Overview
Del Bajío is the gateway to Mexico's central highlands, serving the city of León and the UNESCO-listed towns of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende. Airport code BJX refers to Del Bajío International Airport near Silao, within a two-hour drive of most of the region's highlights. There are no direct flights from the UK, so every trip involves one connection, but the Bajío repays the effort with colonial streets and warm hospitality. The price charts on this page show how fares from the UK move through the year.
Best time to fly to Del Bajío
The region sits at around 1,800m, so days are warm and evenings cool for much of the year. The dry season from November to April is the most reliable time to visit, with clear skies and pleasant afternoons. June to September brings short, heavy afternoon showers that rarely spoil a day. October is busy thanks to Guanajuato's Festival Internacional Cervantino, so flights and hotels sell out early — check the When to book chart above if your dates are flexible.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies direct from the UK to Del Bajío. The fastest routings connect through one US hub: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United, American and Delta serve Houston, Dallas or Atlanta from the UK, with onward flights to BJX on United or American in around two hours. Alternatively, Aeroméxico and British Airways fly London to Mexico City (about 11–12 hours), followed by a short domestic hop. Air France, KLM and Iberia offer one-stop options via Paris, Amsterdam or Madrid. Expect a total journey of 15–19 hours.
Things to do in Del Bajío
The airport is a springboard for the wider Bajío rather than a destination in itself.
- Guanajuato: UNESCO World Heritage city of tunnels, plazas and pastel houses, best explored on foot.
- San Miguel de Allende: elegant cobbled streets and the pink Parroquia, about 90 minutes away.
- Cristo Rey del Cubilete: hilltop statue near the geographical centre of Mexico, with sweeping views.
- León: Mexico's leather and footwear capital, ideal for a shopping day.
- Dolores Hidalgo: birthplace of Mexican independence, famous for its unusual ice-cream flavours.
At Del Bajío International Airport (BJX)
The airport sits just outside Silao, roughly 20km from León (25 minutes), 30km from Guanajuato (40 minutes) and about 90 minutes from San Miguel de Allende. Official airport taxis use fixed zone fares — buy a ticket from the desk inside the terminal. Major car hire firms have desks in arrivals, and pre-booked private transfers are the simplest choice for San Miguel. App-based rides such as Uber and DiDi operate in the area, but there is no convenient public bus from the terminal.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Del Bajío
- Book roughly two to four months ahead for the best mix of price and choice; last-minute long-haul fares to Mexico are rarely kind.
- Fly midweek and avoid UK school holidays, Easter and the October Cervantino period, when demand peaks.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot cheaper departure days.
- Compare a US connection against a Mexico City routing — the fare difference can be significant for a similar journey time.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Mexico as tourists and are usually granted up to 180 days on arrival; keep your entry permit or passport stamp safe for departure. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the Mexican peso, and cards are widely accepted in towns, though it is worth carrying some cash for markets and smaller places. No vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, but check the latest NHS Fit for Travel guidance before you travel.
