Getting there & around

Getting there

Fly (the smart way) — Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa airport (ZIH) sits about 15 to 20 minutes from the bay. It takes direct flights from Mexico City and seasonal routes from the US and Canada in winter. Flying in is the whole strategy here: it keeps you out of Guerrero’s interior roads and drops you straight into the coastal bubble. From the airport, an authorized taxi or a hotel transfer runs roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on your beach; agree the fare or use the official booth before you get in.

Bus — First-class buses connect Zihuatanejo to Mexico City (roughly 8 to 10 hours) and to Acapulco down the coast. The long-distance bus lines are comfortable and run the toll roads. If you take a bus, travel by day.

Drive — Doable via the toll highway, but this is the part of the trip where Guerrero’s reputation is earned. Stick to daytime driving and the cuota (toll) roads, and do not improvise mountain shortcuts. Most travelers are better off flying and skipping a car entirely.

Getting around

The bay is small and mostly walkable. For everything else:

• Taxis — Cheap and everywhere. Short hops around town and to La Ropa cost a few dollars; confirm the price before you set off, as they are unmetered.
• Combis (local vans) — Run between the centro, the beaches, and Ixtapa for pocket change. Slow but authentic.
• Water taxis — Pangas run from the town pier to Las Gatas across the bay all day.

You do not need a rental car for a bay-based trip. Skip it unless you are set on driving the coast yourself.