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Airport Transportation

General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport

Also known as: Zacatecas Airport, Zacatecas International Airport, ZCL Airport.

ZCL · MMZC · Zacatecas

Airport facts

Name
General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport
IATA code
ZCL
ICAO code
MMZC
City
Zacatecas
Country
Mexico
Coordinates
22.8949, -102.6872
Time zone
America/Mexico_City

About 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

  • Private 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.

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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 and destinations

Aeroméxico Main terminal

Mexico City

American Airlines Main terminal

Dallas/Fort Worth

Volaris Main terminal

Chicago Midway, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, San Jose (CA), Tijuana

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.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from ZCL