airport. The route from Colima city center is straightforward via the Colima–Guadalajara highway. Traffic is generally very light in this region, so you won't find the congestion that plagues larger Mexican airports. There is a very small guard booth approaching the airport, but gridlock is virtually non-existent.

Parking at Colima Airport is an open-air lot with a capacity of approximately 78 spaces . Given the airport’s relatively small passenger volume, parking is rarely full. The lot is located directly in front of the terminal, meaning you can park and walk to check-in in under a minute. There are no private off-airport parking lots or economy lots with shuttle services here; the single on-site lot serves all visitors. The parking area is secure but uncovered. Payment is made at the exit booth, and rates are very affordable, starting at roughly $1.50 per hour, with a daily maximum around $8.00.

For curbside drop-offs, you can pull up directly at the terminal entrance. There is no official time limit for active loading and unloading, but unattended vehicles will be quickly directed to the parking lot. A cell phone waiting lot is not designated, but drivers can wait briefly in the parking lot entrance area if picking up arriving passengers.

💡 Tip: If you plan to explore the surrounding volcanoes and coffee plantations, booking your rental car in advance is essential since on-site fleet sizes are small.

Getting to and from Colima Airport by Rideshare or Taxi

Uber operates in the Colima metropolitan area and is generally available at the airport. This is often the most cost-effective and transparently priced option. The designated pickup area is directly outside the arrivals hall, in the main parking lot. You simply request the ride via the Uber app once you have your luggage. Fares to the center of Colima typically range from $10 to $15, depending on demand.

Official airport taxis are also a common choice, operating on a fixed-zone pricing model. You will find the taxi ticket booth inside the arrivals hall. Purchase a ticket for your zone before heading outside to meet the driver. Fares to downtown Colima cost about $15 to $18. Always purchase tickets inside to avoid being overcharged.

Getting to and from Colima Airport by Public Transportation

Public bus connectivity is limited and geared toward the adventurous traveler. Local buses, known as camiones, run along the main highway (Carretera Colima–Guadalajara). To catch one, you must walk from the terminal to the highway entrance, which is not ideal if you are carrying heavy luggage. This method costs less than $1.00 but can be confusing for first-time visitors. There is no dedicated airport express bus or train service connecting the airport to the city.

Key Amenities at Colima Airport

ATMs

There is at least one ATM available inside the main terminal building, though the specific bank operator may vary. It is advisable to withdraw cash before arriving at the airport if possible, as the machine can occasionally be out of service.

Lost and Found

Lost and found items are managed by the airport administration. You can contact the airport at +52 (312) 316 1024 or via email at [email protected] to report a missing item. The administrative office is located within the terminal building.

Luggage services

Plastic luggage wrapping service is not always available or may be limited, so it's wise to secure your bags before arriving. Luggage carts are available in the terminal free of charge. There is no luggage storage facility at Colima Airport.

Pets

There are no designated indoor pet relief areas inside the terminal. Travelers with service animals or pets flying in the cabin should ensure their pet carriers meet the specific airline requirements. Outdoor grassy areas near the parking lot are available for emergency relief before entering the terminal.

Showers

Showers are not available at Colima Airport. There are no airline lounges or public facilities offering shower access.

Currency Exchange

A currency exchange booth operates inside the terminal during flight hours. It primarily handles US dollars and Mexican pesos. The operating hours generally mirror the flight schedule, typically from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM .

Smoking Area

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the terminal building. There are no indoor smoking lounges. Passengers must exit the terminal to the designated outdoor areas near the parking lot before smoking.

Terminal building features

The terminal is functional and utilitarian, with a small waiting lounge, basic restrooms, and a modest seating area. It handles the steady flow of regional travelers efficiently, with an official operating schedule from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM .

WiFi

Free WiFi is available inside the passenger terminal. To connect, you typically select the "ASA WiFi" network and accept the terms of service. Connection speeds are adequate for messaging and basic browsing but can slow down when the departure lounge is full. Charging stations are extremely limited, so carrying a portable power bank is highly recommended.

Other Amenities

An information desk is located near the main check-in hall, but it is not always staffed continuously. Medical services are not available on-site; in an emergency, contact airport security. No chapel or prayer room is located within the terminal.

