Transportation in Mexico: How to get arround

Long-Distance & Inter-City Travel

Domestic Flights

For covering the vast distances in Mexico, flying is often the most practical choice. The domestic aviation market is competitive, offering a range of options from full-service to ultra-low-cost.

Major Airlines:

• Aeroméxico: As Mexico’s legacy carrier and a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Aeroméxico offers extensive routes and connections, providing a full-service experience comparable to major international airlines.
• Volaris: A major low-cost carrier with one of the most comprehensive domestic networks in the country. Volaris is an excellent choice for direct flights between a wide variety of Mexican cities.
• Viva Aerobus: This ultra-low-cost carrier is a prime option for budget-conscious travelers. While fares are low, be mindful of ancillary fees for baggage and seat selection.

Booking Tips:

• Book well in advance to secure the best fares, particularly if your travel dates coincide with national holidays like Easter (Semana Santa) or Christmas.
• Examine baggage allowance policies with care. Low-cost carriers are known for their strict limits, and fees for oversized or extra bags can be significant.
• Consider checking the airlines’ Mexican websites (ending in .com.mx). Occasionally, these sites present lower fares than their international counterparts.

Airport Logistics:

• Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights.
• Be aware that some major cities are served by more than one airport. Mexico City, for instance, has the main international airport (MEX) and the newer Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU).

First-Class Buses (Autobuses de Lujo)

Why Choose a Bus:

For medium-distance journeys, Mexico’s first-class bus system is an outstanding transportation method. It is a remarkably comfortable, safe, and cost-effective way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, often proving more convenient than the process of flying.

Key Companies:

• ADO (Autobuses de Oriente): A dominant force in southern and southeastern Mexico, as well as the Gulf Coast. ADO offers several tiers of service, including the upscale GL (Gran Lujo) and the premium Platino, which feature fully reclining seats.
• ETN Turistar Lujo: Widely regarded as a luxury option, ETN buses often have fewer seats (typically 24 per bus), providing exceptional legroom and personal space. Their network is strongest in central and northern Mexico.
• Primera Plus: This company maintains a strong network throughout central and western Mexico, offering a reliable and comfortable first-class service.

Booking & Onboard Experience:

You can book tickets easily online through the companies’ official websites or mobile apps. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased in person at any main bus terminal, known as the Central de Autobuses.

Onboard, you can expect modern amenities such as spacious reclining seats, air conditioning, clean bathrooms, and individual entertainment screens. Many services also include a complimentary snack and beverage upon boarding.

Rental Cars

Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license from your country of residence. An International Driving Permit is not usually required but can be a helpful supplement.
• Your passport and your tourist permit (FMM), which you receive upon entering Mexico.
• A major credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted for the deposit.
• Most agencies require drivers to be at least 25 years old. Some may rent to drivers between 21-24 for an additional daily surcharge.

CRITICAL: Mexican Car Insurance:

This is the most important aspect of renting a car in Mexico. Please understand that insurance policies from your home country or those offered by credit card companies are NOT a valid substitute for mandatory Mexican liability insurance. To avoid serious legal and financial complications in the event of an accident, we strongly recommend purchasing a full-coverage insurance package directly from the car rental agency.

• Third-Party Liability (Responsabilidad Civil): This is the minimum insurance required by Mexican law. It covers damages to third parties, but not to your rental car or your own medical expenses. You cannot rent a car without it.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW): This waiver covers the cost of damage to or theft of the rental vehicle. It is highly recommended to include this in your coverage.

Driving Tips:

• Toll Roads (Cuota) vs. Free Roads (Libre): Whenever possible, use the cuota (toll) highways. They are significantly better maintained, more direct, and far safer than the libre (free) roads, especially for long distances.
• Topes: Be constantly vigilant for topes. These are speed bumps of varying sizes and aggressiveness, often unmarked, found in towns, villages, and even on some highways.
• Gas Stations (Pemex): Gas stations are full-service. An attendant will fill your vehicle. It is customary to tip the attendant 10-20 pesos for their service, especially if they also clean your windshield.

Passenger Trains

While Mexico’s passenger rail network is not extensive, it offers a couple of iconic journeys that are destinations in themselves.

