La Calera Airport

General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport, also known as La Calera, serves as the main aerial gateway to the colonial heart of Mexico. This compact yet modern aviation hub is located in the highlands, welcoming travellers with cool air and views of desert plateaus even before they arrive in the city. Thanks to its small size, the airport is renowned for its calm atmosphere and lack of hustle, allowing tourists to begin their acquaintance with the legendary "Pink City" of Zacatecas without unnecessary stress.

Features and Advantages:

Despite its modest scale, La Calera Airport plays a key role in connecting the region with major hubs in Mexico and cities in the USA. Passengers often note the rapid completion of formalities: check-in and security screening here take mere minutes. The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait: there are ATMs, currency exchange points, and a car rental zone, which is particularly convenient for those planning an independent journey through the state.

An important detail for tourists is the airport's location in the municipality of Calera, approximately a 20–25 minute drive from the historic centre of Zacatecas. Taxis and transfers are available right at the terminal exit. Furthermore, the airport is adapted for people with disabilities and offers free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected immediately after landing.

Below you will find contact information for the General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport (ZCL), also known as La Calera Airport.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official page on the OMA operator website: oma.aero/es/aeropuertos/zacatecas/
• Information Desk Phone: +52 (492) 922 3132
• Address: Carretera Zacatecas – Fresnillo Km. 23, C.P. 98500, Morelos, Zacatecas, México.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address for general inquiries. For communication, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website or call the listed phone number.
• Social Media: News and updates can be followed on the official social media pages of the managing company OMA, such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative office at the airport directly. If you have left personal belongings in the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Service: For on-site assistance, please approach the information desks in the terminal. For remote consultations, use the information desk phone number.

Reaching La Calera International Airport (ZCL), located approximately 27 kilometres north of the city centre of Zacatecas, is possible via several methods. A trip by car usually takes about 30 minutes, though time may vary depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient and common way to get to the airport is to use an official taxi. Counters for booking and payment are located directly inside the terminal building. You pay for the trip at a fixed rate at the cashier and receive a ticket, which you then give to the driver. This guarantees safety and a transparent cost, which is usually between 300–450 Mexican pesos. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which is particularly convenient for large groups or travellers with bulky luggage. Some hotels offer their guests a shuttle service to/from the airport.

Public Transport

There is no direct city bus service between the centre of Zacatecas and the airport. However, there is a more budget-friendly alternative to taxis — shared vans (colectivos). They depart as they fill up and drop passengers off at various points. This option is suitable for those travelling light and not in a great hurry, as you will have to wait for other passengers and make several stops along the way.

Car Rental

For those planning to actively travel around the state of Zacatecas and other regions of Mexico, car rental is an excellent solution. Several international and local rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, have offices at La Calera Airport. It is better to book a car online in advance to guarantee the availability of the desired model and secure a better price. Having a car will provide you with complete freedom of movement through the picturesque surroundings.

Parking at the Airport

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented car, parking facilities are at your disposal. Located in immediate proximity to the terminal, it offers options for both short-term and long-term stays. The parking area is guarded, allowing you to leave your vehicle securely for the duration of your trip.

La Calera Airport (ZCL), also known as General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport, is distinguished by its compact and passenger-friendly structure. The airport operates one passenger terminal that handles all flights — both domestic and international. This makes navigation extremely simple and eliminates the need for long transfers between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building has two main levels. On the ground floor, you will find the check-in zones for flights and the arrivals area with baggage claim belts and customs control. After check-in, passengers proceed to the upper floor, where the departure zone is located. Here sits the security checkpoint, after which you enter the airside area with waiting lounges and boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, moving between zones takes minimal time. Check-in and security procedures generally proceed quite quickly thanks to the low passenger volume. On average, this takes from 20 to 40 minutes. However, to avoid rushing, the standard recommendation remains in force: arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5–3 hours before an international one.

The main tip for navigation is simply to follow the signs. All infrastructure, including cafes, small shops, car rental desks, and waiting halls, is located in one building. Thanks to the compact size of La Calera Airport, you will easily find everything you need without stress or fuss, even if you are here for the first time.

Zacatecas International Airport, officially known as General Leobardo C. Ruiz Airport (ZCL), is a key transport hub for the eponymous state in Mexico. Its history is closely linked to the economic and social development of the region, known for its rich history of silver mining and cultural heritage.

The airport was opened in 1970 to meet the growing need for air connectivity for the city of Zacatecas and its surroundings. In the first decades of its existence, it functioned mainly as a regional airport, providing links to major cities in the country, such as Mexico City. This significantly simplified logistics for business and opened the region to domestic tourism.

