Most of Mexico’s major toll trunk roads are four-lane highways, except in very mountainous regions (or stretches of a mountainous route), where at times the road is limited to a single lane on each side due to the rugged topography.

Driving on toll roads in Mexico

To cut down journey times and make your road trip smoother and safer, we recommend you take the toll roads where these are available.  Learn about how Mexico’s extensive network of toll roads can be accessed.

The articles on toll roads include:

• Introduction to driving on Mexico’s tolled road network
• How to identify toll roads on a map
• Mexico City’s elevated (tolled) beltway
• Toll road terminology in Spanish
• Toll road charges
• Ways to pay for toll roads

Comprehensive knowledge for drivers in Mexico

Mexperience offers a series of articles to help you plan and prepare for your road trip, drive confidently and safely with peace of mind when you’re on the road in Mexico:

Bringing a foreign-plated car to Mexico

Learn about what you need to know about bringing your US- or Canadian-plated car across the border into Mexico.

Mexico’s toll road network

To cut down journey times and make your road trip smoother and safer, we recommend you take the toll roads where these are available.  Learn about how Mexico’s extensive network of toll roads can be accessed.

Practical and safety tips for driving in Mexico

An entire section about about practical matters of driving in Mexico with insightful tips and guidance to stay safe and mitigate risks.

Vehicle security

A chapter with practical tips and advice for keeping your vehicle safe and secure while driving in Mexico.

Dealing with breakdowns

Vehicle breakdowns can happen at anytime.  This section of the guide shares practical advice and insights about dealing with mechanical breakdowns when you’re in Mexico, and how to access assistance when you need it.

Dealing with accidents

Accidents, whether minor or serious, can be a cause of hassle and stress and if not properly mitigated, can create significant hardship for you.  Find out what the procedures are if you become involved in a minor or major accident in Mexico.

Vehicle insurance

Being properly insured with a policy that covers third party liability, roadside assistance and medical coverages helps you to drive with peace of mind across Mexico. Learn how auto insurance works in Mexico and how to get adequate insurance, breakdown, and medical coverages when you’re driving in Mexico.

Learn more about driving and road trips in Mexico

Mexperience offers local knowledge, tips, and guidance for driving and road trips in Mexico

• How to bring a foreign-plated car to Mexico
• FAQs: Temporary Import Permits for taking vehicles to Mexico
• Road trip checklist for your journey in Mexico
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Get a quote online for Mexico auto insurance

Your US or Canadian insurance policy, however comprehensive, won’t cover you in Mexico, but affordable insurance policies valid in Mexico are available…

Auto insurance for driving in Mexico

We recommend that you always drive properly insured in Mexico.  The risks of driving without adequate coverage are significant, especially in the event of a serious accident.

If you become involved in a car accident in Mexico and you are not insured:

• you will become personally responsible for any damage to the third party’s vehicle (or vehicles, if it is determined that your actions were the cause of an incident involving several vehicles);
• the authorities will pursue you personally for costs related to the repair of the public highway; this includes things like road surface, barriers and sign and lamp repairs—and can get expensive;
• if someone is hurt or killed, all drivers will be arrested; if you are deemed to be responsible, third parties will pursue liability damages against you;
• the authorities may charge you with driving without third party insurance that is compulsory in Mexico.

Third party liability

Under Mexican law, you must have liability insurance from a Mexican insurer to drive your vehicle on Mexican roadways.  Driving without adequate insurance for your vehicle is a risk, as police routinely ask to see insurance documentation when they stop road vehicles.

If you become involved in a serious accident in Mexico, where persons are hurt or killed, you will be detained by the police until blame is assessed. If it is deemed that you are to blame, you will be detained for longer until the other party (parties) are satisfied with any compensation being offered by you (or more likely your insurance company) at which point they will sign the paperwork that will have you released from police custody.

Good insurance policies offer legal counsel and bail bond services so that, in the worst-case scenario, you have the legal support and financial assistance you will need.

If you are driving your own car across the border from the USA or Canada into Mexico, you must purchase an insurance policy that is legally valid in Mexico.

• However comprehensive your US or Canadian auto insurance policy is, it will not cover you for third party liabilities when your foreign-plated vehicle is present in Mexico.
• You can purchase specialized auto insurance coverages for Mexico which are not expensive and will give you peace of mind when you’re driving here. They can also provide additional services including breakdown support and medical evacuation coverages.
• If you are renting a car in Mexico, be sure that you are comprehensively insured in that vehicle.

Although your US or Canadian car insurance policy may be comprehensive and might also extend some limited damage coverage in Mexico, you will still need to purchase special policy that is legally valid for third party liability in Mexico.

In the event of an accident, presenting a US or Canadian auto insurance policy will be of no use because these documents have no legal force in Mexico, and the companies backing them will not settle any claim arising when you’re driving outside of the US/Canada.

Drivers who become involved in serious accidents in Mexico are usually arrested pending investigation. If you are not properly insured in Mexico and become involved in a serious accident —even if you’re not at fault— the procedures will place considerable stress and financial burden upon you.

This section of the guide describes how auto insurance works in Mexico and how to go about buying the additional insurance protection you need to ensure that you, your passengers, and your vehicle are properly insured when driving on Mexico’s roads—and that in the event of a serious accident, you are properly covered by a legally valid and adequate insurance policy.

Insuring your foreign-plated car in Mexico

Only insurance companies that are licensed in Mexico can issue auto insurance policies that are recognized and accepted by Mexico’s legal system.

A few US or Canadian-based insurance companies will extend cover for physical damage on cars and RVs while they are situated in Mexico, but they cannot and do not provide third party liability insurance—that is obligatory when you are driving in Mexico.

So, although your home country insurance may cover damage to your own vehicle, they will not cover your liability to others in Mexico.

Therefore, a special insurance policy is necessary to be properly insured in Mexico that is issued directly by a Mexican insurer, or through a broker in the US or Canada that is working in conjunction with a Mexican insurance company.

Important note: When you take your vehicle to Mexico, you need to keep enough insurance coverage in place to maintain the vehicle’s legal registration valid in your home country.  See this article for details about this requirement.

Insuring a Mexican-plated car

If you own a Mexican-plated car, you can purchase insurance locally for the vehicle’s use in Mexico.  Download our free eBook: the guide to the cost of living in Mexico, for details and connections to local auto insurance companies that insure Mexican-plated cars.

Driving a Mexican-plated car to the USA

If you intend to drive your Mexican-plated car to the USA, you will need to purchase a special top-up insurance policy to cover your third-party liability there.  You can get a quote online and purchase ‘northbound’ auto insurance via Mexperience.

Who’s insuring you?

Buyers purchasing insurance for their vehicles in Mexico are often misled by believing that they can rely on the broker, rather than the insurance underwriter, to professionally manage any claim that may arise during their stay in Mexico.

• The insurance company underwriting your policy is much more important than the broker that sells you the policy. As all insurance policies are sold through brokers, it’s important to know which insurance company (or companies) are underwriting the policies being sold to you by the broker.
• Regardless of how reputable or well-intentioned an agent or insurance broker may be, if they place your coverage with a troubled insurer, you could experience some unpleasant surprises when you make a claim. Insurance from a more stable and financially strong insurance company may cost more, but the additional premium represents a lower risk to you in the event of a claim.
• Protect yourself and your investment by asking the broker “who underwrites your policies?” and make sure that the insurance companies being used to underwrite your policy have a strong, stable, history.
• AM Best is a US-based ratings agency that provides an annual rating for Mexican insurance companies. Not all Mexican insurance companies are rated by AM Best and of those that are, few have a “A or better” rating—that defines the company’s risk profile as “Good, or Excellent.”

Tips for choosing an insurance broker

When you choose a broker, pick one that:

• is properly licensed;
• offers a comprehensive range of coverages including breakdown and medical as options;
• has the customer service infrastructure needed to properly take care any claims and needs while you’re driving in Mexico; and,
• operates using well-rated insurance companies.

Mexperience’s insurance associate offering auto insurance for Mexico only works with Mexican insurance companies that have an “A or better” AMB rating.

What to look for in a Mexico auto insurance policy

Regardless of who you buy your auto insurance coverage from, you should check that your auto insurance policy includes these essential elements:

Financially sound insurance underwriter

Make sure that the insurance company underwriting your policy is financially sound. Policies from lesser-rated insurance companies might cost less, but that lower premium translates into a de facto higher-risk for the policy holders. Don’t just shop around for the cheapest policy; as we remarked in a previous chapter in this section—consider who’s insuring you.

Licensed broker

As all insurance policies are sold through brokers, ensure that the broker you engage with is licensed and that they offer full transparency of the policies they offer. You should be able to check the detailed terms and conditions of any policy before you are asked to buy.

Broker’s presence and infrastructure

Ensure that the broker you use is well established in the market.  ‘Good infrastructure’ means that:

• the broker has excellent customer services facilities,
• makes effective use of technology so that you can purchase your policy efficiently, and that the policy offers help and support services when you are in Mexico, in addition to the insurance coverage;
• this includes things like local access numbers where you can call to make a claim, report issues—and talk to someone in English, especially if you don’t speak much (or any) Spanish.

Liability coverages, legal assistance, and bail bond

Ensure that any policy you purchase includes coverage for these three essential elements:

• Third party liability: the policy must cover third party liability, including your personal liability to any third parties.
• Legal assistance: good policies offer comprehensive legal assistance that will support you in the event of a serious accident or third-party claim.
• Bail bond: your coverage ought to include a ‘bail bond’ element that will cover payment of your bail bond if you become involved in a serious accident and are detained while the incident is investigated, and liability is assessed. If this process is protracted, the bail bond may get you released pending inquiries.

Breakdown and medical coverages

The better brokers will offer a comprehensive range of additional support services, which are optional, but are worth considering when you are driving in Mexico.  The two most important are:

Breakdown coverage

If your car breaks down while you’re driving in Mexico, roadside recovery will provide you with the essential support you need to get your car repaired and mitigate risks of becoming stranded. Roadside assistance may include things like delivery of emergency fuel, towing services, dealing with flat or damaged tires, locksmith support, jumpstart assistance, and provision of lodging and a rental car while you wait for your vehicle to be repaired, and repatriation to your home country in the event of a write-off.

Medical assistance

An auto insurance policy that provides medical coverage will provide round-the-clock medical assistance on your road trips, including in the event of a serious accident, land and air medical evacuation and coverages to support you and your travel companions, for example with accommodations and transport while you convalesce.

Mexperience’s auto insurance associate offers a comprehensive range of additional services that provide peace of mind when you’re taking a road trip in Mexico.

Local support when you need it most

In the event of an accident or incident and subsequent claim, the level of local support your broker’s insurer has in place in Mexico will make all the difference to you.

• The broker and their insurance company should provide easy access to local support services in Mexico so that in the event of a claim, you are able to call for help with the least amount of effort.
• They ought to offer support attended by an English-speaking service agent who will be able to manage your call efficiently and dispatch the help and support you need.
• The local support ought to coordinate all your needs including accident reporting, legal support, breakdown, and medical assistance (if you purchased these).

Making an auto insurance claim in Mexico

Your policy documentation should be clear about the procedure you need to undertake in the event of an accident or incident, and any subsequent claims. Here is a summary of the most important points, which are relevant to terms on most Mexican auto insurance policies:

You MUST make the claim in Mexico

Some people wait until they get back to the US or Canada before making a claim, especially if it’s for something minor, for example, for bodywork or a hit-and-run incident in a parking lot. Insurance policies require you to make a claim while you are in Mexico and most will not process your claim if you wait until you return home, except in the most exceptional circumstances.