El Chepe Express (Copper Canyon):

This is not standard transportation but rather a world-class scenic tourist experience. The train winds through the breathtaking landscapes of the Copper Canyon, offering a unique perspective on one of Mexico’s natural wonders.

• Route: The primary tourist route runs between Los Mochis, Sinaloa, and Creel, Chihuahua.
• Classes and booking: The train offers different classes of service. It is essential to book tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons, via the official El Chepe Express website.

Tequila Train:

Operating from Guadalajara, this is another tourist-focused journey. It functions as a festive day trip to the town of Tequila, the heart of the blue agave spirit’s production, and includes tours and tastings.

Getting Around Cities & Towns

Ride-Hailing Apps

Ride-hailing apps provide a convenient, safe, and often affordable way to navigate larger cities and tourist destinations.

Available Services:

• Uber: The most recognized service, with wide availability in nearly all major cities and tourist areas across Mexico.
• Didi: A major competitor to Uber in Mexico, Didi often features competitive or even lower pricing. It’s worth having both apps on your phone to compare.
• Cabify: Another reliable option, Cabify has a strong presence, particularly in large metropolitan areas like Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Safety & Usage:

• Before entering the vehicle, always confirm that the license plate, car model, and driver’s name match the information provided in the app.
• Utilize in-app safety features, such as sharing your trip status with a contact, which allows them to track your journey in real-time.
• Payment is handled securely through the app via your linked credit card, eliminating the need to negotiate fares or handle cash.

Local Taxis

Types of Taxis:

• Sitio (Station) Taxis: We strongly recommend using sitio taxis. These vehicles belong to an official, regulated taxi stand and are dispatched by a controller. They are a much safer and more reliable option than hailing a cab on the street.
• Street Taxis (Libre): Exercise caution with these “free-roaming” taxis, particularly in Mexico City. If you must use one, it is best for short, daytime trips in familiar areas.

Best Practices:

• If the taxi is not metered, you must agree on the fare with the driver before you begin your journey.
• Ask your hotel concierge or restaurant host to call a trusted sitio taxi for you. They will have established relationships with reliable services.
• Carry small bills and coins, as drivers often cannot make change for large banknotes.

Colectivos & Peseros

What They Are:

Colectivos (also known as peseros or combis) are shared vans or small buses that operate on fixed routes within towns and between nearby destinations. They are a fundamental part of local public transportation.

How to Use Them:

Major destinations along the route are typically written on the windshield. To board, simply find a spot on the route and flag one down like a taxi. You pay the driver a fixed, low fare directly upon boarding. When you wish to get off, simply announce your intention to the driver.

Who Should Use Them:

This is an excellent, budget-friendly option for the more adventurous traveler who is comfortable with some basic Spanish and enjoys immersing themselves in local customs. They are particularly common in areas like the Riviera Maya for travel between towns.

Public Transit (Metro & Metrobús)

Focus on Mexico City:

Mexico City has the most extensive and useful public transit system in the country, making it an efficient way to traverse the sprawling capital.

• The Metro: An expansive subway system with color-coded lines that connect most parts of the city. Stations are marked with a large “M” logo. Navigating is straightforward using system maps available in stations and online.
• Metrobús: A bus rapid transit system that operates in dedicated lanes on major avenues, allowing it to bypass much of the city’s notorious traffic. Stations are well-defined platforms.

Paying for Fares:

To use both the Metro and Metrobús, you will need to purchase a rechargeable Movilidad Integrada card from a machine inside any station. This single card works for both systems, as well as for other services like the light rail and city bikes.

Usage Tips:

• If possible, try to avoid traveling during peak rush hours (roughly 7-9 AM and 6-8 PM) when the system can be extremely crowded.
• As in any major city’s transit system, remain aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
• For added security and comfort, look for the designated women-and-children-only cars, typically located at the front of the train.

Essential Safety & Practical Advice

General Transportation Safety

• Avoid driving or taking buses at night, particularly on libre (free) roads in rural or remote areas. Stick to daytime travel for long-distance road journeys.
• In cars and on buses, keep valuables like cameras, phones, and laptops out of sight. Store them securely in your luggage or a personal bag at your feet.
• Do not flag down unmarked or unofficial-looking taxis. Always opt for ride-hailing apps or official sitio taxis.
• Share your itinerary with someone back home. Provide them with flight numbers, bus company names