La Paz International Airport

La Paz International Airport, officially named after Manuel Márquez de León, is your gateway to the sunny world of the Baja California Sur peninsula. Located near the coast of the Gulf of California, this airport welcomes travelers eager for marine adventures and exploring Mexico's unique nature. Despite its modest size, it ranks among the top 25 busiest airports in the country and serves as an important transport hub for both domestic and international flights. An unforgettable journey to the city of peace and tranquility, which is La Paz, begins here.

La Paz Airport, managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, offers passengers everything needed for a comfortable start or end to their trip. It serves numerous domestic destinations, including flights to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana, as well as international routes. Car rental counters, tourist information centers, and various transfer options to the city, including taxis and shuttles, are available in the terminal, making it easy to reach your hotel or the city center. Although it is primarily a regional hub, its infrastructure ensures convenience and efficiency for all travelers.

For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations, we recommend using the official contact details.

• Official Website: www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx
• Information Desk Phone: +52 (612) 124-6306
• Address: Carretera Transpeninsular al Sur S/N, Km 13, 23201 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
• Email: For general inquiries and feedback, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: You can follow news from the airport management company (Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico) on their pages on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline's representative directly. If you lost something within the terminal building, contact the Lost and Found service (Objetos Extraviados) by phone or via the form on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main channel for contacting support is the information desk phone and the official website.

La Paz International Airport (LAP) is located just 10-15 km from the city center, making the journey there quick and convenient. Several transport options are available to travelers, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Taxis and Shuttles (Colectivos) — the most convenient way to get to your hotel. A trip by private taxi from the center of La Paz to the airport takes 15–25 minutes and will cost approximately $25–40 USD (450–700 MXN). This is the fastest and most comfortable option. A more budget-friendly solution is a shared shuttle (colectivo), which is a minibus that transports several passengers. The cost of a trip on this is about $10–15 USD (180–250 MXN) per person. This option is excellent for solo travelers but may take a little longer due to stops at different hotels.

Car Rental — an ideal choice for those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings of Baja California. Counters of major international and local rental companies are located in the airport building. You can rent a car upon arrival or book in advance, and then easily return it before departure. The airport has paid parking where you can leave a car for both short and long terms.

Public Transport — the cheapest, but also the least convenient method. Local buses (known in Mexico as "camiones") run along the highway near the airport but usually do not enter its territory. This means you will have to walk some distance with luggage from the stop to the terminal. This option is not recommended for tourists, especially if you are traveling with a lot of belongings or do not speak Spanish.

La Paz International Airport (LAP), also known as Manuel Márquez de León International Airport, is distinguished by its compactness and easy navigation. The airport consists of one main terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This structure significantly simplifies orientation for passengers, as all key zones are located in one building and within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is intuitively understandable. The building has two main levels. The upper floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone: airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and a single security checkpoint are located here. After passing through screening, passengers enter the general sterile area with boarding gates. The lower floor is intended for arriving passengers. Here you will find baggage claim carousels, customs control for international flights, as well as car rental offices and taxi counters.

Since there is only one terminal, transitions between domestic and international flight zones are made on foot and do not take much time. The zones are clearly separated, and signs in Spanish and English help you orient yourself easily. It is practically impossible to get lost in La Paz Airport.

Check-in and screening times are usually short compared to major international hubs. On average, all procedures take about 20-40 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season (in winter and during spring break), queues are possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one to complete all formalities without rushing.

La Paz International Airport (LAP), officially known as Manuel Márquez de León International Airport, has a rich history closely linked to the development of tourism on the Baja California peninsula. Its story begins in the mid-20th century with a small runway serving private planes and local flights. A key moment was its official opening and inclusion in the national airport network in the 1960s, which spurred the transformation of La Paz into a popular tourist destination.

In the 1970s and 1980s, as the city's popularity grew as a center for sport fishing and diving, the airport underwent significant expansion. An extended runway capable of accommodating jet aircraft was built, and a new terminal was erected. However, the true era of modernization began in 2000, when airport management was transferred to the private company Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP). This step became a turning point in the development of the air harbor.