Calling the insurance helpline

The first call you make if you become involved in an accident should be to the insurance company’s helpline. In addition to registering your claim, they will be able to dispatch an insurance assessor to the scene of the accident, as well as plan for lawyers or other services to be put in place for you, in the event of a more serious accident.  They may also arrange for breakdown and medical services to attend the scene if you purchased these additional coverages, and they are required.  See the section about dealing with road accidents in this guide.

Paperwork and reimbursement

You may be asked to produce a police report as well as other relevant documentation as part of the claim procedure. In some cases, for example, for immediate repairs to get your vehicle back on the road, you may need to pay these out-of-pocket and get reimbursed when you return home. Keep all receipts. Your insurance policy will be specific about what to do in these circumstances. In all cases, remember that you should lodge your claim in Mexico—don’t wait until you get back home.

Buying Mexico auto insurance online

Buying online before your trip instead of buying when you get to the border enables you to consider the coverages you need patiently with care, review the terms to be sure the coverage meets your needs, and arrange the policy online and get instant coverage starting from the date of your trip.

Mexperience is pleased to introduce our readers to our insurance associate, MexPro—a leading US-based broker specializing in Mexico auto insurance:

• Browse and choose from a range of competitively priced auto insurance policies
• Get coverages issued by a fully licensed US insurance broker and backed only by “A or better” rated Mexican insurance companies
• Coverages include a comprehensive range of services including third-party liability, legal counsel, and bail bond
• Optional coverages for breakdown and medical assistance to give you peace of mind on your road trip
• First-class customer service and claims aftercare facilities
• Full transparency about policy types and wording before you buy
• Buy from an experienced broker that sells over 100,000 Mexico auto insurance policies every year

Learn more about driving and road trips in Mexico

Mexperience offers local knowledge, tips, and guidance for driving and road trips in Mexico

• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Free eBook: Comprehensive guide to Driving in Mexico
• FAQs: Importing a foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico
• FAQs: Temporary Import Permits for taking vehicles to Mexico
• Road trip checklist for your journey in Mexico
• Guides to transportation in Mexico
• Keeping your car legally registered in the US or Canada when you drive in Mexico
• Get a quote online for Mexico auto insurance

Getting around Mexico using taxis is surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to taxi fares in places like the USA and Europe. This guide explains how taxis in Mexico operate, how much different types of cabs charge, and how to make use of taxis effectively and safely here.

Taxi travel in Mexico

Getting about by taxi cab is relatively inexpensive in Mexico. Taxis are either metered, not metered; charged on a ‘per kilometer’ basis, charged by zones, or hired through an App-Taxi with services like Uber and Cabify.

In comparison to taxi fares in the USA, Canada, and Europe, getting around by taxi in Mexico is relatively inexpensive, although it is considerably more expensive than using Mexico’s very affordable mass-transit systems including local buses, peseros (micro buses) and, where available, the Metro.

In Mexico City, it’s best not to hail cabs off the street after dark, and if you are unfamiliar with the city and don’t speak Spanish, it’s always best to always use taxis from Taxi Ranks (Sitios) or from an App-Taxi service instead of hailing a cab from the street; see the section on this guide about taxis in Mexico City for more details about this.

In other provincial cities and small towns in Mexico, taxi travel is generally regarded as safe and you can feel secure hailing cabs off the street at any time.

Meters in cabs are verified/calibrated annually as part of the taxi’s license and you can be sure that, in most cases, the fare you see metered is the correct one for your journey.

Cabs in many provincial cities do not have meters and there is no official zone charging system either. In these cases, agree the price you are willing to pay for your journey with cab driver beforehand.

Historically, taxi driving has been a male-only domain in Mexico and the overwhelming number of taxi drivers in Mexico are still men. However, more recently increasing numbers of women taxi drivers have been seen chauffeuring cabs, especially in Mexico City.

Taxi drivers in Mexico generally don’t speak English (a small few might speak a little English) so you will need to be able to speak some Spanish to get about independently by taxi cab in Mexico, or show the driver where you want to go on a paper or smartphone map. See the Taxi Travel Tips section at the end of this guide for advice about how to communicate with your cab driver if your Spanish is limited.

Taxi travel in Mexico City

Because of its size and complexity, and because of a spate of taxi-related crimes specific to Mexico City, traveling by taxi in Mexico’s capital requires some additional precautions. These precautions are exercised by most residents of the capital, and are not just relevant to foreign visitors.

Taxi-related crime in Mexico City

Taxi-related crimes in Mexico City flared up in a period around 2005-2007 causing the capital’s government to take a range of measures to deal with the issue. While taxi crime today is not as prevalent an issue as it was then, we recommend that you continue to exercise caution in the capital when hiring cabs.

Technology has, to a large extent, mitigated many of the risks by enabling travelers to quickly and easily arrange licensed cabs in the capital by phone, or through smart-phone App.

Taxi-related crimes are almost uniquely carried out in the capital and most often involve an ‘express kidnap’, whereby the passenger of a street cab (it’s rare that attacks take place with two or more passengers traveling) is held hostage for a time, and usually taken to an ATM, where the person is forced to withdraw cash. All personal belongings with any value are stolen, and the passenger is later ‘dropped-off’, usually in some nondescript neighborhood of the city.

Mexico City’s authorities are acutely aware of the poor image taxi crime creates and implemented a range of measures to tackle taxi-related crime which had a dramatic effect in reducing taxi crime in the capital.

At the beginning of 2008, the government re-licensed all of the capital’s cabs, issuing new-style plates, instigating new background checks on drivers, and issuing new forms of official ID. As a result of the programs, taxi crimes have diminished significantly, but they have not dissolved completely.

As a result of these types of crimes—and also due to technology in the form of mobile telephones and smart-phone Apps—many people are by-passing street cabs in favor of Taxi Rank cabs (known as Sitio cabs) or using App-Cabs when traveling by taxi in Mexico City. Middle-class Mexicans—and women in particular— routinely phone cabs or arrange a Uber or Cabify taxi and don’t just hail one of the street.

See also: App Cabs Get the Green Light in Mexico City

Partly as a result of the taxi crimes, many taxi drivers themselves have taken the initiative and joined taxi-cooperatives, taxi ranks (Sitios), or App-Cab firms, as the other face of taxi crime, far less reported, is that taxi drivers are sometimes attacked and robbed by uncouth ‘passengers’ they aboard from the street.

Taxi rank cabs — “Sitios” — in Mexico City

Many residents in Mexico City now eschew street cabs altogether and opt instead for a taxi from a Taxi Rank, either by walking to the nearest rank or telephoning their local cab rank. Most capital dwellers have a couple of taxi firm or rank numbers stored in their phones to call a cab when they need one.

There also exist a number of Radio Taxi firms, which cover the entire city (supposedly) and will send a cab to wherever you are—even on the street.

Taxi Rank cabs are more expensive than street cabs but continue to be relatively inexpensive in comparison to cab fares in other capital cities such New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and London.

Hotels either have a taxi rank outside the property with cabs that will charge on a meter, a fixed-fee depending on where you are going, or charge on a ‘rate per kilometer’ basis. Hotels without taxi ranks outside the property have the contact number of a taxi rank located nearby, and will telephone a cab for you if you need one.

Hailing street cabs in Mexico City

Notwithstanding the above, some residents and foreigners familiar with Mexico City and who speak Spanish, do hail cabs off the street in the capital, although it is as well to take a few sensible precautions:

You need to know Mexico City and speak Spanish: Don’t take street cabs in Mexico City if you are unfamiliar with the capital and/or don’t speak much Spanish: if you are visiting the city, get your hotel to phone a cab, use a taxi rank cab (see notes above), or use your smartphone to arrange a service like Uber or Cabify.

Flag down only properly licensed cab cars: From 2008, Mexico City’s government re-licensed all taxi cabs in the capital as part of a safety and quality campaign. All newly-licensed cabs have a distinctive white colored licence plate beginning with a capital letter and five numbers. Any street cab you flag down should show this new plate.

Ensure your taxi driver is properly licensed: Be sure, whatever taxi you get into, that the driver’s license card is visible. The license card is a white, laminated document with official stamps, a hologram and a photograph of the taxi driver on it. The card should be presented as a full-color original and not be a photocopy. The number on the license card should match the license plates.

If you are carrying any valuable equipment (e.g. laptop or expensive cameras) it’s best to get a cab from a taxi rank, use an App-Cab service, or get your hotel to phone a local taxi for you.

Dress and act sensibly, following the general Safety Guidelines as set out on the Safety guide here on Mexperience.

If you are not familiar with Mexico City and the place you are going, and/or if you don’t speak Spanish, it’s best to call to arrange a taxi via the hotel where you’re staying, phone a taxi rank (Sitio), or use your smart-phone to arrange an App-Cab service. They cost more than street cabs, but are still good value in comparison to a similar distance taxi fare in other major capital cities.

Taxi travel in provincial cities across Mexico

Traveling by taxi in Mexico’s provincial cities (which includes Guadalajara and Monterrey) is generally regarded as safe, and the need to exercise precautions in relation to the taxi-crime that has pervaded Mexico City in recent years are not necessary.

The big difference between traveling by taxi in Mexico City and Mexico’s provincial cities is that the cabs in the provinces are not as standardized and not all districts operate metered cabs, so it may be necessary to negotiate your price. Some cities operate a “zone” charging system, regulated by the local government, but in most places you visit across Mexico, what you pay in taxi fares will be what you negotiate. See ‘Types of Taxi’, below, for more details.

Taxis operating in Mexico’s provinces will have different color schemes to Mexico City and even to other cities—there is no ‘national standard’ for cab colors or styles. You may end up traveling in a brand-new car or one which is very nearly worn out completely. Check the state of the tires of a cab before you board: tires in good condition are more likely to indicate a vehicle in good condition.

Cab drivers in the provinces are even less likely to speak English, except perhaps in major tourist areas, so be sure you are armed with a few words in Spanish to help you get to your destination (also see ‘Tips for Taxi Travel in Mexico’, below).

Taxis in Mexico’s major tourist cities

In major tourist cities, taxis will usually be charged by zone. Cab drivers are more likely to speak and/or understand some English.  Taxis in the most popular beach resort towns including Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Huatulco are relatively expensive in comparison to taxis in places like Mexico City, Acapulco, Manzanillo and Mazatlan and Mexico’s colonial cities.  App Cabs like Uber and Cabify might be operating in the tourist city you are visiting, offering an alternative/competition to local taxis—Open your cab App and check to see if services are available in your current location.

Types of taxi in Mexico

Independent street taxis in Mexico City

In Mexico City, these are painted in a distinctive pink and white.

Independent taxis outside of Mexico City

Outside of Mexico City, the paint color of taxis varies widely. Street cabs are the least expensive and, outside of Mexico City, they are generally regarded as safe to flag down. If you don’t speak some Spanish then you may find independent taxis a bit of a handful—some may try to overcharge you.

Sitio taxis (Taxi ranks and taxi co-operatives)

Taxi Ranks are most common in Mexico City (marked “Sitio“), although you’ll find cab ranks in all towns and cities across Mexico. Many cab drivers, especially those working in the capital, are now affiliating themselves with local taxi co-operatives, or companies that service fares from a base or rank, and pick people up when they telephone to book a ride.

There are many good taxi firms that will quote you a fare over the ‘phone for the journey you request, and tell you the details of the car type/plate that will pick you up. Most hotels are affiliated to a local taxi firm, and some even have a taxi rank outside, waiting for you to travel.

App-cab taxis

Taxi services booked using a Smartphone app are available in Mexico.  The principal service provider here is Uber, with Cabify also offering services in the capital.  You get full details about App-Cabs in Mexico here on this guide.

