Guadalajara is a sprawling city, but the historic centre is walkable and the public transport is cheap.
By light rail -- Guadalajara has three light rail lines (Línea 1, Línea 2, Línea 3) and a BRT system (Macrobús). Line 3, opened in 2020, connects the historic centre to the western districts. The system is cheap (around 10 pesos per ride) and covers the main tourist corridor well. A rechargeable Mi Movilidad card avoids queuing for single tickets.
By rideshare and taxi -- Uber and InDriver operate in Guadalajara and are generally more reliable and transparent on price than street taxis. If you take a street taxi, confirm the fare before you start and check the meter. Late at night, some drivers will refuse to use the meter -- get a sense of fair prices from locals beforehand.
By bus -- Buses are inexpensive but routes are identified by landmarks rather than numbers and can be confusing. Useful for getting to Tlaquepaque and Tonalá on a budget, but not recommended for first-time visitors navigating the city.
Walking -- The historic centre, Plaza Tapatía, and the plazas around the Cathedral are best explored on foot. Colonia Americana is a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride west.