Airport Lounges at Colima Airport

Colima Airport does not currently feature any dedicated airline lounges, credit-card-affiliated lounges, or Priority Pass facilities. The single terminal is compact and designed for short waiting times, but there are no premium spaces offering complimentary food, beverages, or relaxation areas after security. Travelers looking for a quiet pre-flight experience will find the closest thing to be the small public waiting area with standard seating. Make sure to eat or handle business tasks before arriving at the airport, as the facilities support quick-turnaround domestic hops rather than extended layovers.

Other Airports in the Region

Playa de Oro International Airport (ZLO)

• Distance to city center: Located in Manzanillo, approximately 60-70 minutes' drive from Colima city center .
• Best for: Beach resorts, Costalegre coast, and Manzanillo port access. If you are staying in a coastal all-inclusive resort, this airport is far closer.
• Unique advantages: Handles more international flights from the United States and Canada compared to Colima Airport, plus a more diverse array of passenger services .
• Recommended for: Vacationers seeking sun and sand rather than cultural city tours or volcano hiking.

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)

• Distance to city center: About 2.5 to 3 hours' drive northeast of Colima.
• Best for: International connections and more frequent daily flight schedules.
• Unique advantages: Much larger facility with numerous lounges, extensive car rental fleets, and direct long-haul flights to the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
• Recommended for: Travelers who cannot find a suitable flight schedule to CLQ or who want to pair a Colima visit with a Guadalajara city break.

Colima Airport Overview

Colima Airport, officially named Licenciado Miguel de la Madrid International Airport, has served as a public gateway to the state since its incorporation into the ASA network in 1987 . Named after the former Mexican president who hailed from Colima, the airport sits approximately 22 kilometers from the city center . It covers a surface area of about 386 hectares . Its significance lies in connecting the state capital and the volcanic region to major domestic hubs like Mexico City and Tijuana. The airport is civilian-operated and maintains a single terminal and one runway configuration, with 2024 passenger numbers exceeding 212,000 .

Colima Airport Postal Code

• Postal Code: 28500
• City: Cuauhtémoc
• Province/State: Colima
• Country: Mexico
• Complete Mailing Address: Aeropuerto Nacional Lic. Miguel de la Madrid, Carretera Colima – Guadalajara Km 22, C.P. 28500, Cuauhtémoc, Colima, México.

Duty Free and Shopping at Colima Airport

Duty-free shopping is not a feature of Colima Airport. As the airport has only recently assumed international status and handles predominantly domestic flights, there are currently no duty-free shops operating in the terminal . The available commercial space is dedicated to a small souvenir stand and a convenience kiosk. Choices for dining remain limited to a small restaurant serving hot snacks, sandwiches, and coffee.

Purchasing local souvenirs is best done in the city of Colima itself before heading to the airport. The Mercado Álvaro Obregón and shops around the Jardín Libertad in the historic center offer regional crafts, including wooden masks, ceramics, and the famous Colima coffee at much more reasonable prices. Prices within the airport terminal for small souvenirs are nearly double the city price.

Security Wait Times Colima Airport

Colima Airport has a single security checkpoint that leads from the check-in hall to the departure gates. The checkpoint generally opens in alignment with the flight schedule, typically from early morning until the last evening departure. Wait times are refreshingly short here. On a normal day, you will clear security in less than 5 minutes. During peak periods, such as the Friday evening Volaris flight to Tijuana or the morning Aeroméxico flight to Mexico City, the wait can stretch to about 10-12 minutes at most. The busiest times are weekends and Mexican holiday periods, particularly Semana Santa (Easter week) and the Christmas season.

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR are US-based programs and do not operate at this Mexican domestic airport. Standard Mexican aviation security protocols apply, including removing laptops from bags, taking off coats, and disposing of liquids over 100ml before screening.

💡 Tip: Even with exceptionally short security waits, it's recommended to arrive 90 minutes before a domestic flight to allow for any minor check-in counter delays.

Colima Airport Drop Off and Pick Up Information

Departures drop-off zone: Drivers can pull up directly to the curb at the terminal entrance. The zone is immediately outside the check-in area. There is no time limit for active unloading, but vehicles must not be left unattended. Security may ask waiting cars to move into the parking lot.