Airport taxis

Taxis from Mexico’s airports are some of the most expensive you will pay for. There are always at least two taxi concessions given at each airport, but prices are still high in comparison to cabs hired from non-airport locations. Charges are applied by zone, depending on where you are going.  App-Cabs (like Uber and Cabify) now pick-up passengers from Mexico City airport; for other Mexican airports, check your App when you arrive and it should advise you whether airport pickup service is available there. Buses, and Mexico City’s Metro, are alternatives, but not realistic when you have lots of baggage and just want to get to your hotel, or back home.

Hotel taxis

Some hotels have a taxi rank based outside the hotel, to board hotel guests at anytime. These may be charged at a fixed fee depending on where you are going (destinations and fares will be on display), or on a zone-based fare system, on a rate per kilometer and some may be metered.

Larger or luxury hotels sometimes have a private fleet of cabs tied to the property. These taxis are relatively expensive in comparison to regular cabs but offer comfortable, air-conditioned, vehicles, usually with drivers who speak at least some English. Most operate fixed fares to specific destinations (e.g. to the airport) or charge on a price per kilometer basis. Check locally.

Taxi fares in Mexico

Note about language

If you plan to travel by taxi cab in Mexico, you will need to be able to speak some Spanish as most cab drivers speak little or no English.  (Taxis booked using an App-Cab app (e.g. Uber or Cabify) will know where you want to go via the App and so the requirement to speak Spanish in these situations is diminished.)

Taxi fares in Mexico City

All taxis in Mexico City are either metered or, for private taxis and taxis from the airport, a price per kilometer or a zoning charge is made. One kilometer (1,000 meters) is 1,093 yards, or about six-tenths of a mile.

All prices are quoted in Mexican pesos. Currency Converter

App Cab Taxi Fares in Mexico City

If you use Uber or Cabify in Mexico (see App Cab services) fares are based on these companies current rates, which fluctuate depending on local demand and supply. When you use these services, the App detects your current location, you enter the location you want to get to, and your App will present you with a fare which you can accept or refuse in the moment you intend to travel.  If your cab gets stuck in traffic, if you ask for stop-over, or change your destination en-route then the fare will change to reflect the additional time accrued or distance traveled.

See Also: App-Cab Services in Mexico

Airport taxi fares

If you take a cab from the Airport, buy an authorized taxi ticket from one of the booths in or near the terminal building – there are various companies vying for your business. Rates from airports are charged by zone and include the tip, although excessive luggage can be charged extra. (Two luggage bags per person is considered reasonable; if you are carrying more you may be asked to pay more.) From Mexico City’s Benito Juarez airport, to the center of the capital expect to pay about MX$350; for destinations to the far north, south or west of the city (the airport is in the east of the city) expect to pay up to MX$550. Taxi fares from airports have not reduced despite the fact that App-Cabs usually offer lower fares for an equivalent journey.

Private taxi fares

Private taxis are usually based at hotels (some radio cabs are also private taxi firms) and charge a rate per kilometer. Radio cabs are authorized to charge about MX$50 to start (known as the banderazo)and then about MX$5 for each 250 meters (equivalent to $20 pesos per kilometer, 1/6th of a mile) or 45 seconds of time when the taxi is stationary.

Taxis rank cab fares

Taxi rank cabs (on a street rank or outside a hotel) charge on a meter, but at a higher rate than street cabs. Taxi Rank cabs charge an initial fare of around MX$25 and then around MX$4 for each 250 meters (equivalent to $16 pesos per kilometer, 1/6th of a mile) or 45 seconds of time when the taxi is stationary. If you get stuck in a traffic jam, this time-lapse charge is applied automatically by the meter.

Lowest taxi fares in Mexico City

The lowest taxi fares (metered) are from the street cabs (see advice above about hailing cabs from the street in Mexico City) which begin the meter with a charge of about MX$12 and then around MX$2.5 for each 250 meters (equivalent to $10 pesos per kilometer, 1/6th of a mile) or 45 seconds of time when the taxi is stationary. If you get stuck in a traffic jam, this time-lapse charge is applied automatically by the meter.

Fixed fee taxi fares in Mexico City

Some taxi rank cabs agree a fixed price from point A to B, which is often very reasonable and pitched between the Taxi Rank and street cab fares. For example, a fixed fare from Xochimilco (south edge of Mexico City) to the Airport (center east) costs around MXP$275 plus a tip (optional) when you book a taxi over the phone with a local firm/co-operative. These taxis offer some of the best deals in terms of security/price. You will need to be able to speak Spanish in order to book them.

Taxi fares outside of Mexico City

Taxis operating in the towns and cities outside of Mexico City are charged:

• by zone; or
• are metered; or
• are not metered.

Zone charges will depend on rates set by the local state authorities or municipalities, but will correlate to the meter charges, plus a small percentage. Add 25%-50% to the prices quoted below for Meters when you are visiting highly popular tourist centers such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Ixtapa and Huatulco. Taxis from Airports, wherever you are in the country, are always more expensive.

Meter charges are similar to street cabs in Mexico City who charge a fee of about MXP$12-15 when you get in plus MXP$10-15 per kilometer. It is generally regarded as safe to hail a cab off the street outside of Mexico City but you will need to speak Spanish to direct the driver. (Tip: If your Spanish is rusty, and you have a smart phone, you can show the driver where you want to go using the map application on your phone; if the driver is no familiar with the location, you can also direct them using the App.)

No meter? Agree your price! Some taxis either refuse to switch-on their meters or, especially in smaller towns and villages, will not even have a meter installed and there will be no zoning charge scheme in place. In these cases, be sure to agree your price ahead of time. Being able to speak some Spanish will give you an advantage when negotiating cab fares in Mexico, as cabbies don’t usually speak English. (Although those that do are usually keen to help and will be pleased to share a conversation in English with you.)

App-cab taxi fares in Mexico’s provinces

If you use Uber or Cabify in Mexico (see App Cab services) fares are based on these companies current rates, which fluctuate depending on local demand and supply. When you use these services, the App detects your current location, you enter the location you want to get to, and your App will present you with a fare which you can accept or refuse in the moment you intend to travel.  If your cab gets stuck in traffic, if you ask for stop-over, or change your destination en-route then the fare will change to reflect the additional time accrued or distance traveled.

See Also: App-Cab Services in Mexico

Car rental alternative

If you plan to do a lot of traveling within a local area, especially in popular beach resort areas where taxi fares are considerably higher than those in colonial towns and cities, you might consider renting a small car. Rates for car rental in Mexico are lower now than they have ever been.  See Car Rental in Mexico for our guide about renting a car.

App-cab taxi services in Mexico

Smartphones are beginning to change the way that people book cabs in cities around the world.  App-Cabs, offered through firms like Uber and Cabify offer customers the ability to book a cab using their smartphone, agree a price and time for pick-up.

Uber is expanding rapidly across Mexico and now offers services in at least 14 cities across the country, including: Mexico City, Toluca, Cuernavaca, Puebla, Querétaro, León, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Hermosillo, Tijuana, Mexicali, and Mérida.  Uber has been adding Mexican cities to its network every year.

Cabify is developing less quickly and currently operates in cities including Mexico City, Toluca, Monterrey, Puebla, Querétaro and Tijuana.

The services offers people with smartphones a way to book a cab through a mobile app for a pre-agreed price.  Fares are comparable with Sitio type cabs (see above), and sometimes trade at a premium to this when local demand increases.

The Uber and Cabify services are particularly popular with young middle-class students, working professionals, and women.  The service has gained a lot of popularity especially as the vehicles these services offer are newer that the average street cab, and with the App it’s possible to see where your vehicle is in relation to your current location and plan accordingly.  There’s the added convenience of paying through your App-Cab account, so even if you don’t have much cash or are short of change, you can get a taxi ride.

See Also: App-Cab Services in Mexico

Tips for taxi travel in Mexico

Here are a few tips to help you travel effectively by cab in Mexico, based on recent travel experiences:

Local language: Learn a few words and phrases in Spanish to help you communicate at least at a basic level with the driver. Besides getting to your destination quicker, building some rapport with the driver may get you a better fare in instances where the taxi is not metered.

Have a map ready: If you know little or no Spanish, take a local map with you to show the driver; if you have a smartphone and a data plan that works in Mexico, you could use a mapping app like Google Maps or Apple Maps and use this to show the driver where you want to go, or use an App Cab service like Uber or Cabify as the GPS systems will guide to driver to your destination.

Traffic congestion: In Mexico City, build-in plenty of extra time to your journey as traffic congestion can be severe in the capital, especially during the rush hours. If you are traveling to the airport or to a bus station to catch a scheduled transportation service, allow plenty of time for possible traffic congestion in the city.

Find local Taxi Ranks: If you will be visiting Mexico for a while, or plan to live here, scout around for your nearest Taxi Ranks (Sitios), ask for their phone number and call them when you need a cab. You might also sign up for a Uber or Cabify if you have a smartphone and don’t use this service already. (Note that if you have a non-Mexican Uber or Cabify account you can use it to hail cabs in Mexico in the same way as you do back home and charges will be billed to you in your home currency.) Cabs will come right to your door or hotel, and will even meet you at a predetermined places like a restaurant or a landmark, and don’t charge extra for this.

Have cash ready: Although some taxis are beginning to accept credit and debit cards, most don’t and those that do will usually add 10% to the fare to cover bank charges they pay to offer the card payment facility. Uber users pay through the app and there is no need for cash. We recommend you pay non-Uber/Cabify drivers with cash as they prefer it and it will save you money.

Giving directions: In Mexico City, some street cab drivers won’t know the place where you want to go, so you will need to be able to direct them or, if you don’t speak Spanish, have a map on your person to show them where they need to go, or use a mapping application on your smartphone. This scenario is less likely with Taxi Rank cabs and never a problem with private or airport taxis as they carry street maps / apps in the vehicle.

With nearly two million square kilometers of territory, flying across Mexico is sometimes a better alternative to ground transport, as it can take many hours—or days—to travel the long distances by car or bus

Domestic Flights in Mexico

Mexico has an extensive network of airports and Mexico City has, for many years, been the “hub” for airline travel in Mexico; although in recent years, new point-to-point routes between popular regional cities and resorts have been diminishing the capital city airport’s role as travel hub and negating the need for passengers to fly from a destination to Mexico City and then out to the final second destination as was often necessary in years past.

Domestic airfares in Mexico have ceased to be the bargain they once were.  Occasionally airlines will run special offers (you have to actively check online) but overall, “low cost” airfares have been rising gradually as markets mature, and the four main domestic carriers: Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus, Interjet, and Volaris have all moved to providing what the airlines term as “unbundled pricing” which means that the ticket price does not include things like baggage, seat assignment, or priority boarding—these once-included services are now optional extras, sold separately.

Airfares for transportation across less popular routes in Mexico, where only one domestic airline operates (or two, with one of the two offering a very limited schedule), can still be expensive—like the situation that existed before the market was opened-up to competitors.

Mexican Airlines: You can find a list of airlines in Mexico here (Wiki)

Airports in Mexico

Mexico is well served by dozens of airports. Important cities in major tourist locations and industrial centers have large modern airports, many of which offer international connections, and there are also many smaller airports; some of the smallest ones do not cater for commercial flights although they do provide facilities for small private craft and charter flights.

Facilities Offered at Mexican Airports

Main airports in Mexico are modern and offer a wide range of amenities and facilities for travelers, on-par with airports in other major cities around the world.

Stores, Bars and Restaurants

As with most airports around the world, you will find a selection of stores, bars and restaurants offering food and refreshment while you wait. Bigger airports also include international franchises like Starbucks coffee shops and those with international flights offer a Duty Free store as well.

WiFi Internet Access

Most commercial airports across Mexico offer internet over WiFi, either free or through one of the major Telco access plans. Also see Communications in Mexico.

Car Rental Agencies

Bigger airports have car rental agencies on site to receive customers who have pre-booked as well as for passers-by to rent cars on the day. You will get better rates by booking in advance online. See the Mexperience guide to Car Rental in Mexico.