Under GAP management, the airport has gone through several stages of reconstruction. The passenger terminal was modernized, commercial zones expanded, and navigation and security systems updated. The airport has repeatedly proven its resilience, quickly recovering from powerful hurricanes which are part of the region's climatic features. These events only accelerated the implementation of new technologies and infrastructure improvements to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Today, La Paz Airport represents a modern and functional gateway serving hundreds of thousands of passengers annually. An interesting fact: the airport received its official name in honor of General Manuel Márquez de León — a local native, politician, and military figure of the 19th century. For many travelers, their introduction to the beauties of Mexico begins right here, with a breathtaking view of the desert and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of California during landing.

La Paz International Airport (LAP) offers passengers all necessary amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Whether you are arriving or departing, you will find a wide range of services here to meet various needs.

For those wishing to have a snack or buy something for the road, cafes and restaurants operate in the airport, serving both local cuisine and familiar snacks. Shops are also open, where you can purchase souvenirs, travel goods, and Duty-Free products. For a more comfortable wait, you can use the services of the VIP lounge, such as the VIP Lounge La Paz, which offers a private atmosphere, beverages, and snacks.

Staying connected at La Paz Airport is easy. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, and charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the waiting halls. To handle financial matters, ATMs are installed within the terminal, and currency exchange points operate where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure.

The airport cares for all categories of travelers. Special mother and child rooms are equipped for passengers with children. Travelers with reduced mobility can count on an accessible environment, including ramps and staff assistance. If necessary, first aid can be obtained at the airport.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, easily accessible by taxi. For business travelers, certain services such as workspaces or meeting rooms may be available in the VIP lounges.

La Paz International Airport (LAP), despite its compact size, offers travelers several options for a snack or a full meal. You will find establishments both in the public area and after passing security control, allowing you to spend time comfortably while waiting for your flight.

In the public area (landside), before security screening, the choice is usually limited to a small cafe where you can have coffee with fresh pastries, and a shop with drinks and snacks. This is a convenient option for those meeting passengers or those who arrived at the airport well in advance.

The main dining points are concentrated in the sterile area (airside), in the departure hall. Several establishments await passengers here. Typically, this includes a full-service restaurant where you can order Mexican and international dishes, such as tacos, sandwiches, or burgers. Nearby, there is usually a bar with a selection of beverages, including local beer and tequila. For those in a hurry, there are fast-food points and coffee shops offering sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

If you want to try something local, pay attention to seafood dishes for which the region is famous — for example, fish or shrimp tacos. Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. Vegetarians can generally find salads or vegetable snacks on the menu. Finding gluten-free, vegan, or halal options may be more difficult, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff or carry suitable snacks with you.

Prices in La Paz Airport establishments correspond to the average level for airports: expect the cost to be somewhat higher than in the city. Most cafes and restaurants open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last evening flight, so you will always have the opportunity to refresh yourself regardless of the departure time. Coffee shops are perfect for a quick snack, while the restaurant in the departure zone is ideal for a full lunch or dinner.

To ensure your journey through La Paz International Airport (LAP) goes smoothly, use these tips. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, acting as a gateway to the beautiful world of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico.

Airport Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. Although La Paz airport is not huge, queues for check-in and security screening can occur during the peak tourist season.

Check-in and Security: The easiest way to save time is to complete online check-in for your flight and save the boarding pass on your mobile device. At security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your carry-on luggage. All liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a single transparent resealable bag.

Seat Selection: When flying to or from La Paz, be sure to choose a window seat. Stunning views of desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez await you. This is a wonderful opportunity to take the first or last photos of your trip.

Carry-on Luggage: Standard security rules prohibit bringing sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances on board. Remember that souvenir tequila or mezcal can only be transported in checked luggage. Always check your airline's rules regarding the weight and dimensions of carry-on luggage.

Connecting Passengers: La Paz airport is not a major transit hub. If you have a connecting flight, especially from an international to a domestic one, be prepared that you will likely have to collect your luggage and go through check-in and security again. Clarify this process with your airline in advance.

Customs Control: Upon arrival from another country, you will need to pass through customs control. Declare all goods that require it to avoid possible fines. The procedure usually goes quickly if you do not have anything prohibited for import.

Saving Time and Money: Book a transfer to the city in advance — this is often more economical than taking a taxi upon arrival. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control, and light snacks, as prices at the airport are traditionally higher.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, contact your airline's representative counter. They will provide current information and explain your rights (for example, regarding drinks or meals). Ensure your electronic devices are charged, and carry a portable power bank, a book, or downloaded movies to spend time comfortably while waiting.