Arrivals pick-up zone: The pick-up area is the same curbside as departures, directly outside the single arrivals exit. The meeting point is the small greeting area just where passengers exit the baggage claim. Since the terminal is tiny, you will spot arriving passengers the moment they step through the door.

Cell phone lot: An official cell phone waiting lot does not exist. Drivers waiting for a call can park in the main parking lot for a brief period. Parking charges apply, roughly less than $1.00 if you stay under an hour.

Kiss and Fly zone: There is no dedicated drop-and-go train station area.

Commercial vehicle zones: Taxis and Ubers stage directly in front of the terminal, in the designated parking zones outside the arrivals hall.

Flight Routes and Airlines at Colima Airport

Two airlines currently operate scheduled passenger service from Colima Airport:

• Aeroméxico Connect: Operates flights to Mexico City (MEX). This is the key route for business travelers and those connecting internationally through the capital .
• Volaris: Operates direct flights to Tijuana (TIJ) . This route operates daily and serves as a popular link for those crossing the U.S. border, with the CBX bridge connecting Tijuana Airport directly into San Diego.

The airport does not function as a hub for any airline. All destinations are domestic. The latest news indicates that the airport's designation has officially been raised to international status, meaning we could see new cross-border routes opening in the near future . Flight frequency is relatively sparse, with only a few movements each day, so be sure to book early.

Getting to and from Colima Airport

Navigating the ground transportation in this rural setting is easier when prepared. The absence of a metropolitan transit system pushes travelers towards cars or private cabs.

Car Rental at Colima Airport

Car rental counters are located inside the arrivals hall. Several local and possibly one national provider have operations here. You will generally find options for economy cars, mid-size sedans, and SUVs. A 4x4 might be overkill for highway driving but offers peace of mind if your itinerary includes rough rural roads leading to volcanoes or coffee fincas. The counters are small and staff can be limited, so advance booking is critical to ensure a car is available and waiting for you.

👉 Plan ahead: Book your rental car in advance to secure the best rates and vehicle choice.

Colima Airport Taxi Services

The official airport taxi service operates a ticket-based system. Upon exiting the baggage claim, you walk up to the Transportación Terrestre booth inside the terminal. Tell the agent your destination, pay the fixed fee, and receive a ticket to hand to the driver outside. Uber is an active alternative, and you can request a car from the parking lot curb.

Estimated Fares:

• Colima City Center: $15 - $18
• Villa de Álvarez: $12 - $15
• Cuauhtémoc Town Center: $5 - $8

Private Car Services at Colima Airport

Private chauffeur services are available for pre-booking, generally arranged through local hotels or tourism agencies. This is the best choice for business travelers needing reliability and families wanting a child seat. A private executive sedan to Colima city center costs approximately $30-$35 one way.

Bus Services at Colima Airport

No dedicated airport express bus service connects the terminal directly to Colima city. Budget-wise passengers can walk out to the main road and flag down a passing local camión heading toward the city. It's a cheap journey, about $0.50, but it involves standing on the highway shoulder and takes significantly longer than a taxi.

Hotel Shuttles

A handful of larger hotels like the Hotel María Isabel or Fiesta Inn Colima might arrange airport pickups for guests, but it is strictly on a pre-arranged basis. Contact your hotel at least 24 hours before arrival to schedule this complimentary or paid service.

Parking at Colima Airport

• Short-term parking: Located directly in front of the terminal, ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers. Rates are roughly $1.50 per hour, with the first 10 minutes often free for loading and unloading.
• Long-term parking: The same lot serves both short and long-term needs. The maximum daily rate hits a reasonable cap of around $8.00. Security patrols are present during operating hours, but the lot is not guarded overnight.
• Economy/Budget parking: No off-site economy shuttle lots exist.
• Free parking options: None available on airport property.
• Payment methods: Cash (Mexican Pesos) is preferred at the exit booth, though credit cards may be accepted depending on the payment terminal status.
• Electric vehicle charging stations: Not available at this time.