ATMs and Money Exchange

All major airports offer ATM services, where you can withdraw money using debit and credit cards; Money Exchange kiosks are also available. In Mexico City, you will get excellent exchange rates for cash currency at the airport kiosks; in other cities, particularly big tourist cities, the rates may be better in town. See also: Money in Mexico and the Blog: A Fair Exchange for more details.

Authorized Taxis

All of Mexico’s principal airports have an “authorized taxi” stand. Taxis from airports are the most expensive in Mexico; although this is also true of taxis from airports world-wide. To get a taxi from the airport, follow the signs to the ticket kiosk (Taxi Autorizado), purchase your ticket and proceed to the taxi rank, where an official will ‘assign’ you a taxi from the waiting cars. Uber and other App Cab companies are now operating from some Mexican airports – check your App for details.

Airport Transfers

If you’re arriving in Mexico by airplane, you can book your airport transfer in advance. Airport Transfer services are available from all of Mexico’s main airports and offer the choice of either a Standard or VIP service level. Standard shuttles will transport up to ten people and their baggage in a modern and comfortable suburban van to/from local hotels; the VIP service provides transportation exclusively for your party, taking you and your belongings directly to/from your local hotel.

Bus Station at Mexico City’s Airport

Mexico City’s airport has a bus station adjacent. You can take a bus from Mexico City’s airport direct to some popular colonial cities including Cuernavaca, Puebla, and Queretaro. Buses also depart from here to the airport in the city of Toluca, from where other low-cost flights operate. For a wider choice of destinations, you will need to travel from the airport to one of Mexico City’s four bus stations. See Traveling by Bus in Mexico for more details.

Executive Lounges

Mexico’s major airports offer executive airline waiting lounges. Most major airlines have lounges installed at Mexico City’s airport; some offer lounges in other key cities across Mexico, although the ones situated at smaller airports tend to have limited opening hours. Check with your preferred airline to see if a lounge is available at the airport in Mexico you are traveling to and from.

Internal Point-to-Point Flights in Mexico

Point-to-point travel is not always possible on the main commercial airlines: you have to fly back to Mexico City and then out to the provinces again to get to your desired destination.

With the advent of market deregulation, point-to-point flights are increasing rapidly, providing better access to Mexico’s smaller airports without having to fly via the capital.

Mexican Airlines: You can find a list of airlines in Mexico here (Wiki)

Toluca Airport, just outside the capital and within a 45-60 minute drive of the city center, is becoming an important hub for low-cost carriers, although prices from Mexico City’s main airport have adjusted accordingly to compete. For passengers’ convenience, the low-cost airlines provide comfortable buses between Toluca Airport from Benito Juarez Airport (Mexico City’s main airport) as well as other strategic points around the capital city: check their web sites for details.

Mexico City’s airport authority has an extensive plan to continue decentralizing flights in/out of Mexico City by making significant investments in strategic regional airports within a couple of hour’s drive of the capital.

Tip: Although traveling through Mexico City airport to get to your final destination can be time-consuming, the airport is modern and has all the amenities you would expect; a stay-over may be alleviated by use of food and drink establishments, craft and curio shops as well as duty-free items (if you are leaving the country). Flight transfers are efficient and there is no need to leave the airport if you don’t want to.

Low Cost Airlines in Mexico

Low cost airlines began to appear in earnest around 2005. Before their advent, domestic flight prices in Mexico were quite high—often prohibitively high—and this is one of the factors which sparked the development of Mexico’s very professional national bus network.

As elsewhere around the world, low-cost airlines in Mexico offer no-frills, affordable air travel to the mass travel market. Low cost carriers primarily offer point-to-point travel inside Mexico.  Their services are already giving travelers access to more of Mexico by making it affordable to fly domestically between cities which were previously only served by national airlines at heavily inflated prices.

As a result of the low-cost carriers, the bigger airlines and particularly Aeromexico have lowered fares on popular routes which are served by at least one low-cost carrier. However, fares on routes not served by the low-cost players, to often smaller or less frequented towns and cities, continue to be comparatively expensive in relation to the more popular routes.

One of the side-benefits of a more competitive domestic flight market in Mexico (open skies agreement, low-cost airlines, etc) is that destinations and regions in Mexico which have much to offer visitors but which were hitherto difficult to get to because of high travel costs (or long road trips) are becoming more accessible to Mexican and international visitors alike. This, in turn, is creating new investment in communities which were regarded as ‘off the beaten track’.

Mexican Airlines: You can find a list of airlines in Mexico here (Wiki)

Planning Your Flights in Mexico

Aeromexico continues to have a network of offices and ticket sales counters in larger towns and cities in Mexico. However, the best prices are now only available online, by purchasing through the airline’s web sites.

Low-cost and regional airlines have offices and ticket counters at the airports they serve, but all ticket sales are made online or by telephone. Purchasing the tickets in person at the airport may incur an additional service fee.

Mexican Airlines: You can find a list of airlines in Mexico here (Wiki)

To get the best prices, shop online and plan ahead using these three tips:

First – Check to see if the journey you want to take may be covered by a regional point-to-point airline, within Mexico or from/via the USA. Aeromexico operates regional flights through its subsidiaries, Aeromar and Aeromexico Connect, and the schedules for these are coded in to their main booking systems, so you can find them using their web site’s online reservation systems. Compare prices with point-to-point alternative low cost carriers, where available.

Second – Consider renting a car and drive the regional leg of your journey; you can find extensive advice about renting a car in Mexico here on Mexperience.  Mexico is a big country and driving can take longer than you may expect—so if you choose this option, ensure you build-in plenty of time.

Third – You may want to take a bus instead. Mexico’s national bus network is a world away from, for example, the USA’s Greyhound and the UK’s National Express bus services. On many long-distance routes, you can ride a luxury bus with just 24 seats on board: much like business class on an airline. Some companies and routes even have a crew on board serving light snacks and soft drinks. See the guide to Traveling by Bus in Mexico for full details.

Flying Times in Mexico

Approximate Flying Times from Mexico City to:

• Acapulco – 55 Minutes
• Aguascalientes – 45 Minutes
• Cancun – 90 Minutes
• Chihuahua City – 75 Minutes
• Guadalajara – 60 Minutes
• Huatulco – 85 Minutes
• La Paz – 120 Minutes
• Los Cabos – 120 Minutes
• Los Mochis (for Copper Canyon) – 75 Minutes
• Merida – 90 Minutes
• Monterrey – 75 Minutes
• Morelia – 45 Minutes
• Oaxaca – 60 Minutes
• Puerto Vallarta – 90 Minutes
• Veracruz – 45 Minutes

Airlines Serving Mexico

Mexican Airlines: You can find a list of airlines in Mexico here (Wiki)

Many international carriers have daily flights into Mexico City and other key Mexican cities, including its popular resorts of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos.

Major US airlines serving Mexico include: American, United, Delta, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue

Major European airlines serving Mexico include: British Airways, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and Iberia

See Also: Getting to Mexico

Mexico offers a wide range of transport choices to help visitors and residents get-around the country and local areas.  This section summarizes the options and connects you to detailed guides and resources

Getting Around in Mexico

Mexico offers visitors, vacationers and residents an extensive network of transport systems, both public and private, which make getting around Mexico efficient and affordable.

Arrival in Mexico by Airplane

If you arriving in Mexico by airplane, read this section of the guide to Getting to Mexico for advice about ground transportation options upon your arrival.

Transportation Options for All Budgets

Public transport in Mexico can be very inexpensive, but it can also be a bit daunting if you don’t speak any Spanish and are not accustomed to traveling on buses and metro systems.

Nonetheless, even taxis and private hire is affordable in Mexico; the only service which is readily apparent as being more expensive is car rental; especially in comparison to car rental prices in the USA.

Bus travel is an excellent way to get around Mexico, and we have a complete guide to help you learn about Mexico’s very professionally-run bus services and how to make use of them.

Mexico has a well-developed network of national airports and offers air passengers an ample choice of airlines, including low-cost carriers.

Speaking Spanish

If you plan to travel across Mexico by any means other than flying, then you will need to be able to speak at least a few words of Spanish to get by, especially when using taxis, local public transport (local buses, metro) and national buses. Most car rental agencies at airports will have staff that can speak English, but agencies in smaller towns may require you to make your arrangements speaking Spanish. Also see Learning Spanish here on Mexperience.

See Also: Read current articles about Travel and Transport in Mexico.

Domestic Flights in Mexico

With nearly two million square kilometers of land-space, Mexico covers a big territory and sometimes flying is the best and most effective way to get around.

The country has an extensive network of modern airports and a range of airlines to choose from, including low-cost carriers. Recent ‘Open Skies’ agreements have opened up new routes between US cities and Mexican provincial cities, giving passengers more choice and flexibility than ever before.

Read the guide to Flying in Mexico for detailed information about flights to, from and within Mexico.

Traveling by Bus in Mexico

Since the early 1990s, Mexico has been investing heavily in road infrastructure. As a result, the country has an extensive network of high quality intercity roads connecting all principal towns and cities, and more roads are being built each year to connect otherwise remote areas of Mexico.

For example, getting from Mexico City to Oaxaca City used to be a major undertaking by road. Today, the journey may be done in less than six hours on a safe, modern intercity toll-road.

The development of Mexico’s road network has given rise to a very professionally run and managed national bus network. Traveling by executive or first class bus in Mexico is a “first world” experience in comparison to Greyhound in the USA and National Express in the UK, for example.

Mexico offers travelers three classes of service on the most popular routes and at least two classes of service on most routes. The “Executive” class buses are modern, comfortable buses configured with just 24 seats on board; First Class buses also offer comfort and efficiency with direct routes to most principal destinations across Mexico.

Read the complete guide to Traveling by Bus Across Mexico here on Mexperience to learn about national buses in Mexico and how to make use of this convenient and practical public transport option.

Local Buses in Mexico

Local Buses

Local buses exist in every city and town. They are not regulated from a safety point of view, so don’t expect to see any signs restricting passenger numbers on them. Buses carry as many people as can be packed in—especially at rush hour. Don’t be shocked to see people hanging out of the doors during peak times—both front and back—this is a normal sight in Mexico!

They are very inexpensive to ride (take change with you)—pay when you board. If you want to get around during the day (off peak is after 10 am and before 4 pm in the bigger towns and cities) they are a way of experiencing a piece of the ‘real’ Mexico.

Not for the feint hearted, but independent travelers who are street-wise and know how to get themselves around a place will find the buses OK. Don’t step aboard dripping with your jewelry and wedges of cash! If you’re planning to use public transport of any kind to see a place, wear something casual, like jeans and a t-shirt, and try to blend in a bit. As with any busy populated environment, watch out for pick-pockets!

Micro Buses in Mexico

“Micros,” as they are known in Spanish, started life as VW Combis seating 9 people a few years ago, at a time when they were called Peseros (deriving from the word “peso,” in days when they used to cost just one peso to go from A to B on any given route). Today they have evolved into mini-buses, due to the volume of people relying on their services.

In Mexico City the green and white mini-buses no longer cost just one peso; the price varies on how far you’ll travel in the Federal District with an extra charge for journeys starting or ending in the adjacent State of Mexico, and for traveling after 10 p.m. Like buses, you pay when you get on.  Prices are modest, and subsidized by the government.

The advice for traveling on Micros is the same as that for local buses.

See also: On The Buses

Taxis in Mexico

Getting about by taxi cab is relatively inexpensive in Mexico. Taxis are either metered, not metered or charged by zones. In the latter, your price will vary depending on which zone you’re in and which zone you’re traveling to.

Read the complete Mexperience guide to Traveling by Taxi in Mexico to learn about the different types of taxi, fares and traveling safely by cab in Mexico.