A significant stage in the airport's development began in 2000, when it came under the management of the operator Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte (OMA). This transition marked the beginning of a period of large-scale modernization. Works were carried out to reconstruct the passenger terminal, extend the runway, and improve infrastructure overall. Thanks to these investments, the airport was able to obtain international status and begin accepting flights from the USA, which was of immense importance to the region.

One of the interesting aspects of the airport's history is its social role. The state of Zacatecas has one of the largest diasporas in the United States, and La Calera Airport became a vital bridge connecting families on both sides of the border. Passenger traffic often peaks during holiday seasons when Mexican emigrants return home to visit relatives. Thus, the history of the airport is not just a history of infrastructure, but a history of thousands of family reunions.

The airport received its official name in honour of General Leobardo C. Ruiz, a prominent military and political figure who was the governor of the state of Zacatecas in the early 20th century. Today, the airport continues to develop, serving both tourists eager to see the colonial beauty of Zacatecas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and local residents, maintaining the region's economic and cultural ties with the rest of the world.

La Calera Airport (ZCL), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Inside the terminal building, you will find amenities that will make your journey more pleasant.

You can have a snack before departure at one of several cafes and restaurants offering both Mexican cuisine and familiar fast food. In the departure zone, there are shops where you can buy souvenirs, travel goods, and Duty-Free products. Free Wi-Fi is available for passengers throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting halls.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in more comfortable conditions, a VIP Lounge operates at the airport. Here, passengers are offered beverages, snacks, fresh newspapers, and a more secluded atmosphere. Access conditions can be checked at the information desk or with representatives of your airline.

At La Calera Airport, you will easily find ATMs for cash withdrawal and currency exchange points. In case of necessity, a medical point is available in the terminal building to provide first aid.

The airport is equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms are provided. Families with small children can use the mother and child room to care for infants in a quiet environment.

There are no specialized conference halls at the airport, although basic business services may be provided in the VIP Lounge. If you require accommodation near the airport, the nearest hotels and guesthouses are located in the city of Zacatecas, which can be quickly reached by taxi or transfer.

La Calera Airport (ZCL) in Zacatecas is a relatively small and compact airport, so the choice of dining establishments here corresponds to its size. Nevertheless, passengers can find a few options to have a snack before departure. The main food outlets are concentrated in the main terminal building, in the public zone (landside), before passing security control. After screening (airside), the choice is generally more limited and may be reduced to a small kiosk or vending machines.

The main place for dining at the airport is a cafe-restaurant. Here, travellers can quickly have a coffee with pastries or order more substantial dishes. The menu usually includes standard options: sandwiches, salads, as well as some Mexican dishes such as tortas (Mexican sandwiches on a bun) or quesadillas. This is a great opportunity to taste the authentic flavours of Mexico if you have a little time. A small bar may also operate within the terminal, where beverages and light snacks can be ordered.

For a quick bite, coffee, juice, pastries, or a ready-made sandwich from the main cafe are ideal choices. If you arrived at the airport early, you can settle in there and order a hot meal, but keep in mind that preparation will take time. Passengers with special dietary needs should be aware that options for them are extremely limited. Vegetarians may find simple dishes, for example, a cheese quesadilla, but for vegans or people with gluten intolerance, the choice is practically non-existent. In such cases, it is recommended to bring food with you or eat before arriving at the airport.

Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open before the first morning departures and close after the last evening plane leaves. Prices in airport establishments are generally higher than average city prices, which is standard practice. We strongly recommend planning your meals before passing security control to have more choice.

To ensure your journey through La Calera Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, take advantage of our tips. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing, especially during periods of high traffic.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this service. The screening procedure at Zacatecas airport is standard: be ready to present your passport and boarding pass, as well as remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your carry-on luggage for separate scanning. Following the rules will help you pass control faster.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. Window seats allow you to enjoy views of the landscapes of Mexico during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. If you need more legroom, consider choosing emergency exit seats, which are often available for an additional fee.

Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage: the volume of each container must not exceed 100 ml, and all of them must be packed in a single transparent resealable bag. It is also prohibited to take sharp and cutting objects into the aircraft cabin. Be sure to check the regulations for carry-on and checked baggage on your airline's website, as they may differ.

Passengers with connections should clarify in advance whether their luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination or if it needs to be collected and checked in again. La Calera Airport is relatively small, which simplifies navigation, but always allow sufficient time between connecting flights in case of unforeseen delays.

Upon arrival on an international flight, you will have to pass customs control. Typically, you are required to fill out a customs declaration. If you have no goods subject to mandatory declaration, the procedure is quick and formal. Simply follow the signs and instructions of airport staff.

To save money, book a taxi or transfer to the city in advance via online services — this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. Food and drinks at the airport can be expensive, so bring a light snack with you. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, the first thing to do is contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Remain calm and learn about your rights as a passenger: depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance will also help compensate for potential expenses.