Places to explore near Colima Airport

• Colima City Center (20-25 min): The main draw is the Jardín Libertad, a beautiful central square surrounded by colonial architecture, the Cathedral, and the Palacio de Gobierno. You’ll find excellent dining options here, including the famous regional dish, sopitos colimotes.
• Volcán de Colima (1.5 hours): One of Mexico's most active volcanoes and a spectacular sight. You can drive up to the national park entrance, enjoy the cool mountain air, and take in incredible views of the smoking volcano. A 4x4 is recommended for the last few kilometers.
• Comala (30 min): A classic "Pueblo Mágico" known for its white facades, botanas (free appetizers served with drinks), and strong artisanal ponche (pomegranate liqueur). Enjoy lunch at one of the traditional portals overlooking the main plaza.
• Cuyutlán Beach (1 hour): Known for the unique green wave and the El Tortugario Ecological Center, a turtle sanctuary. It’s a relaxed Pacific beach town, notably quieter than Manzanillo.
• Manzanillo (1 hour 10 min): The state's major port city with deep-sea fishing, luxury marinas, and long sandy beaches like Playa Miramar.

Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Colima

• Winter (December - February): Warm and dry, with temperatures averaging 75°F (24°C) during the day and crisp 55°F (13°C) at night. Peak tourist season and best for outdoor hiking.
• Spring (March - May): Hot and dry, with temperatures climbing to 92°F (33°C). The landscape is parched, but this is a fantastic time for luscious tropical fruit like mangoes.
• Summer (June - September): Very hot, humid, and heavy afternoon downpours, averaging 88°F (31°C). The surrounding countryside blooms brilliant green. Flights can occasionally suffer weather delays in the late afternoon.
• Autumn (October - November): Rain tapers off in November. Temperatures hover comfortably near 82°F (28°C). A shoulder season offering a sweet spot between low prices and decent weather.

💡 Best time to visit: Late October to early December, after the rains when everything is lush but before the winter rush begins.

Essential Travel Tips

• Arrival time: Arrive 90 minutes before your flight. The 7:00 AM opening time is enforced strictly, so early-bird passengers for the first Aeroméxico flight should not arrive before 6:30 AM.
• Flight status checking: Always check directly with your airline via their app. Service to Colima is infrequent; if a flight is canceled, you need to be the first to know.
• Packing advice: Bring layers. The airport is at elevation and mornings can be cool, but the terminal can get stuffy in the afternoon. Sunscreen and a hat are essential year-round.
• Currency recommendations: Cash is king in Colima. While the airport and major hotels take cards, local markets and smaller restaurants in Comala only accept pesos. Carry small bills for tips and taxi tickets.
• Language considerations: English is not widely spoken at the airport beyond basic transactional phrases. Know your basic Spanish for greetings and directions.
• Documentation: A valid passport is required for all entries into Mexico. Keep your tourist card (FMM) safe; you’ll need it to exit the country.
• Driver license requirements: Your valid home country driver's license is accepted for rental cars. An International Driving Permit is not strictly required but can be helpful if your license is not in the Roman alphabet.
• Fuel station locations: The nearest gas station is along the main highway, approximately 10km toward the city. Ensure you refuel before returning a rental car, as there are no stations immediately adjacent to the airport.

About the City

Colima is a compact, warm, and authentically Mexican state capital often overlooked by international tourists in favor of beach resorts. Its history intertwines deeply with the Colima Volcano and the ancient cultures that inhabited the region, whose artifacts fill the excellent Museo Regional de Historia. With a population of around 150,000, Colima is large enough to offer cultural amenities yet small enough to feel laid back and safe. It serves as the center of government for the state, bringing a lively, white-collar energy to its historic center.

Local cuisine is a standout reason to visit. You must try the sopitos, small fried tortillas topped with ground beef, cabbage, and a tangy tomato broth, usually found at corner loncherías rather than fancy restaurants. The city's famous coffee is some of Mexico's best, sustainably grown on the slopes of the volcano and roasted locally. From the lush coffee plantations of Yerbabuena to the pre-Hispanic ruins of La Campana, Colima city makes a wonderful base for exploring a deeply cultural slice of Mexico that remains free of massive tourism crowds.

Start Your Journey at Colima Airport

Colima Airport may be modest, but it's a portal to one of Mexico's most authentic regions. The airport's tiny footprint means you waste zero time in long queues, transitioning from tarmac to rental car in minutes. By booking your car rental in advance, you ensure you have the keys in hand and can immediately head out to the volcano slopes or the charming plazas of Comala. Navigate this highland gem at your own pace, starting right here.

👉 Book your rental car at Colima Airport today and discover the real heart of Mexico.