Metro Systems in Mexico

Two of Mexico’s cities—Mexico City and Monterrey—have Metro systems in operation. The Metro can be one of the most effective ways to travel across the cities, especially Mexico City.

Metro Systems in Mexico City

Mexico City has three Metro Systems; two are rail-based, and one is a bus.

Rail Metro

El Metro is the main rail-based mass-transport system in Mexico City. The trains run principally underground, although there are several stretches where the train runs over ground, too. Some four-and-a-half million people use Mexico City’s metro system each weekday. The system has twelve lines which crisscross the capital. The Metro connects most major areas of city together and, where the Metro doesn’t reach, Micros (see Local Buses, above), run frequent axis routes from the Metro stations.

The Tren Ligero (Light Train) is an extension of Mexico City’s Metro system. In years past, the line was a 1950s style Tranvia (Tram), which was upgraded to Tren Ligero status and connects the southern-most Metro terminal, Metro Taxqueña, with Xochimilco, one of the southernmost suburbs in the capital.

See Also: It Takes All Kinds

Metro Bus

In 2006, Mexico City’s government began introducing a new Metrobus service. The service is a dedicated bus lane which runs along Avenida Insurgentes in Mexico City—a boulevard which is over 35 miles long and said to be the longest commercial boulevard in the world.

The boulevard has four lanes each side, with a dividing area in the middle. The fourth (outside) lane on each side has been cordoned-off and made into an exclusive Metrobus lane; stations have been built upon the central reservation at various points along the boulevard.  The format has worked well and is being adopted in other Mexican cities, for example, in Acapulco.

Like the Metro, the Metrobus can be a very efficient way to traverse the busy and congested capital city but, like the rail Metro, the buses can get very full at peak times – see tips, below.

See also: On The Buses

Airport Metro Bus

Line 4 of the Metrobus was introduced in the spring of 2012, a special Metro Bus that connects the downtown area of the city with the capital’s airport. The buses on this line are only two-thirds as long as the articulated ones that run on lines one, two and three, and the stops are like traditional bus stops, whereas the older Metrobus lines have stations accessible via turnstiles. Payment will also be made using electronic cards, but these will be read by a machine on the bus.

The new Metrobus line runs around the Historic Center of Mexico City in a circuit that goes from Buenavista train station to the San Lázaro station, which includes the Metro and the eastern interstate bus terminal, commonly known in Mexico as TAPO. From San Lázaro runs a non-stop extension to both airport terminals.

See also: Smart and Cheap New Buses to the Airport

Paying for Your Metro Rides in Mexico City

On the rail-based Metro in Mexico City, you can use cash to buy small cardboard tickets which will allow you through the turnstiles, or you can use a Metro card.

For transport on the Metrobus and the Tren Ligero, you must use a Metro card, which can be topped-up with credit at machines or at the ticket counter (using cash payments). With your Metro card in credit, you simply press the card against the sensor on the turnstiles.

Advice about Traveling on Mexico City’s Metro Systems

• The capital’s Metro systems (rail and bus) get extremely busy at peak times which are 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Outside of peak times, the Metro systems provide a relatively comfortable, efficient, and very cheap means of traversing the city
• At peak times, women and children are segregated into separated rail-cars on the Metro. We advise you to avoid the Metro at peak hours if you can
• Pick-pockets operate on the Metro every day. Keep wallets and valuables secured
• Baggage is allowed to be transported on the Metro, but note that at peak times, there may simply be no space to put it anywhere
• The Metro is by far the best way of getting into the center of Mexico City. Road traffic congestion in the central areas of the city is virtually constant during daylight hours (and even into the night) and the Metro will transport you straight into the heart of the city faster than a car or taxi can
• The Metro is not, as a rule, frequented by the middle and upper classes in Mexico: it’s a cultural thing. Visitors, including smart tourists, do use the Metro to get about, although it’s best to avoid it during peak hours (see times above)
• The Tren Ligero, which connects the southern terminal of Taxqueña to Xochimilco, is a very congested line. It’s almost impossible to travel comfortably on this line during peak hours.
• If you plan to attend a soccer match or other event at the Aztec Stadium, the Tren Ligero is a great way to get to and from the event. There is a Tren Ligero station (name: Estadio Azteca) with a foot-bridge leading into the stadium: however, we recommend you get there early and leave a few minutes before the event ends to avoid the crush which ensues when everyone leaves the stadium and heads away from the area using the Tren Ligero
• During the rainy season (May-October) the rail Metro system can get bogged down on lines which have outdoor stretches. When the metal tracks get wet, the trains must slow down to avoid skidding. Most rains come in the late afternoons, causing delays (sometimes severe) on evening train services.

Metro Website

Mexico City’s government runs a website about the Metro Systems in the capital, which includes information about the services, maps, etc., visit: http://www.metro.cdmx.gob.mx/

Metro Systems in Monterrey

Monterrey, Mexico’s third largest city, also has rail and bus Metro systems. The rail system is small in comparison to Mexico City’s, with just two lines (crossing each other), and connecting the city’s major areas. It’s called the Metrorrey.

There are also three complimentary systems to the Metro which help people get about the city: The Metrobus, Metro Enlace and Transmetro.

For full details, see the service website at: http://www.nl.gob.mx/metrorrey

Driving in Mexico

About Driving in Mexico

Getting around Mexico by road can be efficient or frustrating, depending on where you are, what time of day, and what the date is. Some highways, especially those connecting Mexico City to Cuernavaca, Puebla, and Querétaro get hugely congested on public holidays. However, once you are out on the open road, driving in Mexico can be a real treat, and sometimes it’s the only way to see places and locations “off the beaten” track which are not well or infrequently served by public transport.

Read the complete guide to Driving in Mexico which includes information about Mexico’s road network, driving tips, night driving, dealing with the police, accidents and breakdowns as well using as toll roads in Mexico.

Car Rental in Mexico

Car rental in Mexico is more expensive than the USA, and about on-par with European car rental costs. Connect to the complete guide on Mexperience about Car Rental in Mexico for details and advice about renting a car here.

Hiring a Chauffeured Car in Mexico

If you want to travel independently by road in Mexico, but you don’t want to do the driving yourself, chauffeured services are available for an all-inclusive for daily rate, which will vary depending on the size of the car and the number of days you hire. Ask the local car rental agency for details.

Maps of Mexico

Digital mapping has revolutionized map reading and today, excellent maps of Mexico can be found readily online with services like Google Maps, Apple Maps and Bing Maps. Connect to the Maps of Mexico page here on Mexperience to get access to maps of places across all of Mexico, using Google Maps.

Walking and Cycling in Mexico

Away from planes, buses, and automobiles, getting around in Mexico by foot and/or cycle can be rewarding, challenging, or both. Here is our advice for walkers and cyclists in Mexico.

Being a Pedestrian in Mexico

Major towns and cities have sidewalks and foot-bridges, although the condition of the sidewalks, in particular, can vary. Most sidewalks in Mexico are not suitable for wheelchairs, and even walking along them can sometimes be a bit of an obstacle course. That’s because tree-roots, loose foundations, and other ‘works’ cause the sidewalk to be raised or lowered.

The principal precaution when walking in Mexico’s town and cities is the traffic. Drivers in Mexico don’t always respect urbanized speed limits and won’t necessarily slow down. Add to this the fact that some streets are in disrepair or narrow (or both) and, losing concentration of your surroundings could cause a nasty accident.

Be especially aware at crossings. Yellow and white stripes indicate ‘pedestrian crossing’, but they are hardly respected. When the lights turn red, it’s a good idea to wait until the front row of cars has come to a stop before you cross as some drivers interpret the amber light as ‘go faster to avoid the red’. Power-cuts are quite frequent in Mexico and they affect traffic lights and crossings, too.

Colonial cities are best explored on foot. The historic centers of many colonial cities are cobbled, and this creates a natural way of keeping traffic speed down. However, there are many narrow streets and sharp (often blind) corners. Not all sidewalks are wide enough for everyone who wants to use them, so people end up walking along the roadways: be cautious at intersections and corner streets.

Cycling in Mexico

It’s not common to see many people long-distance cycling on Mexico’s roads and highways. The free highways are poorly lit at night and the road surfaces vary from good to very poor; the tolled highways don’t really lend themselves to cyclists. In any event, to traverse the mountain terrain which is ubiquitous across much of inland Mexico, you will need a great bike and have to be extremely fit.

Cycling in towns and cities is becoming more common. Mexico City has a network of cycle paths in various states of repair.

Some cities lend themselves well to cycling, others don’t. Usually, older colonial cities built up in the mountains, with their cobbled streets and narrow sidewalks and steep inclines don’t lend themselves well to cyclists. Cities by the coasts, on flatter ground and with flatter road surfaces, like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Campeche, Veracruz, and Acapulco are better.

If you plan to do a lot of biking in Mexico as a way of getting around, a mountain bike, with hard-wearing tires and strengthened suspension is advised. Bring a bike repair kit and a very good bike lock(s).

Adventure Travel Biking in Mexico

Cycling in the hills, valleys and mountains of Mexico’s Great Outdoors is a different proposition altogether. You are provided with properly equipped mountain bikes, helmets and are taken on known paths, tracks and cycle routes amidst Mexico’s fantastic natural landscapes.

See Also: Nature and Adventure Travel in Mexico

Whether you are visiting or living in Mexico, we’ll show you how to make the most of your transport choices here.

Scroll down for destinations (A-Z) with details of bus companies which operate the routes and, where relevant, which bus terminal in Mexico they operate from.

Approximate distances are those from Mexico City

An asterisk next to the destination name indicates we recommend you FLY instead of take the bus due to the long journey time

Find links to Bus Company web sites on on Guide to Mexico Bus Travel

See Also: Complete Guide to Traveling by Bus in Mexico

This complete guide introduces you to Mexico’s bus network and its features and services, and also shows you how to travel efficiently by bus, using the highly developed, nation-wide network of bus routes in Mexico.

About Bus Travel in Mexico

Traveling by bus across Mexico can be quite a pleasant experience, exceeding many people’s initial expectations. Mexico’s executive class bus service is a world away from, for example, the ‘Greyhound’ services in the USA and ‘National Express’ bus services in the UK.

Since the early 1990s, Mexico has invested billions of dollars in new roads, including high-speed toll-roads which connect all of Mexico’s major towns and cities.

In parallel with Mexico’s investment in its road network, Mexico’s bus companies invested heavily to create an extensive network of bus routes, offering passengers the opportunity to traverse the entire country by bus.

Although there are several classes of bus service in Mexico, the most popular among visitors (and those interested in traveling comfortably) are first and executive class which transport customers in comfort and safety, on high-specification, quiet, modern air-conditioned buses. These buses only travel on the toll-roads (where possible), and very seldom make intermediate stops, thus making the journey fast and efficient.

The bus companies which operate these first class services are extremely professional and the staff are always immaculately dressed in uniform and very courteous. The buses run on time and are direct—they do not stop en-route like many of the lower fare alternatives.

Different companies operate different routes (usually by region), although competition does exist and therefore prices are kept competitive.

If you have concerns about the comfort levels of bus travel, ride a first class or executive bus in Mexico. 6-8 hours is the optimal comfort travel time for these luxury buses; if your destination is further away than this and you enjoy your creature comforts, consider flying across Mexico instead.

Mexico doesn’t have a national bus company, but there do exist several regional companies and one large bus company group. Together they provide extensive bus routes that cover every main town and city in Mexico.

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Bus Stations in Mexico

Bus Stations in Mexico City

Mexico City has four main bus stations, located at the four cardinal “compass points”—North, South, East and West.

Depending upon where you are going in Mexico, you will need to travel from the appropriate bus terminal. The Mexico Bus Routes Table indicates which station you need.

Bus stations in Mexico City are located in, or adjacent to, less than desirable neighborhoods. However, the bus terminal complexes are secure with local security guards policing the area; you just need to look out for possible pick-pockets and bag-snatchers (as in most stations, airports, etc.). See the section about Bus Travel Safety, below, for more details and safety tips.

Getting To and From Bus Stations

When you are departing from Mexico City, it is best to get to the bus stations using secure taxis or App Cabs. If you are traveling very light and know the city, you may take a bus, micro-bus or the metro to the bus station, but for most travelers with luggage and/or valuables, a taxi is the best and safest way to get to and from the bus terminals, especially in Mexico City.

When you are arriving in Mexico City, use the secure taxis available from the bus stations.  Never take a cab from the streets adjacent to bus stations and don’t accept rides from people offering taxi services: go to the secure taxi kiosks clearly marked inside the bus terminal building.  Note that you cannot use App Cab services from bus stations: they are not licensed to pick-up from the bus terminals.

In Mexico’s provincial towns and cities, you may take a local bus or micro-bus (sometimes called a pesero) to and from the bus station, although taxis are best if you have luggage and/or valuable equipment (cameras, laptops, etc): they are not expensive and provide an efficient mode of transport to your hotel, or house. When traveling to bus stations in provincial cities, note that Uber has expanded its services beyond the Mexican capital and provides an additional choice for transport to the bus terminal.

Using Authorized Taxis From Bus Stations

All of Mexico’s City’s bus terminals operate “Authorized Taxis” in the same way that the airport does. Fares are fixed, based on what ‘zone’ you are traveling to. Go to the Authorized Taxi booth (Taxi Autorizado) and purchase your ticket. In Mexico City, you may find a man or woman in a green or yellow jacket offering to carry your bags to the taxi rank. Using the caddy service is optional, but allowing these people to help you with your luggage only costs a few pesos (usually around $10 pesos will suffice) and you’ll find you get “priority service” at the rank, than if you simply carry your own bags there yourself.

In the provinces, some towns and cities operate “authorized” taxis; look inside the terminal for the Taxi Autorizado booth. If not, taxis will be lining up outside of the terminal building waiting for passengers.

Bus Stations Outside of Mexico City

Bus Stations outside of the capital vary. Some, like the one in the colonial city of Morelia, look and feel more like a modern airport than a bus station. However, most bus stations are older buildings, situated in the middle of town (which can be very convenient) and offer varying degrees of services and amenities. Bus stations are generally regarded as safe in Mexico City and very safe in the provinces; with the caveat to keep an eye on your pockets and belongings at all times.

Facilities at Bus Stations in Mexico

The layout of Mexico’s bus stations is pretty standard whichever one you walk into. As you walk-in, you will find rows of counters split up into different sections. Above the counter is a sign advertising the bus company, on the walk behind the counter you will see a table with a list of the destinations that company operates, the class of service, and service times in 24-hour time format (referred to by some as ‘military time’). Buses on the popular routes run all day and all night, seven days a week. Some buses have the schedules posted above the counter, alongside the company’s advertising boards.

Toilets at Bus Stations

All bus stations have public toilets (restrooms) and charge between $3 and $5 for entry— you will need change. The toilets are not the most attractive you’ll see, but they are kept generally clean and tidy.

Other Amenities

Bus stations have small coffee shops as well as locally-run convenience stores selling a variety of foods, confectionery and tobacco. The foods on offer may not be very appetizing, so you may want to bring a pack lunch or simply buy pre-packaged foods from the convenience stores. Many bus stations also have stands selling magazines and newspapers, mostly Spanish-language media and publications. In some of the more tourist-focused cities, you’ll also find stores selling curios, souvenirs and other travel keep-sakes.

WiFi at Bus Stations

Unlike Mexico’s airports, which offer WiFi via Telmex’s “Prodigy” internet service, Mexico’s bus stations do not offer WiFi. Bus stations in Mexico don’t really provide an ideal environment for working on a computer, except perhaps in the executive lounges available at some stations. Some executive-class buses now offer WiFi on board—see Executive Class Buses, further down the page.

Executive Waiting Lounges

Some bus stations have rooms which are reserved exclusively for travelers holding tickets to ride the executive class of bus service offered by some companies in Mexico. The lounges are a little quieter than the main bus station, although most feature a television which is on and turned up most of the time. Some also offer sodas, coffee and biscuits. Although they are more comfortable than the general bus station area, the executive lounges cannot be likened to executive airline lounges offered at many airports.

Baggage Check

All executive-class services and most first-class services offer baggage check facilities. Most companies accept stowed bags 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Some bus stations have a baggage-hold service where, for a small fee, you may leave your bags in storage; this is useful if you arrive very early at the bus station and cannot check your bags right away. Your bag(s) will be tagged and you will be given the tag’s counterfoil that you WILL need to reclaim your bag, so don’t lose it. Keep all valuables including laptops, cameras, purses and wallets, medications, keys etc., on your person in your hand-luggage, just as you would on a plane.

ATMs at Bus Stations

Most bus stations now offer ATM services, provided by one of Mexico’s major banks, e.g. Banamex, Bancomer, HSBC. Money exchange services are not as common at bus stations as they are at airports.

See Also Blog: Bus Stations Versus Airports

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Buses To and From Mexico City

Mexico City is the principal “hub” for bus routes in Mexico. Its four main bus stations serve routes to destinations all over Mexico. Indeed, from Mexico City you can travel by bus to almost anywhere in Mexico. All roads in Mexico lead to Mexico City.

Check the Mexico Bus Routes Table for details about which bus companies travel to which destinations and from which terminal in Mexico City.

We recommend that if you travel by bus from the provinces TO Mexico City, you arrange your schedule so that you arrive in the capital during daylight hours. See the section below entitled “Bus Travel Safety” for more details.

Regional Bus Routes

If you are not in Mexico City, then you will find the intercity bus routes in Mexico are regionalized. Bigger cities (or major tourist centers) usually act as regional “hubs” from where buses depart and arrive. The regional hubs also serve as connecting points between smaller cities and small towns.

Mexico has more than 200 different bus companies operating from over 150 bus stations nation-wide. As a result the route permutations run into tens of thousands. By using the guidance below, coupled with the Mexico Bus Routes Table, you should be able to find a bus company which serves the region you want to travel in and look up its schedules online. You can find links to all major bus company web sites in Mexico on this guide (see below).

The principal “Regions” and the region’s “Hub cities” are:

Pacific North-West: The hub cities are Mazatlan and Los Mochis. Buses from here serve destinations along the northern reaches of Mexico’s Pacific Coast and also east to the colonial (inland) city of Chihuahua.

Central Western Region: Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, is the regional bus hub for all routes in the western areas of Mexico, including Toluca, Morelia, Patzcuaro as well as the north-western colonial cities of Aguascalientes and Leon. Guadalajara is also a hub for bus routes to the central Pacific Coast including Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.

Southern Central: Oaxaca City, Tuxtla Gutierrez and San Cristobal de las Casas are the three principal ‘hub’ cities in the south of Mexico. They serve routes between each other and also to other important locations in the southern regions including the popular Pacific coastal resorts of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.

Yucatan Region: In the Yucatan Peninsula, the colonial city of Merida and Cancun are the two principal ‘hubs’ for bus routes in the region. Frequent connections run between these two cities and, from them, you can get to most principal towns in the region. Note that bus services in the Yucatan region are not as frequent nor as extensively developed as in the rest of Mexico, so if you plan to explore the region beyond the major towns, you may be better off renting a car for your journey.

Southern Gulf Coast: Campeche, Villahermosa and Tabasco are the principal cities in the region and also the main bus ‘hub’ and connecting points for towns and cities in this region of Mexico. Buses from here also connect to Veracruz (north) and Merida (southeast).

Central Gulf Coast: The port city of Veracruz and the capital city of the state of Veracruz—Xalapa—are the principal cities from where all buses serving this region arrive and depart. Buses from Veracruz also connect to the colonial city of Puebla and travel north to Matamoros, on the border with the USA.

North, North-East: Chihuahua City and Monterrey (Mexico’s third largest city) are the principal ‘hubs’ for all buses serving the northern region of Mexico, including buses to border cities. You can also get buses which travel to and from some principal US cities from Chihuahua and Monterrey.

The Baja Peninsula: Buses are not as frequent or as extensively developed on the Baja Peninsula as they are on the mainland. The main bus company is called Aguila, which runs services between Los Cabos, La Paz, and Todos Santos, as well as routes to Loreto.

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Classes of Bus Service in Mexico

Not all routes offer a selection of class of service, especially on shorter journeys. Longer journeys almost always offer a first or executive class option; shorter distances (less than 30 miles) may only offer an equivalent of second-class, but are usually adequate for the journey time. Here are the three main classes of service and what they offer:

Executive Class Buses

These are luxurious buses and offer the latest in bus technology and comfort. Inside, the passenger cabin is closed off from the driver’s cockpit; windows are double-glazed, the cabin is air-conditioned and the suspension is excellent. You are offered a sandwich and a cold drink as you board, and some services offer complimentary coffee on board as well. A toilet is available, and TV screens also feature to play a film during the journey. Some companies also offer headphones to avoid forcing everyone to listen to the film (although in some cases you have no choice, so you may want to take your own headphones to listen to music via your MP3 player). Executive services also offer wide, reclining seats and leg supports—achieved by configuring the seat arrangement to just twenty-four or twenty-five seats on board in a 2+1 seat arrangement.

WiFi Services on Executive Class Buses

Some Executive Class bus services now offer WiFi services on-board. ETN’s buses (see companies) now offer WiFi on some routes. The service is free and enables you to send/receive email, surf the net and make internet-based phone calls from the bus using a service like Skype. Service quality varies and, depending on where you are geographically, internet signals may not be available at certain points en-route as many of Mexico’s highways traverse mountains and other wild terrains.

Blog Article: Internet Access on Mexico’s Buses

First Class Buses

First Class buses offer many of the services offered on the executive service such as air-conditioning, on-board toilet and entertainment, although the seat configuration will be less generous, meaning that there will be less room for stretching out / sleeping. Some first-class buses are double-decked; if you travel on a double-deck service, try to get upstairs which proffers great views of Mexico’s varied landscapes.

Second Class Buses

Second Class buses might (but usually don’t) offer air-conditioning on the routes they operate, but will be less comfortable than first and executive buses, so unless your budget is really tight, try to avoid these for long journeys. Avoid second-class buses for overnight travel (see Safety, below). Another disadvantage of second class buses is that they take longer to arrive at their destination because they tend to be indirect, and some encounter very frequent stops, sometimes in small towns and villages. This can easily add several hours to your journey time and make you feel very tired at the end of your journey.

How Many Stops?

Buses in Mexico may travel direct to their destination, they may stop every few minutes, or something in-between.

Generally speaking, executive-class buses run non-stop to their destination; first class buses may make an intermediary stop at a major town or city en route; second class buses may stop everywhere. Here is the terminology:

“Sin Escalas” or “Directo” – Nonstop to the destination. Note that Directo, may include one or two stops at major towns or cities.

“Semi-Directo” – Will make a few stops on the way.

“Ordinario” – Will stop where passengers hail the bus from the street.

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Choosing Between Buses and Airplanes

Notwithstanding the lower cost to travel by bus in comparison to air travel, it may sometimes make sense to take a bus even when a flight option is available.

If your journey begins in Mexico City, then there are various instances when taking the bus may be a better option for you. For example, on the Mexico City to Acapulco route: The flying time is about 50 minutes, but you need to get to the airport at least one hour before the flight departs, and you need to get to the airport in Mexico City (or even further away in Toluca if you are flying on a low-cost carrier) and then from the airport in Acapulco to your hotel; many hotels are closer to Acapulco town than the airport. The Acapulco airport is closer to the newly developed Diamante area of Acapulco than to the bay area. But if you are staying in the bay area, you will actually spend about over three hours getting to Acapulco by plane and be forced to pay for an expensive cab ride from the airport to the center of Acapulco.

Executive-class buses to Acapulco, with wide seats (only 24 seats aboard) are available for 50% or less of the normal flight cost. The bus leaves from the south side of Mexico City and takes about five hours. It drops you right in the middle of Acapulco (there is also service to the Diamante area of Accapulco if your hotel is situated there), and you’ll save yourself a lot of money in taxi fares to and from the airport.

Another example would be taking a route from Mexico City to Cuernavaca or Puebla. Both of these cities have airports and you can fly, but a bus may be a better option for the same reasons as traveling to Acapulco by bus.

Bus stations are less attractive than airports, and it will be helpful if you speak some Spanish in order to undertake some bus travel in Mexico as the ground staff will not necessarily speak English. If you’re traveling independently on a budget, the bus will certainly be a lower cost choice.

But even if you’re not on a tight budget; if you’re comfortable traveling around in new places and don’t mind bus travel, it may be worth considering the bus as an alternative to flying.

See Blog: Bus Stations Versus Airports

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Making Bus Reservations in Mexico

Before the advent of internet bookings, you either needed to visit a travel agency or go to the bus station to buy your bus tickets in Mexico.

In recent times, Mexico’s bus companies have been developing their own web sites and some are offering online booking facilities. However, their online systems are not as well developed as the airlines, and most only accept credit card payments from bank cards issued in Mexico.

However, the web sites are worth visiting to learn about the bus company, its services, and to see the bus schedules. Before now, the only way to find a bus schedule was to visit an affiliated travel agency, by visiting the bus station, or telephoning one of the sales offices run by the bus companies.

Making Advance Reservations

Virtually all bus companies offering long-distance routes offer computerized seat booking systems, linked to a national network. This means that you can pre-purchase tickets at any bus station for any routes operated by that bus company nationally. Executive-class and most first-class services offer seat-assignment too; you select the seat(s) you want from a map on the booking screen.

Although the bus companies’ online systems are not good at accepting non-Mexican credit and debit cards, when you buy in person at the bus station, your foreign-issued cards will be welcomed. Most bus companies accept MasterCard and Visa and some also accept American Express at the sales counter.

Popular routes have buses leaving every couple of hours, usually all-day long and at least two or three buses traveling overnight. Other than at peak periods, which are Christmas and New Year, Easter and other school vacation periods, booking in advance is not essential if you are flexible and are willing to wait two to four hours at the bus station for the next service to depart.

Another “advance purchase” method is to go to the bus station a day or two before you intend to travel and purchase your tickets in advance that way; this is the best alternative if you are staying in the city you’re departing from for a time beforehand.

All tickets are sold on a one-way fare basis; that is, there is no discount if you buy a return journey; however, you may want to pre-purchase return tickets at the same time to secure your seats in advance.

Telephone Bookings

If you are overseas and feel you must book your tickets in advance before you arrive in Mexico, you may try to purchase your tickets over the phone. The larger bus companies (especially those offering executive services) have bi-lingual call centers with agents that speak Spanish and English. Some have US and Canadian Toll-Free numbers, but in most cases you will need to call a number in Mexico. Using Vonage or Skype, or some other alternative carrier service can make overseas calls more affordable.

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Bus Travel Safety

Bus travel in Mexico is generally regarded as safe. There are some precautions which are worth observing, to avoid potential safety hazards, based on recent traveler’s experiences.

Safety at Bus Stations

Bus stations in Mexico are safe places to be, even if the neighborhoods which surround them may be rough (this is particularly so in Mexico City). The stations are professionally managed and continuously patrolled by and/or security staff.

The key points to note about bus station safety are:

• Watch your personal belongings at all times; pick-pockets and bag snatchers operate in bus stations just as they do at the airports and the metro stations;
• Keep valuables (laptops, expensive cameras) secured and out of sight;
• Dress casually;
• Use taxis to get to and from bus terminals.

Safety at Bus Stations in Mexico City

Mexico City has four main Bus Terminals; one at each compass point of the city (see section above for details). Bus stations in the capital are situated in less than ideal areas, but this should not put you off traveling by bus to and from Mexico City; you simply need to take some precautions:

• Only take official taxis (Taxi Autorizado) from the bus station to your hotel or next destination in the city. Buy a ticket from one of the official taxi booths situated inside the terminal building. They charge by zone, like taxis from the Airport, but cost less than airport taxis;
• Bus Stations in Mexico City are generally regarded as secure and public security officials patrol them constantly. However, like airports, subways (underground/metro), and bus stations world-wide, they are prime hunting grounds for pick pocket and bag snatching gangs. Always stay alert and keep your pockets and property well guarded.

Night Buses

A popular way to travel by bus, especially on executive-class buses, is to travel overnight; the idea being that you sleep on the bus and arrive at your destination the next morning. Traveling by bus overnight may be a false time economy, unless you know that you and your traveling companions are good at sleeping inside a moving vehicle. Most people arrive at their destination needing a few hours of sleep.

There is an additional risk to taking an overnight bus. Many routes cross remote areas of Mexico and, on odd occasions, highway robberies occur. No one is usually hurt, but you may be relieved of all your worldly goods. The instances of highway robbery are rare, especially on executive-class and first-class buses which take high-speed toll roads insofar as the route permits.

We advise that you avoid second-class buses which travel overnight.

If you are traveling in the southern regions of Mexico, particularly in Chiapas between Tuxtla Gutierrez, San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque, note that you should not drive or take a bus overnight in this region. Roads are safe during the day, but the roads which connect these places pass through some of Mexico’s most remote and rugged natural territories. You’ll find more advice about night travel on the travel guides to these places here on Mexperience.

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Traveling with Pets on Mexico’s Buses

You can take your cat and/or dog on long-distance buses in Mexico.  The bus companies stipulate that domestic pets (cats and dogs) must be transported in a purpose-made pet transporter, which is placed in the baggage hold.

Guide Dogs on Mexico’s Buses: If you are traveling with a service dog (guide dog) using Mexico’s buses, you are, by federal law, allowed to take the guide dog on board with you. Businesses and transport companies are federally mandated to facilitate the needs of persons traveling with service dogs.  You can read more about guide dogs in Mexico on this page.

Bus Companies in Mexico

Here is a list of Mexico’s principal bus companies with links to their web sites For a summary of the routes they operate by destination, see the Mexico Bus Routes Table.

ABC

Regions Covered: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Veracruz, Puebla, Mexico City and south-eastern Mexico.

Website: www.abc.com.mx

ADO

Regions Covered: Mexico City, Veracruz, Puebla, south and south-eastern Mexico, Yucatan region.

Website: www.ado.com.mx

ADO Platino (the luxury brand of ADO, above).

Regions Covered: Mexico City, Veracruz, Oaxaca, some areas in Chiapas.

Website: www.adoplatino.com.mx

Aguila

Regions Covered: Central and Southern Baja California.

Website: www.autotransportesaguila.net

Autovias

Regions Covered: Mexico City, Michoacan State and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo on the Pacific Coast (west of Mexico City), Colonial Heartland including San Miguel de Allende.

Website: www.autovias.com.mx

Cristobal Colon (OCC)

Regions Covered: Mexico City,Puebla, south and south-eastern Mexico

Website: www.ado.com.mx

Estrella Blanca

Regions Covered: Largest bus group includes companies called Elite, Flecha Roja, Futura, Turistar and Transportes Chihuahuenses; The buses cover many regions including Mexico City, west, north and north-west, colonial heartlands, southern and south-western Mexico. The only regions this group does not cover well are Baja, south-east Mexico and the Yucatan region.

Website: www.estrellablanca.com.mx

Estrella de Oro

Regions Covered: Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Taxco, Acapulco, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.

Website: www.estrelladeoro.com.mx

Estrella Roja

Regions Covered: Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Puebla, colonial heartland cities, some Pacific coastal destinations.

Website: www.estrellaroja.com.mx

ETN (Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales)

Regions Covered: Mexico City, Michoacan State (west of Mexico City), north-west Mexico, colonial heartland cities, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta

Website: www.etn.com.mx

Flecha Amarilla

Regions Covered: Mexico City, Michoacan State (west of Mexico City), Manzanillo (Pacific Coast), colonial heartland cities.

Website: www.flecha-amarilla.com

Maya de Oro

Regions Covered: Mexico City, south-east and the Yucatan region.

Website: www.mayadeoro.com

Omnibus de Mexico

Regions Covered: Omnibus operates one of the most extensive bus networks in the country and has routes in about two-thirds of Mexico’s states, principally those north, west and east of the capital. Omnubus does not operate in Mexico’s southern states nor in the Yucatan or Baja regions. Principal routes include Mexico City, the Pacific, the Gulf Coast, the Colonial heartlands, and the north of the country.

Website: www.omnibus.com.mx

Primera Plus

Regions Covered: Mexico City, colonial heartland cities, Pacific destinations including Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta

Website: www.primeraplus.com.mx

Pullman de Morelos

Regions Covered: Mexico City and Cuernavaca

Website: www.pullman.com.mx

UNO (a luxury bus line owned and operated by ADO).

Regions Covered: Mexico City, Puebla, south-eastern Mexico, Veracruz state and Yucatan. This is an executive-class bus service only.

Website: www.uno.com.mx

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Useful Spanish Words for Bus Travel

Staff at Mexico’s bus stations and bus companies generally do not speak English, so you will need to be able to get-by in Spanish to travel by bus in Mexico. Here is a list of Spanish words related to bus-travel in Mexico:

See Also: Learning Spanish

Buying Tickets

Taquilla – Ticket Booth

Comprar Boleto(s) – Buying Ticket(s)

Horario – Schedule

Hora de Salida – Leaving Time

Hora de Llegada – Arrival Time

Destino – Destination

Ruta – Route

Pasajero(s) – Passenger(s)

Tarifa – Fare

Asiento(s) – Seat(s)

Ventanilla – Window Seat

Pasillo – Aisle Seat

Viaje Redondo – Round Trip

Viaje Sencillo – One Way Trip

Paradas or Escalas – Number of Stops

Clase Ejecutiva – Executive Class

Primera Clase – First Class

Segunda Clase – Second Class

At The Bus Station

Terminal de Autobuses – Bus Station

Anden – Platform (for boarding)

Equipaje – Baggage

Facturacion de Equipaje – Baggage Check-in

Guarderia de Equipaje – Baggage Storage

Baños Publicos – Public Restrooms

Taxi Autorizado – Authorized Taxi

Salida – Exit

On Board the Bus

Abordo – Aboard

Abordando – Boarding

Asiento – Seat

Baños – Restrooms

Ocupado – Occupied (restrooms)

Conductor – Driver

Monitor or Television – Monitor or Television

Audifonos – Headphones

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Car rental in Mexico can offer you the flexibility and freedom that other forms of transport simply cannot provide

Car rental in Mexico

Driving across Mexico can be a rewarding experience as it gives you the choice and flexibility to visit remote areas which may be inaccessible using public transport and enables you to do so at your chosen pace and convenience.

A rental car can provide the freedom and flexibility that public transport cannot when you’re traveling longer distances, especially outside of Mexico City. If you want to see some of the outlying towns and villages “off the beaten track”, then taking a car is the most efficient way to accomplish this, unless you have the patience, time, and temperament to deal with local transport.

Mexico’s car rental business

Renting a car in Mexico used to be more expensive than renting in a car in the USA, but the Mexican market has become a lot more competitive in recent years, and prices have fallen, making car rental surprisingly affordable here.

As in all countries, quoted rental costs can inflate with the high cost of insurances which are added to the rental agreement.  Although some insurances are optional, it’s advisable to get sufficient coverage in place in case of accident or mishap.  See the insurance section later in this guide for full details.

This guide explains how the rental car business works in Mexico and steers you through the mechanics of successfully renting a car in Mexico and at the best price.

Requirements for car rental

Most car rental agencies in Mexico operate strict criteria for car rentals.

Minimum age of the driver

In some exceptional circumstances, and usually accompanied by a hefty deposit and hefty excess charges for damage and accidents, car rental agencies may accept drivers below the age of 25, but most require that the driver(s) of the vehicle are at least 25 years of age and some even stipulate that the person must have held a full driving license for a minimum time period, between two and five years. Ask the sales agent or check the small print on the rental agreement for details.

Credit card required

Most car rental agencies will attempt to pre-authorize an amount from your credit card before they will rent a car to you. If you don’t have a credit card then you will not be able to rent a car. You must proffer a valid credit card for this procedure as debit cards are not accepted.

Driving licenses

You will need to present a full, current, driver’s license showing the renter’s name and photograph. If your country’s driving licence does not display your photograph, another form of photo ID will also be required. Your own country’s license is accepted provided that it is printed with “Western Characters”. If you have, for example, a Chinese, Japanese, Greek or Russian document, you may be asked to produce an international driver’s licence, which you can acquire from your home country.

Acceptance of the agency’s terms

The precise terms of rental vary from agency to agency. The small print is always complex, presented in Spanish only, and absolutely in favor of the rental agency (this is true in all countries). The main things to check are your liabilities in the event of an accident or total loss of the vehicle, matters which are most often related to the insurance policy associated with the rental. Ask the rental agent for clarification if you are unsure about anything in relation to the rental agreement.

Car Rental Services

Car rental agencies in Mexico sell much more than car rental services these days. Some of the most profitable services have nothing to do with car rental and are sold (or offered) to you at the counter, not at the time you make an online booking. They include:

Insurance coverage products

All rental agencies sell a range of optional car insurance coverages, in addition to compulsory third-party insurance, to protect the driver, the passengers and the vehicle in the event of an accident. See the section about car rental insurance on this guide for more details.

Satellite GPS navigation systems

Car rental agencies now offer GPS, either built-in to the car or via a portable GPS unit in the car.  There is usually an additional fee if GPS is not already built-in to the car’s system. If you have your own satellite navigation equipment, you can purchase a Mexico atlas and take it with you for use in your rental car in Mexico.

Comfort add-ons

Child seats, roof racks, DVD players, etc., may come as standard or be charged as optional extras. Most accessories carry an additional daily charge. Check with the agency for details.

Cell phone rental

Some agencies offer local cell phone rental for an additional daily fee, which may include the cost of the calls and some mobile data.  Check with the agency and the small print for details and conditions.  See Also: Communications in Mexico

Additional drivers for your car

If you want to add additional drivers to your rental agreement, you will need to name them on the agreement and pay an additional daily fee for each additional “authorized driver” of the vehicle. If the car is involved in an accident whilst driven by someone not authorized to drive the vehicle, the insurance will usually become invalid, leaving you exposed to the repair or replacement cost of your rental vehicle AND any third party damages.

Car rental charges

Rates for car rental in Mexico

Car rental rates vary depending on the location, the date and duration of the rental and, depending on the agency, how many miles you’ll clock up. Most car rental quotes by agencies in Mexico include the legally-compulsory third party insurance cover, but double-check, otherwise your online quote will increase when you get to the counter.

Standard quotes sometimes exclude Mexico’s sales tax (IVA) – so double-check when you’re buying whether your quote is inclusive or exclusive of sales tax, because sales tax is relatively high in Mexico and thus adds a significant amount to your final expected price if it’s not included.

Many, but not all, quotes include unlimited mileage. Some offer a free allowance and then charge per mile (or per kilometer); some charge for every mile or kilometer. Mexico is a big country so if you plan to do a lot of driving, try to find a rate that is all inclusive, or take the additional costs into account within your travel budget.

The longer you rent for, the cheaper the daily rate will be. Usually step-discounts apply when you rent for more than 3, 7, 14, 21, and 30 days; but the amount depends upon the location, the time of year, and the agency—as well as local demand: if there is a festival or event happening locally on the dates you want to rent, car rental rates can escalate.

Also check to see that the insurance cover you need is included in the rental price. “Full cover” insurance fees often add up to more than the price of the car rental.

Location premiums

If you rent from an airport or a hotel, you may pay a premium in addition to the rental charges. The premium is usually itemized on your quote and bill, but not always—so check if you are unsure.

One-way car rental and drop-off charges

Note that drop-off charges apply if you do not return the car to the same agency (not just the same town or city) that you rented the car from.

The amount of the drop-off fee depends upon the agency and is most usually calculated on a cost-per-mile basis, so the further away the vehicle is from the agency that hired it, the larger the drop-off fee will become.

As rule of thumb, expect to pay around US$1 equivalent per mile; so if the agency you rent from is 200 miles away from the agency where you intend to drop-off the rental car, the drop-off fee is likely to be about US$200.

Go online for the best rates

The most expensive way to rent a car in Mexico is to show up in person at the rental counter without a reservation when you need a vehicle.

If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, go online and book your rate in advance. You’ll usually get a better deal, which includes a lower price and a better specification car.

If you’re already in Mexico and decide to rent a car, you may want to consider going online to make a reservation before walking into a rental or travel agency in person. Most hotels have WiFi hot-spots if you are carrying a tablet, laptop or smartphone; otherwise, most hotels offer internet access on a desk computer or you can find an internet cafe usually no further than a few blocks from where you are staying.

Car rental insurance

Car rental quotes in Mexico usually show relatively inexpensive rates; however the insurance cover charges can ramp up the cost significantly. The insurance costs can (and often are) more than the advertised rental charges. However, we recommend full and comprehensive insurance when you rent a car in Mexico to cover your liabilities in case of a serious accident.

Third party insurance

Third party insurance is compulsory by Mexican law when you rent a car in Mexico. This insurance covers third parties for any damages in the event of a mishap, but it does not cover the renter’s liability for the vehicle itself.  This insurance is usually included in the quote, but it might not be—double check, otherwise it will be added-on at the counter.

Additional insurance products

When you rent a car in Mexico, insurance beyond third party cover is sold as an optional extra. This is because not everybody wants or needs to purchase the additional insurance—see the next heading below, “Using Your Own Insurance,” for details.

Here is a list of the different types of optional insurance products car rental agencies tend to offer:

CDW – Collision Damage Waiver. This is a product that covers the vehicle in the event of an accident or damage, with a 10 % deductible. The 10% fee is based on the full retail value of the vehicle, as new. For example, if your rental car has a retail value of $10,000, your deductible is $1,000.

LDW – Loss Damage Waiver. This is sometimes referred to as “full cover,” as it covers the vehicle for any accident or damage, as well as theft, and with a zero deductible. However much damage is caused, or whatever the value of the vehicle, this insurance either prevents you from paying any out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a mishap or limits that liability to set amount, agreed in advance.

PAI – Personal Accident Insurance. This is an insurance product that will cover medical expenses for occupants in the vehicle in the event of an accident. If you have a travel or other medical insurance policy, you will most likely be covered already and there will be no need to purchase this.

ALI –Additional Liability Insurance. This insurance product extends the cover for damages to third parties, usually up to MX$5,000,000 Mexican pesos.

TP – Theft Protection. This insurance product protects you in the event that the vehicle is stolen; it’s automatically included with LDW (see above). Some credit card companies will also cover theft of the vehicle in the insurance policies they offer with use of the card—but check the small print.

Using your own insurance

Car rental agencies offer insurance as an optional extra because many people who rent cars could be covered by other insurance policies they have.

These can include your own car rental policy (check that it’s valid in Mexico), a travel insurance policy, a credit or debit card, a charge card (like AMEX) or some other insurance plan, for example, an insurance cover policy provided by your company.

Although you may have an insurance policy that covers car rental services, perhaps via your existing car insurance, or a credit or charge card, you should check that it is valid in Mexico.

When you rent a car without insurance coverage offered by the rental agency, you can sign the agreement to say that you are covered by a third party, but in the event of an accident or mishap, you will be held liable if it transpires that you subsequently are not covered for some reason. You will be asked to sign the agreement specifically stating that you are responsible for insuring the vehicle whilst it is in your care.

Credit and charge card insurance

Car rental cover provided by credit and charge cards can save you a considerable sum of money in optional insurance fees, so it’s worth checking with your card issuer to see if you have this coverage included. Many people who are covered by their credit card use it to save money on car rental insurance fees in Mexico.

If you are covered by other insurance products you have—e.g. travel insurance or credit card or company insurance perks, you don’t need to concern yourself with these extra insurance products.  But do check the small print in all policies to ensure that they cover rental cars in countries other than your own, and that Mexico is not on any exclusion list.

Ensure you’re insured!

Any quote you get from a car rental agency (online or in person) usually does not include “full cover” insurance. Most car rental quotes that include an insurance product in the quote, is the type that covers third party risks, i.e. covers the costs of any third party damages including other vehicles, road damage, and/or in the event that other people are hurt.

In Mexico, third party insurance cover is compulsory so if it’s not included in the quote, you will need to purchase it. See “Additional Insurance Products”, above, for details of optional coverage products.

Accident damage premiums and excess fees

The amount you pay for any damage, regardless of your insurance cover or whether or not it was your fault, varies greatly from agency to agency.

If your vehicle is damaged, lost (e.g. by engine fire) or stolen, you will need to cover the vehicle’s repair or replacement as set out in the agency’s agreement. Usually, the excess damage fee (deductible) is calculated as a percentage of the vehicle’s commercial value “as new,” and the deductible is often 10%.

For example, if the vehicle’s “as new” value is US$25,000 and your deductible is 10% of the vehicle’s value, then you will be billed US$2,500 in the event of any damage or loss of the vehicle. This fee can be waived by purchase of a top-up insurance giving the vehicle “full cover.”

If you are not absolutely sure that you are covered by a separate insurance policy you may carry (e.g. through a credit or charge card policy or by means of a company insurance policy), we recommend you ask for “full cover” insurance for the car rental when you get to the rental counter. It’s relatively expensive and will add a significant cost to your rental. The choice is a personal one and you need to weigh up the additional cost against the charge you would be billed in the event of the car becoming damaged or written-off whilst in your care.

Rental car inspections

Rental cars are inspected diligently in Mexico when you return them to the agency—so you should make a thorough inspection before you leave, especially if you have not taken out “full cover” of the vehicle through the agency’s own insurance policy.

Check your rental car before leaving the agency

Inspect your rental car very carefully before you sign the exit form at the agency. Ensure that the exit form documentation lists all existing damage, and add any other damage you see not mentioned on that piece of paper—no matter how small or ‘insignificant’ you think it may be.

Also, check underneath the car before you drive it away; this is because Mexico’s speed bumps and road surface holes can do major damage to a car’s underside and rental companies here are diligent in checking under the vehicle upon its return.

Rental car return inspections

Your car will be thoroughly inspected when you return it, and checks will also be made underneath the car to check for any damage caused by Mexico’s notorious speed bumps and road holes.

If you did not purchase the “full cover” insurance option from the agency and the inspector finds any damage, your credit card will be charged the excess (damage) amount, or a fixed damage fee, as specified on the rental agreement.

If you used a third-party policy to protect the vehicle while it was in your care (e.g. a personal or credit card insurance policy), and there is some damage to the vehicle upon its return, you may need to pay for the damage and then get reimbursed by your insurance or credit card company afterwards. Check with your insurance provider for details about how damage payments are dealt with.

Car rental bookings

For the best deals, book online, in advance. If you show-up at the rental counter on the day you need the car without a reservation, you will not get the best deal.